GAMES
RANKINGS
BJ Lafell, Brandon Lafell and Jaylen Addai of Shadow Creek
THE FAMILY OF FOOTBALL: Shadow Creek's LaFell, Addai put their trust in Green; the podcast
Football is about family—especially at Shadow Creek High School.
Head coach Tyrone Green paid his dues as a longtime assistant at Lamar High School. Back in the early 2000s, one of his stars was Brandon LaFell, who went on to shine at LSU Tigers football and carve out a nine-year career in the NFL.
LaFell’s running mate in Baton Rouge—and his ride back to Houston—was Joseph Addai, a Sharpstown legend, first-round draft pick and seven-year NFL veteran.
Together, they captured national titles at LSU in 2003 and 2007, and later hoisted Lombardi Trophies in Super Bowl XLI and Super Bowl XLIX with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.
Fast forward 25 years—and the story feels familiar. Green now has another BJ LaFell, a promising freshman, alongside sophomore standout Jaylen Addai.
Big shoes to fill, but the next generation looks ready. VYPE's Matt Malatesta talks family with the Sharks.
Watch here.
Channelview's Davion Vanderbilt
KIN FOLK: With Speed, Talent, and a Famous Football Lineage, Davion Vanderbilt Is Ready for His Moment
When you think of Channelview High School, you can’t help but think of one of the most recognizable names in sports — Jalen Hurts. Hurts’ exploits were legendary on the football field and the track, coached by his father, Averion Hurts.
The genes are strong at Channelview as wide receiver Davion Vanderbilt has emerged as the Big Falcon on campus. The first cousin of Hurts even bears a striking resemblance to the Super Bowl champion.
“He’s obviously my favorite player,” Vanderbilt said. “But Jalen just proves to me that you can attain your dreams through hard work.”
That message has resonated with Vanderbilt as he’s matured.

“I used to play around and be immature, but I’ve grown to see all my family as examples, along with their successes.”
Vanderbilt has already picked up a few offers on the football field as a wide receiver and continues to build his brand on the track as well.
“For me, it’s about staying healthy,” the junior said. “My hamstring held me back a little bit last year, but I feel great now.
“Track helps me so much with my speed and endurance in football, while football gives me the toughness and strength to push through the 200-meter dash. I’m just working on finishing strong through the line and not letting up at the end.”
With the bloodline, the speed and the mindset, Vanderbilt is carving out his own path at Channelview. And if history is any indication, the Falcons may have another name ready to rise on the big stage.
































