North Shore's Zach Evans is considered by the national recruiting pundits as a 5-Star running back.
He is the most coveted recruit in the country.
On the eve of the Class 6A DI State Title Game against Duncanville, Evans was sent back home to Houston.
The news started hitting social media this morning and rumors were a plenty.
The North Shore Mustangs were asked to give up their phones last night to focus on their much-anticipated rematch with Duncanville.
Everyone complied. Zach Evans did not.
He was asked repeatedly. He would not.
Knowing coach Jon Kay, athletic director Vivian Dancy and superintendent Dr. Angi Williams, every "I" was "dotted" and every "T" was crossed. Galena Park ISD is first class and always does the "right" thing.
According to sources close to the situation, the decision went up the chain-of-command and the decision was made. Zach Evans, the nation's top recruit, was sent home.
Keep in mind, this is not an isolated incident. Evans was suspended earlier in the season for three games. It was handled in-house.
What Jon Kay, Vivian Dancy and Dr. Angi Williams did last night should be applauded by every high school coach in the state.
Why?
If the No. 1 player in the country can be suspended for the Class 6A DI State Title Game, then anyone can. It sets the entire tone for the overall program. No wonder the 'Stangs are so successful.
It starts at the top. These coaches do EVERYTHING in their power to help their student-athletes. The hours away from their families are countless. They are more than fair. They don't do it for the money. They are fearless in teaching life lessons to kids that some parents are afraid to do.
One player does not make a team. There is no "I" in team. No one is bigger than the team. Team, team, team!
Evans didn't comply.
Coaches in every sport regardless of gender preaches this every day. EVERY DAY!
Don't get it twisted. This is a gut-wrenching decision for a coach. It will keep you up at night. It probably did for Jon Kay, his assistants and the rest of his team.
North Shore is the beacon of light for Houston's rough-and-tumble #Eastside. Now it might be the guiding light for the entire state as they make the right decision on the biggest stage.
And it has nothing to do with X's and O's.