Welcome to the 2020 volleyball season. What a weird offseason it was for everyone. No club tournaments to travel to, limited training available but what that means is everyone should be fresh for the 2020 campaign.
Below are the Top 10 for Class 5A heading into the 2020 season. Click through the photo gallery to see the Top 10, counting it down to No. 1!
HOUSTON – Week 5 of the high school football season brought some heavyweight clashes across the Houston area, shaking up the landscape as teams push deeper into district play.
It all began under the lights of the VYPE Thursday Night Showdown powered by the Daspit Law Firm, where Class 5A No. 1 Randle outlasted No. 3 Iowa Colony in a 49-42 thriller. The defending state champions proved their pedigree in an instant classic, trading blows before sealing a statement win that reaffirms their top billing.
In Klein ISD, the showdown between unbeatens did not disappoint. Klein Collins edged rival Klein Bearkats 36-30, vaulting the Tigers to No. 7 in the city rankings.
Meanwhile, No. 11 CE King put on an offensive showcase, stunning Atascocita 70-55. Running back Dionne Sims, a Tulsa commit, exploded for a monster night, proving nearly unstoppable out of the backfield.
Elsewhere in 6A, Dawson delivered drama, knocking off Shadow Creek in a double-overtime thriller to earn a spot in this week’s rankings. Nimitz also climbs into the Top 20 after an impressive start.
The 5A slate had its own fireworks. Montgomery toppled Dayton in a Top 10 matchup, while Santa Fe and Kingwood Park also earned spots in the latest poll after strong performances.
On the private school scene, Concordia Lutheran has surged into the Top 5. The Crusaders continue to roll, while perennial power Episcopal has slipped after another tough loss.
With Week 6 looming, the Houston football picture is starting to come into focus—but as last weekend showed, nothing is set in stone.
Having covered high school sports for over 20 years, you know when you see “special”.
On the VYPE Thursday Night Game of the Week call for the Space City Home Network, two players simply jumped off the screen.
The much-anticipated rematch between No. 1 Randle vs No. 2 Iowa Colony, 49-42, would become an instant classic, and a look into the future of Texas high school football.
Both juniors and national recruits, Randle running back Landen Williams-Callis and Iowa Colony QB Carson White were playing at a different level.
Williams-Callis fumbled twice in the first two Lion drives and White directed his aerial attack going up 21-0 in the first quarter.
The upset alert was heard statewide.
White’s arm talent was elite. The ball jumps out of his hand with power. A flick of the wrist for a 40-yard rope into a tight window to UH-commit Jayden Warren for a score had college recruiters on hand taking notice.
The little things, like how he stepped into the pocket buying himself for his receivers to run to open space or his ability to run off tackle for chunk yardage showed how bright his future will be. Because of his baseball ability, he can make every throw from several arm angles.
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Williams-Callis, however, calmly came to the sideline after two early fumbles in the first quarter, seemingly ensuring his coach that things would be just fine. His five touchdowns and over 200 yards on the ground by game’s end would make it so.
Yes, he is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2027 class, but sometimes kids can be overhyped… not Williams-Callis.
One small play definines him. On an imporant 4th and 5 with the game in the balance, he goes off the right side. He seems to be bottled up before a nimble spin-move before lowering his pads through contact for the first down. It just showed his football IQ and determination in one five-yard gain.
His comboniation of spins, jab-steps, acceleration, speed and power is unmatched in Texas… unmatched. Up the middle for a 40 yard score… bouncing off three trackles and out-racing the secondary for a 50-plus yard score… back up the middle for another 30-yard score for the game-winner. As the game got tighter, he got better. The later the game got, he got stronger and faster. He simply wouldn’t be denied.
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Every time Williams-Callis was dishing out scores, here came Carsen White doing his thing. Long passes to the sideline, darts in the middle of the field, slashing runs, driving the pile to move the chains… it was a battle of wills.
In the end, the Class 5A, DII defending State Champs would win out, but these two powerhouses should meet again deep in the playoffs, just like last year in the Regional Finals. The Randle Lions are 3-0 in the series, but things are tightening up.
We can only hope as these pair of stars continue to build their resumes on the way to becoming household names at the next level.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is one of the most impactful programs in the nation—bringing the message of God to high school and college coaches across the country.
Those coaches hold a powerful mission field, with the ability to influence thousands of athletes throughout their careers.
In Houston, Wade Hopkins has been the face of FCA for nearly three decades. A former Houston Oiler, Hopkins has inspired countless coaches and players by sharing his story, his faith, and his “why.”
Now, he joins VYPE’s Matt Malatesta on the On My Whistle podcast to talk about his journey, his calling, and the mission of FCA.
