The Tompkins Falcons defeated the Cy-Fair Bobcats by a 51-28 margin. VYPE U reporter Tommy Yarrish has the game recap.
FEATURE: Despite injury, Zion Granville gets opportunity to play football at Illinois State
27 Jan, 2021
HOUSTON - Zion Granville has been around sports his entire life.
His father Billy played football at Duke followed by spending five years with the Cincinnati Bengals and then one year with the Texans before calling it a career. With football playing such an integral part of his father's life it is no surprise that in the first grade Zion started his football career and played through middle school.
<p>It was then that Zion went through some growing pains. </p><p>Due to the growing pains, playing football became unenjoyable, and decided then to play only basketball for the first three years of high school. </p><p>When the pandemic hit things changed. </p><p>AAU was postponed, live recruiting became non-existent, gyms were shuttered closed and even rims at parks were removed to prevent people from gathering to play. So, one day in May, JD Migl invited Granville out to play 7-on-7 football. </p><p>"I went and I fell in love with the sport," Granville said. "He had always been a brother to me, so I wanted to return the favor and decided to play football. The more I played football the more I loved it." </p><p> Being back in football and strengthening in the weight room - going from 176 to 205 pounds - Granville became a specimen at the defensive end position towering to 6-foot-6. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9787720712654893" data-ad-slot="8738871937" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p><p>Fort Bend Christian Academy coach Jordan Black worked with him to become a ruthless pass rusher as a defensive end or outside linebacker with his combination of length and quickness. </p><p>"My two favorite go-to moves in basketball were my hesitation and spin move. When I got on the gridiron everything at the defensive end spot came naturally," Granville said. "It literally felt like I was playing basketball." </p><p>With so much raw talent and promise after not having played football for three years, Granville was anticipating a major senior year. </p><p>Unfortunately, it only lasted two-quarters of a scrimmage and one game before Granville's year was over, due to injury. </p><p><span></span>"I learned that nothing in life is promised except death," Granville said. "So whenever I play or workout, I do it with the most enthusiasm. I also learned that you need strong faith in God." </p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2021 6'6 Defensive End/WR Scrimmage(2 QRTs) & Game 1 Highlights <a href="https://t.co/c0P6i0hZak">pic.twitter.com/c0P6i0hZak</a><br>— Zion Granville (@chosenzi_one) <a href="https://twitter.com/chosenzi_one/status/1332589493619187713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div><p>That faith carried him through the rest of the fall. And despite not having a ton of tape on him or years of playing experience at the varsity level, Granville still received offers. <br></p><p>Abilene Christian, Illinois State, and a preferred walk-on opportunity from Texas came. Lamar, University of Houston, Fresno State, San Diego State, Nevada, Dartmouth, and Stephen F. Austin also showed interest. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9787720712654893" data-ad-slot="8738871937" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p><p>In the end, Granville picked Illinois State University. </p><p>"I chose them because it was a full scholarship offer, best fit and they relentlessly recruited me," he said. "They want to invest in me long-term and they have a good track record of developing players. Also, I would have time to get stronger and develop through being redshirted. I had several phone and zoom meetings with the coaches and they loved my twitch, unique abilities, and potential as a pass rusher." </p><p>Having literally played almost zero high school football, getting an opportunity at the next level is "very humbling" Granville said and he is focused on winning and getting better every day at Illinois State. </p><p>Outside of football, Granville enjoys Star Wars, art, and design and still playing basketball and he wants to study political science, graphic design, or business at Illinois State. </p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">COMMITTED‼️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RedbirdsRi21ng?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RedbirdsRi21ng</a> <a href="https://t.co/j8QQqC6XAK">pic.twitter.com/j8QQqC6XAK</a><br>— Zion Granville (@chosenzi_one) <a href="https://twitter.com/chosenzi_one/status/1352738489247399936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
Read More...
Read Less
Wylie East Lady Raiders Basketball at VYPE DFW WHATASNAP Photoshoot
The Wylie East Lady Raiders have spent the 2020-2021 season plowing through their opponents. Only losing a handful of matches during non-district play, the Lady Raiders are pushing towards one of their best seasons in the last five years.
<p>Led by head coach Meaghan Hodapp, Wylie East has posted a 20-3 overall record so far this season with an undefeated 11-0 district record. The Lady Raiders are certainly playing by Coach Hodapp's philosophy to "outwork your opponents." </p><p>"A successful season would to be district champs. We are four time district champs as of right now and our hope is to get another one," said senior Kiley Hicks during an interview earlier this season at the <a href="http://www.vype.com" target="_blank">VYPE</a> <a href="https://www.vype.com/texas/dfw/" target="_blank">DFW</a> WHATASNAP photoshoot. "Hopefully we can be undefeated district champs because we've done that two years in a row and hopefully we can go to state."</p><p>Keeping their aspirations high and their eyes on the prize, Wylie East is two games away from finishing an undefeated regular season. Their next game is at home on Friday, January 29th against Sherman with tip-off set for 6:15 pm.</p><p><br></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-html5_video">
<video controls="" id="58323" width="100%" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3420e5269077fdcdcfd270771f72293e" expand="1" feedbacks="true" mime_type="video/mp4" shortcode_id="1611767793567" url="https://roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/runner%2F22104-Wylie-East-GBB_DFW-2021.mp4" videocontrols="true"> <source src="https://roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/runner%2F22104-Wylie-East-GBB_DFW-2021.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source> Your browser does not support the video tag. </video>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">
<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/runner%2F22104-Wylie-East-GBB_DFW-2021.mp4" target="_blank">s3.amazonaws.com</a>
</small>
</p>
Read More...
Read Less
Baseball culture has changed over the years at Porter. While being one of the most successful programs time after time, it has proven itself. The season was cut short due to COVID last year, but no one will forget the 2019 season. The Spartans made a huge impact on the community and put P-Town on the map. The boys went three rounds deep in the playoffs but, unfortunately, lost to Georgetown in a crazy nail-biting 14 inning game.
"The 2021 Porter Spartans take the field this year with desire, passion, and enthusiasm," Head Coach Wayne Ralph said. "We have lost some key players and leaders from last year's squad but have eager players ready to prove themselves and fill those roles. This year's team has a lot of talented athletes which will make us competitive every time we take the field."
<p> With a solid group of returning players, it will be a great season and may even be on the road to State. Key players who will contribute to the season are Conner Westenberg, Seth Sherlock, Jake Tatom, and Zane Adams. According to Coach Ralph, every member of the squad will play a vital role in this season. With young talent and with a lot of returning players with varsity experience, it will definitely be a season to remember.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9787720712654893" data-ad-slot="8738871937" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p><p> Westenberg announced his commitment to play Division I baseball at McNeese this past summer. In his sophomore and junior season, he had one error in the outfield and has been the Porter Baseball Defensive Player of the Year both years. Make sure to keep an eye out for him in the outfield.</p><p> Another player behind the plate will be catcher Seth Sherlock. He announced his commitment to Alvin Community College this summer as well. He has been on the varsity team as a catcher for Porter since his freshman season. While it may be his last season as a Spartan, he will definitely be someone to keep an eye out for.</p><p>Next, we have junior Jake Tatom. He made his first-ever appearance during the playoffs in the 2019 season for Zane Russell at shortstop. We didn't get to see much of Tatom last season, due to COVID. However, he announced his commitment to play Division I baseball at Sam Houston State University, where previous teammate Coltin Atkinson is currently playing. </p><p> Lastly, Sophomore Zane Adams will be making his appearance this season. As the only freshman joining the team last season, he's definitely been putting in the work. The pitcher verbally committed to the University of Alabama. As his freshman season was cut short, we'll be able to watch the Alabama commit grow. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9787720712654893" data-ad-slot="8738871937" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p><p> The seniors have been leading by example in the offseason. They are always trying to e better and find room for improvement in every area to be the best in their ability.</p><p>"They want to leave their legacy in the program like teams in the past have," said Coach Ralph.</p><p>Head Coach Ralph is definitely excited for the start of the season. He tries to focus on the players and the program to try and create an environment where they can grow as individuals and most importantly as a team. With a new district, it will be challenging but they are ready to take and prepare for every game. The Porter Spartans will be taking on West Side High School at their very own Spartan Yard on March 2nd to kick off the start of the season. This will also be the first home game. The boys are eager to finally get the ball rolling, so make sure to come out and support them as they make history this season.</p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9787720712654893" data-ad-slot="8738871937" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzNjI2Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MDUzOTQ0M30.-VlRc_lVLAw_Bojf98ZK2w2HTV2iTodlpQq0BQ0GRJA/img.jpg?width=980" id="4d90e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="897b82c64707c524f941566285934212" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1920" data-height="1280" />
<p>Catcher Seth Sherlock, throws the ball in a scrimmage last season.</p>
Read More...
Read Less
TRENDING
GAMES
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
FROM THE WEB