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Whataburger Team of the Week: Alief Elsik Soccer on the verge of claiming another State Title
What a year it has been for the Elsik soccer program!
While the team’s talent was expected, the level of success they’ve achieved has been truly impressive.
Much of the Rams’ success can be attributed to the strong sense of unity instilled by head coach Vincenzo Cox.
That cohesiveness was on full display last Tuesday when Elsik shocked the reigning back-to-back State Champions, Seven Lakes, in the Region III-6A-D1 Final. The Rams not only defeated Seven Lakes but did so with an emphatic 5-1 victory in front of an energized home crowd.
“The word that I like to use for us is ‘unit,’” said Cox. “These guys have grown together and have been through some rough patches. They came back this year determined to push themselves to the max, and the results have spoken for themselves.”
With that win, Elsik secured its fourth-ever appearance in the State Final Four, a remarkable achievement for the program.
Following that dominant performance, the Rams continued their postseason success, earning a spot in the 6A-D1 title game after outlasting Vista Ridge 1-0 on Friday.
According to Cox, the team has leaned on the talents of Chris Guillen (Sr. D/MF), Jacob Ordonez (Sr. MF/D), Michael Ochoche-Ochoche (Sr. D), Asa Marsh (Sr. MF), and Jhon Marulanda-Morena (Sr. MF) to help propel the group to this point.
Now, with a 24-2 record, Elsik stands just one victory away from capturing its second state championship. The Rams previously won the title in 2018 with a 1-0 victory over San Antonio Reagan.
However, standing in their way is Klein Cain (23-2-3), a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown when the two teams meet on Saturday in Georgetown at 6:30 PM.
Hugh Smith is all of 6-foot-5, 300-pounds of Ridge Point Panther
STRAIGHT OUT OF CENTRAL CASTING: Ridge Point’s Smith is built for Texas High School Football
If Hollywood needed to cast a Texas high school offensive lineman, they wouldn’t have to look much further than Hugh Smith.
“Yep, I like to hunt, fish, play video games… and a good nap,” the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Ridge Point junior laughed. “Oh, and Whataburger, Raising Cane’s, and Chick-fil-A before a game, too.”
And there you have it.
Smith anchors one of the best returning offensive lines in the state alongside fellow DI prospects Avery Morcho and Jordan Burnett. Together, they form the heart of a Ridge Point squad looking for more in 2025.
“We just make each other better,” Smith said. “If I see something at the line of scrimmage or they do, we’re communicating. The heart of every great team is their offensive line.”
The Panthers have won five-straight district championships under coach Rick LaFavers and made it to the Regional Semis in 2020. But Smith believes there’s something special about this year’s team.
“We’ve got dudes at every position,” he said. “We know we can get to AT&T Stadium this year. There’s just something different about this team.”
While Smith preps for his senior season, his future is also coming into focus. The recruiting game has heated up, and he’s ready.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of playing college football and maybe beyond,” Smith said. “When I got my first offer from the University of Houston, it hit me—it was a moment.
“Since then, I’ve worked hard on my craft. Last year, it was about technique, using my hands, and being aggressive—finishing my blocks. This offseason, it’s about speed, endurance, and strength. I want to beat my man every play, all game.”
Smith has a trio of official visits lined up: Arizona State, Arkansas, and Houston.
“I’m trying to go somewhere that will develop me to get to the pros,” he said. “It’s all about fit, too… the atmosphere, college life, academics, and the fans.
“I don’t mind watching and learning as a freshman. Seeing my teammates compete against the best in the country and picking up the speed of the game isn’t lost on me.”
A 4.2 GPA student, Smith envisions a future in finance. But for now, he’s focused on being a great teammate—with his eyes on Jerry World.
Straight out of Friday Night Lights, with a little Whataburger on the side.