SportzBuzz - October 2023

With its runner-up finish in the prestigious Katy/Cy Fair Volleyball Tournament, the Stratford Spartans served notice of a powerful season ahead for the team. Stratford won its first seven games of the tournament before falling to state number one ranked Grand Oaks in the championship final. “To get to the finals was special,” said Spartans head coach Jenny Adcock. “We defeated several of the area’s best volleyball programs. The source of our success is that these girls love and play for each other. They also push each other every day so what happens on the court is because of those relationships.”

Beyond the opening tournament, Stratford maintained its winning ways with a 22-6 record entering district play. “We went into the season wanting to do great,” added Adcock. “We also talked about being humble, selfless, and putting the success of others above yourself.” Leading the Spartans to great success was a standout core of eleven seniors including libero Izzy Rodriguez. “Izzy has great ball control and also hits the ball well,” said Adcock. “She’s the heart of our energy on the court.”   

In addition, setters Jaelyn Chen and Audrey Cook were both major contributors. “Both girls are incredibly intelligent players who play great defense while also anchoring our offense,” said Adcock. Also, sophomore outside hitter Gwen Koss led the team in kills, while 6-foot-4 sophomore Sarah Hickman was a dominant presence for the Spartans. “Gwen has one of the highest volleyball IQs I’ve ever seen,” added Adcock.

LEAD EAGLE Led by the return of standout quarterback Turner Murdock, the Second Baptist Eagles have high expectations this season under the direction of first-year head coach Beck Brydon.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Beck Brydon, the Second Baptist Eagles kicked off the football season with an impressive 41-0 shutout victory over St. Pius X. Brydon arrived at Second Baptist this past spring after building a perennial powerhouse at the Regents School of Austin. Brydon guided the Regents football program to 10 state championship finals in 20 years, including five state titles. “I always enjoyed competing against a great program in Second Baptist and now hope to continue building on that success as the Eagles head coach,” said Brydon.

On the field this season, the Eagles are led by senior quarterback Turner Murdock. “Turner has total command of the offense,” said Brydon. “He’s making great decisions and is our field general.” The Eagles boast a dynamic one-two punch at running back in sophomore Langston Davis and junior Bryce Butler while Brydon says the Eagles offense is bolstered by a pair of outstanding receivers in JD Crisp and Jackson Powers. The offensive line is anchored by 6-foot-4, 340-pound tackle R.J. Lee and senior guard Chase Tepper.

On defense, Eagles defensive end Charlie Shears already owns several collegiate offers, while Brydon says sophomore lineman Kelvin Baptiste and junior linebacker Cash Harris are also making a major impact.

MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Seen here celebrating a quarterback sack, Kinkaid senior Will McMackin is a defensive force for the two-time defending SPC Champion Falcons. Beyond an SPC championship in football, McMackin is coming off a remarkable junior year in which he also won state championships in wrestling and lacrosse. (Photo: David Shutts Photography)

After taking down all opponents while winning this past season’s Texas Prep State Wrestling Championship as well as the SPC Wrestling Championship, Kinkaid Falcon Will McMackin is bringing down opposing players this fall as a standout linebacker and defensive end on the Falcons football team. As a returning All-SPC and All-State defensive player, the Falcons senior has been a part of two SPC football championships.

“Last year’s football championship was extra special,” said McMackin. “I had major knee surgery on both knees during the off-season and was able to come back and lead the team in tackles and quarterback sacks.” Then, only four months later into his junior season, McMackin would be crowned the Texas Prep State Wrestling champion in the 175-weight class. “I missed my sophomore season of wrestling because of the knee surgeries, so I felt like I had something to prove. I wanted to do it for everyone who had supported me,” added McMackin. 

But the state championships did not end in wrestling, with McMackin capping off the school year as a starting defenseman for Kinkaid’s Texas High School Lacrosse League State Championship team, in essence earning him a fourth state championship in one school year. “It was kind of a shock to me,” said McMackin. “I don’t consider myself a lacrosse player. I’m more of a football player who happens to play lacrosse. My nickname was The Enforcer.”

But all state championships aside, McMackin’s talents also extend well beyond the athletic arena. The Falcon senior has performed with the Kinkaid honors choir and musical theater company over the last several years, and this past month joined with his sister Lauren to sing the national anthem just before the Falcons football game against Archbishop Shaw. “My sister is someone I’ve always admired and to have her side by side with me on the football field as brother and sister means the world to me. I just love that connection.”

Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of H-Town High School Sports, which airs Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on CW39 and Monday-Thursday on AT&T SportsNet SW. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email [email protected].