The reigning UIL Class 3A State Champions -- Hitchcock Bulldogs
This precedent was established on the heels of reaching the title game in 2021, and the Bulldogs are looking to make it three-for-three.
Tenth-year coach Christopher Jordan-Foster will bank on his team’s physicality, particularly on defense, to make that goal a reality.
“Having some really fast and physical guys on the floor helps us out a lot,” he said. “I know we’re not going to be as polished offensively compared to some teams that do it year-round, before getting our football guys back late. However, like I tell them all the time, ‘defense travels with us’.”
The stars of 2023-24 Hitchcock BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Being a Hitchcock alumnus himself, Jordan-Foster knows a little something about the ownership his team takes in their game.
“I’m a hometown kid,” he said. “There’s something different about bringing something back to your home, which makes you have a little bit more pride in your work. I stress that to the guys, as well. It’s more personal and I want them to feel that – looking back to when you made history for your community.”
That upbringing is likely what feeds into the culture he’s brought back to Hitchcock.
“Those guys growing up together, playing alongside one another for a while has played a key factor in the growth of the culture,” said Jordan-Foster. “Also, changing systems from a zone-press to more of a full-court man was a game-changer for us. That’s kind of our M.O. – we’re going full-court every time.”
Damien McDaniel
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Bulldogs will feature several returners from last year’s championship squad, including Damien McDaniel (Sr. G), Lloyd “Chubby”Jones III (Jr. PF), Kelshaun Johnson (Jr. G) and Elijah Sherwood (Jr. G), who Jordan-Foster expects to take a big step forward this season.
So, what will it take for Jordan-Foster and Hitchcock to run it back in 2024?
“First of all, it’s going to take some focus,” he said. “With a lot of football guys coming onto the court, health is a key component to this as well. I’ve had these guys for a while now, so they know what I expect from them when we head into the Winter. But, staying healthy will definitely be important to us.”
The stage is set. Now, it’s time for the encore.
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DJ Sanders is scary good
Bellville was rolling to an 11-0 season last year before stubbing their toe in a 9-3 heartbreaker to Madisonville in the second round of the postseason.
“I think our kids came in this year really upset about how we finished last year,” coach Grady Rowe said. “I don’t think we were mentally prepared for that game, and the kids haven’t forgotten about it since. We haven't let them forget about it either. It was a motivating factor all offseason, the summer and even until now.”
Fast forward to the present and the Brahmas are 14-0 and the only thing standing in front of a State Final appearance is Wimberley High. The game will be played at The Pfield in Pflugerville this Friday night.
“The last time we went this far was in 2012,” Rowe laughed. “I asked our players how old they were then? I think they were about six-years-old.
“Wimberley is a lot like us,” he said. “They are a physical football team, and it could come down to field position and special teams. We are similar without being similar, but we both know it will come down to the little details.”
The Brahmas run, run and run the ball with the likes of DD Murray, Sam Hranicky and Corrian Hood.
“We are a three-headed monster,” he said. “DeDe gets all the publicity because he’s such a dynamic athletic. Sam is a hard-nosed Slot T guy… we call him ‘The Machine’. Corrian is so selfless and has had a quiet 1,200 yards. He’s also a great blocker. Our offensive line has gotten better throughout the season, without question.”
The defense has been tremendously stingy, giving up a paltry five points per game.
Carrying the banner on defense is defensive end DJ Sanders, who is wreaking havoc offenses and QBs with 13 sacks on the season. Cory Richardson and Gavin Mays have had big campaigns to compliment Sanders up front. Connor Gaines and Jacob Shepherd anchor the LB corps, while Hunter Kunkel and Khaymon Jones patrol the secondary.
“DJ makes things easy to game plan for, while Cory has a non-stop motor,” Rowe said. “The LBs has been phenomenal and the secondary just got better each week.”
Rowe has built a successful program over the past decade at Bellville, but this year is a little different.
“Football is important here,” he said. “The community allows us to coach their kids hard and the kid are expected to work hard. That formula has worked for us over the years, but there is a little more electricity in the air right now. You can feel it.”
GAMES
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