FB Christian's standout WR Bryan Domino
BRING IT ON: FBCA; Domino prepared for first TAPPS Final
The Eagles -- led by coach and former NFL lineman Jordan Black -- are eager to immortalize their year as they are set to compete in the TAPPS Division II State Championship for the first time in school history.
When he’s not dunking a basketball to the delight of his athletes, Black is directing one of the finest rosters FBCA has seen since its establishment in 1987 -- back when the school was known as Sugar Creek Baptist Church School.
Following a 3-4 start, FBCA flipped the script by ending the regular season with three consecutive victories to earn a playoff. Thanks to their explosive offense, the Eagles went on a postseason tear knocking off Hyde Park (69-0), Regents (27-24) and Second Baptist School (41-14) to punch their ticket to the TAPPS Final.
The success of this team can be attributed to the connection between standout WR Bryan Domino and QB Brady Dever. Originally, Domino went to Foster High School before transferring to FBCA before his junior year.
“We [Dever and I] have been close since the sixth grade,” said Domino. “We’ve just always had that bond. In my junior year when I came over here, we just put in the time and work throughout the whole year and summer. That’s when it [the QB-WR connection] really hit us.”
FBCA QB Brady DeverBradley Collier (VYPE)
Dever has enjoyed an exceptional senior season with 24 touchdown passes -- 11 of which have gone to the speedy wide-out Domino. Domino has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards this season, which has led to him getting numerous offers to play in college.
“Ever since I came here [FBCA], I feel like my football IQ and catching ability has improved,” Domino said. “I’ve known that we had the ability to win. We didn’t make it that far last year, but this year we’ve just grown as players. This team has a whole new energy to it.”
It all comes down to Friday's game at noon at Waco ISD Stadium as the Eagles face All Saints.
“We just need to play the same as we did against Second Baptist,” said Domino. “We’ve got to pay attention to details and just execute. If we win, it will change the whole environment here. We’ve always had doubters and it will alter the mentality of the program. We won’t need that chip on our shoulders anymore. Just bring it on.”
The faces of FBC Eagle FootballBradley Collier (VYPE)
Atascocita LB Jadon Ducos
DING DING: Atascocita's Ducos ready for Eastside Bowl
The rivalry between these two 6A title contenders has become intense. So intense, it needs a nickname -- "The Eastside Bowl".
Despite the fact that North Shore has been the big brother over the past few years, Atascocita’s defense -- led by LB Jadon Ducos -- will have something to say about that when they face off on Friday.
“I will always tell the guys it’s win or go home,” said Ducos. “Against North Shore, there is only one option... WIN. So we are attacking every day with that mindset.”
Ducos has enjoyed a stellar senior season, leading much of the city of Houston in total tackles. He was all over field against North Shore in a heartbreaking loss in the regular season 16-13 on VYPE's Thursday Night Showdown.
“I can’t take credit at all [for my success],” Ducos said. “It’s God and willing, unselfish teammates. They do their jobs, even if it means not making the big plays and tackles.”
But this game just means more... it's for a trip to the State Semis. It could also mark the last time Ducos and his squad suit up in the red, white and blue.
“It is very exciting to have made it this far,” said Ducos. “I am thankful for another opportunity to go play ball. We are just taking it in and playing one day at a time.”
The Headliners of Atascocita FootballBradley Collier (VYPE)
This thought process is sure to bring up some nostalgic memories for the players, Ducos included. Coincidentally, the majority of the Atascocita roster grew up playing ball against, or with, the athletes in North Shore.
“I know a few of those [North Shore] guys, personally,” Ducos said. “I grew up two minutes away from North Shore Middle School, so I would go to their field with my uncle and brother and play with the kids there. That’s what sparked my love for the game.”
Ducos and the Eagles intend to flip the script in Friday’s rematch, to keep their hopes of a State title alive.
“It’s going to take all we’ve got,” said Ducos. “It doesn’t matter who we play. But, I’m just glad we have another opportunity against these guys.”