Coach Tony Brillon is one of the best in the business.
While at Stratford, Brillon led his cross- country teams to four state titles and was named the UIL Coach of the Year in 2016.
He was also an assistant football coach, a biology teacher and took a break from his coaching career to work for the U.S. Navy Combat Information Control in radar and intercept technology.
Coach Tony Brillon also likes a project.
"I love challenges," Brillon said. "I was at Stratford for 10 years and I loved that community. When the opportunity at Northbrook arose, I decided to jump on it. It's a great school and I have no regrets."
"I've always seen a lot of talent in the Northbrook area. Yes, there are a lot of challenges. I also see a lot of kids walking the halls here who could be great runners. I just have to get them out on the course."
Brillon has the blue-print on getting the most out of his athletes. Cross-country runners are a different breed and he has the formula for success.
"A lot of kids I get aren't always the fastest, but they are intrinsically tough," he said. "It's not easy, but I look for kids who are determined, committed, mentally- tough and have a vision."
He has a pair of elite runners at Raider- Nation.
Daniel Granda finished ninth overall in the district meet and had a Top 50 finish in regionals.
"I started running in the seventh grade," Granda said. "I liked soccer, but I just had success in running and stayed with it. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming track season."
Saul Cano and Jair Contreras also helped lead the Raiders to a fifth- place district finish.
Sophomore Jamie Rivera carried the torch for the girls' team. She finished 10th in the district meet and advanced to regionals.
"I learned so much, especially not to give up," Rivera said. "You have to keep trying even when you fail. I wasn't expecting a Top 10 finish in district but just kept pushing all season to reach my goal. It paid off."
A little "Brillon Magic" is already emerging at Northbrook.
VYPE Media
Jamie Rivera, Northbrook Cross Country
About The Parisi Speed School
The Parisi Speed School is recognized as the country's premiere athletic performance enhancement organization for youth athletics. Using techniques that have produced over 150 NFL athletes, thousands of collegiate athletes in many sports our specially trained performance coaches deliver a positive training experience that improves speed of movement and strength in character regardless of ability.
This year, there are a few Houston household names that are about to become the next hopeful superstar for an NFL franchise.
The NFL is standing pat with their plan to hold the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23-25. Unfortunately, not from the new home of the Las Vegas Raiders on an immaculate stage set up in front of the MGM Grand.
Instead, it will be done how most of us draft our fantasy football teams – from our homes.
So, which former Houston stars, VYPE cover kids will hear their names called in the first through third rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft? This is an update to Matt Malatesta's Mock Draft weeks ago.
VYPE scoured multiple NFL Mock Drafts to try and get a consistent answer.
Analysis: The consensus among the experts is that Jerry Jeudy is one of the best WRs in this class and a lot have him going to the Raiders. I think Lamb is a better prospect overall and the 49ers are really interesting. Remember, the 49ers played in the Super Bowl a year ago. That is not a bad team to join. Lamb would be one of the top targets for QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Last year, the 49ers top receiver was their tight end George Kittle. The 49ers need a young receiver in the corps and that's Lamb.
Josh Jones (OT), Houston (Fort Bend Bush HS)
The Experts CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 14 overall to Buccaneers CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 18 overall to Dolphins NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 18 overall to Dolphins Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 18 overall to Dolphins Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 22 overall to Vikings NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 27 overall to Seahawks NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 27 overall to Seahawks NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 29 overall to Titans
VYPE Pick: No. 18 Dolphins
Analysis: The Dolphins are fully expected to go all-in taking a QB early. Many expect it to be Tua Tagovailoa. Remember the "Tank for Tua" campaign. Well we have arrived to judgement day to see if the Dolphins really do it. If they take him, they will definitely want to protect him. There is going to be an early run on offensive linemen. By the Dolphins' next pick at 18, Houston OT Josh Jones may be the the guy. He had a good showing at the senior bowl throwing people around. The Dolphins could also combo some picks to move up for a different OL but you figure with a rebuild you want to take as much talent in the first round as you can.
Kenneth Murray (LB), Oklahoma (Fort Bend Elkins HS)
The Experts
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 15 overall to Broncos NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 19 overall to Raiders Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 21 overall to Jaguars NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 21 overall to Eagles CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 23 overall to Patriots CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 24 overall to Saints NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 21 overall to Jacksonville
Analysis: The Jaguars need desperate help in the run defense after giving up the fifth-most yards on the ground in 2019. Overall, the Jaguars ranked 21st in defense. There seems like there could be a lot of movement in the early 20s so Murray could end up anywhere. The Jaguars need help defensively, especially since the AFC South has bolstered up – Phillip Rivers to Indianapolis and, of course DeShaun Watson in Houston.
K'Lavon Chaisson (LB), LSU (North Shore HS)
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 11 overall to Jets CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 16 overall to Falcons Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 16 overall to Falcons Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 16 overall to Falcons Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 16 overall to Falcons NFL.com Draft Analyst Cha Reuter – No. 16 overall to Jets NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 17 overall to Cowboys NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 23 overall to Patriots CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 16 to Falcons
Analysis: Here comes the help the Falcons need. K'Lavon Chaisson ended up having the breakout season at LSU that Ed Ogeron thought he would. The former North Shore star ended up with 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, two pass deflections and 60 tackles. All career highs for a single season. Why do the Falcons take him? Well, Atlanta registered only 28 sacks in 2019, which ranked third-worst in the NFL. They also had a second-worst 109 QB pressures and only blitzed 24.5 percent of the time. These numbers have to change for a team that finished 7-9 overall and ranked 23rd in the NFL in points scored against. Chaisson is the help they need.
Jalen Hurts (QB), Oklahoma (Channelview HS)Â
The Experts
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 23 overall to Patriots CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 88 overall to Saints NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 102 overall to Steelers
VYPE: No. 88 to Saints
Analysis:Jalen Hurts is not going to be the hottest name at the NFL Draft. The former Alabama and Oklahoma QB showed he can play at the highest level. There's no doubt about that. But this is about fit. From the three mock drafts we found Hurts mentioned, the teams are not a surprise. The Patriots have no quarterback and will be drafting a few in this draft. The Saints and Steelers both have aging quarterbacks. I think the Saints is the best fit for Hurts for two reasons – Sean Payton and Drew Brees. First to be coached by Payton would be a big learning experience for Hurts and to learn from a future Hall of Famer in Brees, who has said he will come back for another year, would be a perfect mix. Teddy Bridgewater is off to Carolina and he would be behind Taysom Hill.
Ross Blacklock (DT), TCU (Fort Bend Elkins HS)Â
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 27 overall to Seahawks NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 29 overall to Titans NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 31 overall to 49ers Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 32 overall to Chiefs CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 62 overall to Packers
VYPE Pick: No. 28 to Ravens
Analysis: Pretty much from pick 27 to 32 are teams that are going to address the defensive line. The Ravens are in need of help on the DL. The loss of VYPE Hall of Famer Michael Brockers, who headed back to the Rams, and the trade of Chris Wormley, the Ravens are in need of help. Blacklock could be the best fit at No. 28.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Grant Delpit (S) – LSU (St. Thomas/IMG Academy) NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 19 overall to Raiders NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 43 overall to Bears
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) - No. 51 overall to Cowboys
Jordyn Brooks (LB) – Texas Tech (Stratford HS) NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 63 overall to Chiefs
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 84 overall to Rams
Antoine Winfield Jr. (S) – Minnesota (The Woodlands HS) CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 50 overall to Bears NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 78 overall to Jets
More Names to Watch: Tyrie Cleveland (Florida / Westfield HS), Darius Anderson (TCU/George Ranch HS), Quartney Davis (Texas A&M / Langham Creek HS)
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex produced a trio of state champions during the 2019-2020 girls basketball season. Check out the 2019-2020 All-VYPE DFW Public School Girls Basketball Team to see the area athletes who excelled individually.
