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GOING GREEN: ALVIN ISD tabs top assistant as Shadow Creek's head man
From small-town Mississippi to the big Class 6A Texas High School brand of Shadow Creek, Tyrone Green wanted this job.
After assistant coaching stints at Lamar High, Manvel and Shadow Creek -- where he was the past eight seasons -- Alvin ISD named Green as the successor to coach Brad Butler, who retired weeks ago.
“I’m really excited to be able to continue to serve this community,” Green, 43, said. “It’s almost surreal… the whole thing. It was my dream to take over this job when Brad left, it just came a lot quicker than expected.
“This is a great group of kids and a great staff that we have here. We are going to stay consistent throughout the program. When you win a state championship, you get the taste of it. I still have it, so we are going to roll up our sleeves, instill some grit and go to work.”
Green was a part of a Lamar staff, led by legendary coach Tom Nolen, that reached the state finals in 2012. The Texans would eventually fall to Allen High’s Kyler Murray.
He then helped lead Shadow Creek to the 2018 Class 5A DI state finals against Highland Park (loss 27-17), before winning the title in 2019 in a 28-22 win over Denton Ryan.
Green played his high school ball at Shannon High School in Mississippi, before being recruited by the University of Houston where he played offensive line.
“I pride myself as being an offensive lineman and a tough guy,” he laughed. “So, I get fired up on the sidelines and bring a lot of energy. I want to bring my brand of toughness to the program.”
His had been inspired for decades along his path.
“My uncle was a high school coach,” he said. “Some of my coaches at UH like Jason Phillips really inspired me to get into coaching. I’ve always wanted to give back and help kids be successful.”
Working for Brad Butler has also inspired the Sharks’ new head coach.
“What I learned from Brad was his ability to listen to people,” he said. “He always showed poise and could stay cool under pressure. He balanced me out and that’s why we worked so well together. He reaches kids in a different way than I do, and he’s been a really effective coach and a good friend.”
Now, it’s his team and Shadow Creek is loaded with talent, as usual.
“I’m excited and blessed for this opportunity and I’m going make the most of it,” he said. “My plan is to be on the field coaching and helping call the plays on offense.”
His ultimate field general is his wife, Brittany.
“I know that this new position will pull me from my family some, but I have a great wife at home,” the father of a one and four-year-old said.
If you have known coach Tyrone Green over the past 20 years, you would know that he is absolutely the right man for this job.
THE PIONEER: Garza leading Iowa Colony on gold rush
Ray Garza is an Alvin ISD lifer.
He has been tasked with leading the Iowa Colony Pioneers, the district’s newest school.
In just its second year of varsity play, the Pioneers are 4-0 as they head into Class 12-4A-DI play which is filled with long-time power programs.
“This is my home,” he said. “This is my community. My mom still lives in the house I was raised in and it’s an honor to lead Iowa Colony. I’ve been able to stay in one place and raise my own family, while having been a part of the district’s winning tradition.”
Garza played at Alvin High and tried his hand in college football at Blinn. He would graduate from Texas A&M and did his student teaching in Alvin. He was on coach Kirk Martin’s first staff at Manvel High School and was a part of the winning culture of “Hoka Hey”. He was the defensive line coach when the Mavs reached the State Finals in 2011.
He would follow Brad Butler to Alvin ISD’s next new school – Shadow Creek. The Sharks played for a State Title in 2018, the first year it truly played a varsity schedule. Shadow Creek would go on to win State in 2019.
“I’ve been a part of some big games around here,” he said. “And I’ve had some tremendous mentors.”
Garza was a no-brainer to open Iowa Colony. The Pioneers took their lumps last season, going 2-8 on the season. They played a varsity schedule with freshmen and sophomores but were extremely competitive.
“We are building a family culture here,” he said. “We are much-improved because we have simply had our kids for another year of development. From the offseason boot camp and summer work outs, we have come together as a family. It runs throughout the school because so many of our kids play multiple sports. Our kids are seeing their hard work pay off as we evolve as a program.”
Running the offense is sophomore Cam Renfro, a dual-threat QB with over 800 yards of total offense and 15 scores. He is joined in the backfield with RB Eric Mosely III, who has burst onto the scene. The receiving room is loaded with four WRs with over 100 yards. Jacody Miles, the 2022 District Newcomer of the Year, is dynamic with the ball in his hands either running, receiving or returning.
Antoine Martin, Jr. is a speedster with length to stretch the defense, while freshman Carson White and junior Landy White are also primary targets. The line is led by center Tyson Windham.
“We have some pretty special receivers for Cam to throw to,” he said. “He is understanding the offense really well with another year of experience. Mosely has run really well and Windham diagnoses things up on the line. Our defense is making plays with some very talented kids who work really hard.”
Chris Johnson is the star at defensive end at 6-foot-3. He has an offer from Baylor.
“When your best player is your best leader, that goes a long way,” Garza said. “He keeps everyone on track.”
Bruce Robinson, Henry Kalu, Haydon Caston and Treshaun O’Neal lead a fast and physical linebacking corps, while Jeremy Gardner patrols the secondary.
“We are off to a great start, but we are in a very competitive district,” Garza said. “There are some great programs with a lot of tradition and great coaches. We will be tested every Friday in a playoff atmosphere. You want that pressure to make a playoff spot. It makes you focus one week at a time.”
Absolutely "on brand" as Garza builds his colony.