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Terrence Guillory II of North Shore Mustangs Football
THE BIG TICKET: Four Can't-Miss Matchups this week; Photo Gallery
With the regular season nearing its midway point in football, and the postseason looming in volleyball, the tension has never been greater. Inevitably, that means audiences should be in for a show, as the stakes continue to rise.
Given that fact, it’s time to detail some of the most anticipated matchups coming up, as the race for a district title commences.
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Fulshear Chargers vs. Foster Falcons (Volleyball)
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Fulshear Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
By far, this has been the most anticipated matchup in the Lamar Consolidated district. Both Fulshear (26-4) and Foster (24-7) rank in the top-four spots in our weekly rankings for Class 5A, and the result of this face-off will undoubtedly prove to be pivotal to the overall outlook of the division moving forward.
The Chargers boast a stacked roster, helmed by recent Wake Forest-commit Bailey Warren (Jr. OH), with the supporting firepower of Lauren Witte (Jr. OH), Sydney Black (Sr. L), Alexys James (Jr. S), and Yosola Adeleke (Jr. MH). Each of these individuals were essential in Fulshear's trip to the Regional Tournament a year ago, and all signs point to a return.
On the Foster side, the Falcons are currently undefeated (6-0) in district and don’t have any intent on breaking that streak. Sr. MH Jackie Onyechi has been a menace, leading the team in kills, blocks, and hitting percentage. Eden Fairfield (Sr. DS) and Brinleigh Davis (Sr. S) have been instrumental to Foster’s success as well.
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Foster Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
North Shore Mustangs vs. C.E. King Panthers (Football)
2023-24 North Shore Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
District 21-6A is absolutely loaded, with North Shore, Summer Creek, Atascocita, and C.E. King each entering the fifth week of the season with stainless 4-0 records. That makes this particular exhibition that much more enticing.
North Shore has kicked off the Fall in style, dismantling powers such as The Woodlands (38-17) and Westfield (45-9) in their mission to return to the state championship. Terrence Guillory II (Sr. WR), UH-commit Kaleb Thomas (Sr. TE), and D’Andre Hardeman Jr. (Jr. RB) have been the key contributors to the North Shore offense thus far, while four-star CB Devin Sanchez headlines a scary Mustangs defense.
C.E. King has been on a tear as well, knocking off Pearland (40-29) and Humble (31-24 OT) in recent weeks. Darius Clark-James (Sr. QB) has performed exceptionally well as the Panthers signal-caller, having already thrown 12 touchdown passes, while rushing for two more. Senior WR Vincent Jones has been his primary target, as he averages over 100 receiving yards per game, with sophomore RB Dionne Sims carrying the workload in the backfield.
Some of the stars of 2023-24 C.E. King Football
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
Cinco Ranch Cougars vs. Katy Tompkins Falcons (Volleyball)
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Cinco Ranch Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
These two squads have already faced off against each other, earlier in the first round of the district schedule. Cinco Ranch emerged victorious (3-2), following a five-set nail-biter. Come Friday, it’s time for round two.
Despite playing in a relentless Katy district, the Cougars (25-5) currently maintain an undefeated (9-0) record against their divisional counterparts. Junior Kassidy O’Brien has been dynamic from the setter position, feeding her teammates to the tune of nearly 900 assists on the year. Gabriella Martinez (Jr. OH) and Makenna Loo (Sr. OH) headline a killer Cinco Ranch offensive attack, while junior libero Magdalene Finnegan anchors the defense as the team’s dig-leader (334).
After being nearly defeated in the UIL-6A state championship a year ago, Tompkins (21-8) has been on a mission to return ever since. While some of their seniors may have graduated over the offseason, this Fall has indicated that the Falcons are not lacking in talent whatsoever. Brooklynn Merrell (Jr. DS/S) is the straw that stirs the drink for the program, as she currently leads the team in digs (310), aces (77), and receptions (506). Christin Cowart (Jr. MB), Caelyn Dumas (Jr. RS/S), and Sydney Lynch (Jr. OH) have also been essential to Tompkins’ offensive presence.
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Tompkins Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Oak Ridge War Eagles vs. Conroe Tigers (Football)
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Oak Ridge Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Both of these teams have taken their lumps through the season thus far. District 13-6A is a difficult crowd to contend with, no doubt about it. Despite that fact, each side in this rivalry has something to prove.
Oak Ridge (2-2) re-established their dominance against New Caney last week (41-14) and they don’t plan on slowing down. Their defense is as stingy as ever, with Georgia-commits, Justin Willaims (Sr. LB) and Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (Sr. DE) manning the War Eagles’ front-seven, while Frankie Arthur (Sr. RB) and James Scott (So. WR) remain some of the offensive weapons in coach Mark Schmid’s arsenal.
After being shot out of a cannon to begin the season, the Tigers (3-2) were stopped in their tracks by Willis and The Woodlands in their first two district matchups. Now is the time to correct the course. Coach Cedric Hardeman will look to Texas State-commit Tice Williams (Sr. S) to lead the charge in order to do so.
2023-24 Conroe Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Kassidy O'Brien (Cinco Ranch VB)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Katy Football's Dakyus Brinkley
IN THE GENES: Katy's Brinkley pursuing next-level legacy
Georgia-native Dakyus “Dak” Brinkley has moved around quite a bit in his life. Most recently, the four-star edge rusher decided to bring his talents to the perennial powerhouse of Katy.
“It was a difficult move going from Seven Lakes to Katy,” said Brinkley. “But, when I started practicing with them, everything started to ease out.
“Working with coach (AJ) Blum as a defensive end, he’s one of the best coaches I’ve gotten to know. I think that this decision will benefit me in the long run.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With his 6-foot-4 frame, combined with his versatility as LB/DE, Brinkley has become a true game-wrecker off the edge. His run-stopping capability and relentless disruption in the pocket makes him a nightmare for any opposing offense.
Additionally, it’s made him one of the top prospects in the nation for his position. So much so that Brinkley has become the highest-ranked recruit to ever commit to the University of Kansas.
“I really loved the bond and connection each person has on the Kansas staff,” he said. “Everybody is treated well to make it a unit. It’s just filled with love and I feel like it can be home.”
Brinkley claims that he models his game after two NFL pro-bowlers – Haasan Reddick and Jadeveon Clowney.
However, his primary inspiration is that of his father, Jasper Brinkley, who was a linebacker at the University of South Carolina before advancing to the NFL, where he played for the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and others.
“My biggest role model is my Dad, without a doubt,” said Brinkley. “Without him, I likely wouldn’t be where I am today. I’d watch him play football growing up and he’s been an inspiration for me ever since. I look up to him a lot, and he’s just a big part of my life.”
As one could imagine, Brinkley intends to advance his career to continue his family’s legacy of professional athletes.
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Katy Tigers FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
But, he’s surprisingly not one to talk up his own game ahead of his senior season with Katy football.
“I was making plays every day during Spring Ball,” he said. “But, I’m not going to say what my numbers are going to be, or say how well I – or Katy – are going to do this upcoming season.”
“I’d rather just show you when the time comes."