Concordia QB Tanner Huckfelt, on the sideline
Concordia Lutheran's Huckfelt sees stock rising
Despite the fact that Concordia’s season didn’t end how they wanted to (4-6 record), sophomore QB Tanner Huckfelt is one of the bright spots who will lead the 'Saders next season. The young play-caller was selected to attend the US Army All-American Combine in Frisco, Texas last weekend.
The US Army “National Combine” offers underclassmen their first opportunity to exhibit their athleticism by competing against one another with college football’s top scouts, as well as the All-American Bowl Selection Committee. Being invited to the Combine is a privilege that very few are granted, as it can propel a player’s future career to the next level.
Huckfelt at the US Army All-American CombineImage provided by Tanner Huckfelt
“It was a very humbling experience,” said Huckfelt. “Some of the best coaches in the nation come to one spot to have their input. I was going head-to-head with some of the top athletes from across the nation, including one of the best QBs -- Colin Hurley (LSU-commit). It was just pure adrenaline and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.”
After having an impressive season along with having family that has been in the Army, Navy and National Guard, Huckfelt was a prime candidate to compete in the Ford Center at the Star. However, his biggest takeaway from the combine was not entirely football-related.
“I think what I learned most wasn’t the football aspect,” Huckfelt said. “I mean, it was awesome learning from all the coaches. But it was getting to hear from the people that were/are in the Army and played football. Getting to hear their stories and what they did to accomplish their goals. Their advice and experience really gave me some perspective.”
Huckfelt, 16, attributes his success and determination to his supportive family, which includes two collegiate athletes in older brothers -- Brady (St. Edwards Baseball) and Carson (Southwestern Football) -- who are his inspiration.
“My parents are my role models,” said Huckfelt. “With how hard they’ve worked to get to where they are and how they’ve helped me get to where I am, it’s everything. My brothers inspire me, as well. To see what they’ve all done has really put an impact on my life and makes me want to be the best player and competitor – the best me that I can be.”
Image provided by Tanner Huckfelt
Considering that a multitude of seniors will be graduating, Huckfelt will look to lead Concordia Lutheran next season. He should be brimming with confidence after been deemed one of the “rising stars” in Texas following his trip to the US Army All-American Combine.
“As a team, we’ve really begun to gel and grow together,” Huckfelt said. “I hope with the leadership I have as the quarterback in the locker room, they can buy into what I believe. At Concordia Lutheran, we have three key principles -- Common Purpose, Mutual Dependence, and Shared Honor, which we live and die by. With our team’s bond, I think we can start something big together.”
Fort Bend Christian Academy's star players
TITLE TOWN: FBCA football, Black continue school's firsts
The volleyball team won its first State Title in 2021 with the help of star Bailey Hanner. The girls track team then went on to win State in the spring led by suber-talent Bayleigh Minor.
So, who was next?
After not having enough players to make a full roster a few seasons back, coach Jordan Black entered the picture and the rest is history. Last season, the Eagles fell to division-rival Second Baptist School in TAPPS Semis. The program was gaining momentum.
Despite losing once again to Second Baptist in district play this fall, FBCA played their best football down the stretch. Their postseason was different this time around, knocking off Second Baptist in the Semifinal rematch (41-14).
Ultimately, the Eagles emerged from the postseason as State Champs, knocking off All Saints 42-30 in the TAPPS-D2 Title Game.
“My goal here [FBCA] was to change the culture,” said coach Jordan Black. “I wanted to see the young men that go to this school, whether they play football or not, have more of a competitive spirit. I wanted to see them be the best at whatever they competed in. That’s the attitude that I wanted to see, and that’s the direction that our football program is going.”
Led by senior offensive playmakers QB Brady Dever and WR Bryan Domino, FBCA racked up points throughout their phenomenal year.
QB Brady DeverBradley Collier (VYPE)
“Since his [Dever’s] junior year, there’s been no reason not to trust him,” Black said. “He is one of the most prolific quarterbacks that Houston has ever seen. And Domino is so elusive. I mean, he could juke you out in a phone booth if he had to. Even though he was usually the focus of opposing defenses, we had so many other weapons to turn to.”
WR Bryan DominoBradley Collier (VYPE)
Said weapons included RB Ethan Williams, WR Noah Brooks and WR/Safety Braylon Gardoni, who had a particularly exceptional year stepping up on both sides of the ball.
“Obviously, he [Gardoni] is a phenomenal receiver,” said Black. “But, he just has such a high football IQ, He was a kid that we could put in defensively, and he could make plays. He has a tremendous understanding of the game and is a competitor. Any kid that has a big heart, I love putting them in situations like that because they thrive. He certainly did.”
WR/Safety Braylon GardoniBradley Collier (VYPE)
After winning the State Title, Black’s goal of “changing the culture” at FBCA seems to be coming to fruition. He has already noticed a difference in the atmosphere.
“What’s great about it as a coach, is this is the first time I’ve ended the season on my own terms,” Black said. “It is great to win a State Championship because we continue to be the State Champions throughout the year. Everybody around the school has a joke. We’ll greet each other as ‘State Champion athletic director, State Champion teacher, etc.’ It’s just been really fun.”
Their looks to be no slowing down for FBCA as sophomore QB/Flex Cobey Sellers will be taking the reins from Brady Dever as the next signal-caller.
QB/Flex Cobey SellersBradley Collier (VYPE)
Furthermore, coach Black and his team hope to continue to lead by example at FBCA as they prepare for next season.
“Now that we’ve done it [won a TAPPS-D2 Title], it’s only going to improve the culture,” said Black. “I think these kids know exactly what it takes now to win the State Championship. So, it’s only going to help us going forward.”