Gabby Johnson, FB Austin
THE POWERHOUSE KID: Austin's Johnson a Rock of Stability of Goodman, Bulldogs
"She is our powerhouse," Goodman said. "Our middle who can do everything. I'm not even afraid of playing her in the back row because she's that dependable."
Johnson is excited for this season. She said Goodman brings much-welcomed stability to a program on its fifth coach in six years. Goodman has a different vibe, spirit and energy, Johnson said, then previous coaches.
Johnson is hungry to bring the storied Bulldogs' program back to prominence, and she's confident that will happen because of solid team chemistry.
"I'm with my old team that I played with my freshman year, so we're all together again," Johnson said. "It's going to be fun."
Johnson is an improved player, which is saying something because she was a formidable force to begin with. She totaled 182 kills and 59 blocks last season on the way to being named to the District 20-6A first team, and so far has 107 kills and 44 blocks in 41 sets this season.
Because the Bulldogs don't have the hitting prowess they have had in the past, Johnson feels she will be used more in the front row. Her defense has gotten better as well and hopes to be a bigger leader in 2021.
"I just want to see more of a leadership role out of myself, being an older sister to the younger players," Johnson said.
Johnson recently verbally committed to Tennessee State. She has been buoyed by the prospect of playing at the next level, but she will never lack motivation or inspiration.
If she does, all she has to do is glance into the crowd at her four sisters and parents, cheering her on every move and encouraging her to keep on keeping on.
"They hype me up and are always in my corner," Johnson said. "That really gets me going. That makes me want to work harder and keep pushing."
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW & PURCHASE MORE PHOTOS
Victor Philip, Fort Bend Austin
MIND GAMES: Philip Embraces Strong Mental Prep on Gridiron
Philip, who has 30 total tackles and three tackles for loss through six games this season, spends hours and hours watching film on opposing quarterbacks, identifying strengths and weaknesses. He'll then adjust his own game during that week of practices in preparation for what's to come.
Philip also understands the battle of the trenches against offensive linemen is won with the hands.
"It's like a game of chicken, seeing who shoots their hands first in the trenches and how fast you can counter it," Philip said.
Read and react. Staying one move ahead. Counters. Like a chess match.
But more importantly, Philip plays with a drive.
Being average is the worst- case scenario in his eyes. It's practically a fear.
"I have to prove, not just to myself but everyone else, that I'm not just another football player who was blessed with talent but couldn't go nowhere with it," Philip said. "I'm inspired to show that this talent can take me far in this game and I'll work my hardest to maximize it."
Philip talked more with VYPE.
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VYPE: When did you start playing football, and what was it about the game you fell in love with?
PHILIP: I started playing football around the seventh grade, but I didn't fall in love with the game until around last year, to be honest. The reason for that was that I grew up as a basketball fan/ player and football back then was just never a focus. But as time went on, the love for the game just grew more and more.
VYPE: What is it about your game that you feel makes you a special player?
PHILIP: Well, one reason is the way I'm built. I'm blessed with God-given football genes and I use them to my advantage. I think what separates me is my coachability and the fact that I can recognize my own weaknesses and have the willingness to improve on them.
VYPE: What is something people don't know about Victor Philip?
PHILIP: I think what people may misunderstand about me, at first glance, is that even though I'm a big guy and play football, I'm really just a nice guy who likes to crack jokes.
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW & PURCHASE MORE PHOTOS