SportzBuzz - January 2024

With an epic 72-63 victory over Plano’s Prestonwood Christian Academy, the St. Thomas Eagles advanced to the state championship final in football for the first time since 2001. The Eagles quest for a state title ultimately came up just short a week later in a 40-29 defeat to Dallas’ Parish Episcopal School in the TAPPS Division 1 state championship game. 

“The fact that we were able to make it further than any St. Thomas team in 22 years with my original freshmen class is what makes it so special,” said senior running back Johann Cardenas. The Vanderbilt commit rushed for a remarkable 459 yards and seven touchdowns in the Eagles state semifinal victory over Prestonwood Christian. 

“This group of seniors have put in so much work and have taken such pride to get to this point,” added Eagles Head Coach Rich McGuire. “They’re great players and great kids. They had so much fun playing together. I’m going to miss them.”

“The journey was amazing,” said Eagles quarterback Donte Lewis. “I couldn’t have asked for a better coaching staff and a better family here at St. Thomas.”

Off the playing fields, Lewis was the winner of the Greater Houston Offensive Player of the Year at the 12th annual Touchdown Club of Houston’s Private High School Awards Dinner. In a sensational senior season, Lewis accounted for 3,521 yards of offense and 42 touchdowns in leading the Eagles to their first undefeated regular season since 2013.

In the wake of winning the SPC football championship, Episcopal Knights head coach Steve Leisz received the Coach of the Year award, while Knights linebacker Ty Blevins was named the Private School Defensive Player of the Year. “It’s very special,” said Blevins. “I’m in elite company with these guys and I’m blessed to be here.”

HONORED EAGLE Second Baptist Eagles senior Charlie Shears received the Lineman of the Year Award at the Touchdown Club of Houston’s Private High School Awards Dinner. (Photo: Touchdown Club of Houston)

Before heading off to play football at Rice University next season, there was also big honors for Second Baptist Eagle Charlie Shears, who received the Lineman of the Year award. “I just think back to my freshmen year, and I never expected I would get this type of opportunity,” said Shears. “I’m just humbled and thankful to my coaches, my family, and to God.”

The Ironman of the Year Award went to Kinkaid Falcon senior Miles Roeder, who was a key contributor both on offense and defense for the Falcons. “It means the world to be recognized for the hard work I’ve put forth and also seeing all these great players that I’ve been honored to play against the last four years,” he said.  

In addition, Preston Kyle of St. Pius X was the winner of the Special Teams Player of the Year. “It’s definitely an honor,” said Kyle. “I had the support of my coaches, my family, and a lot of others who believed in me. It’s been a dream come true.”

STATE CHAMPS With its 55-22 victory over Austin Veritas Academy, The Emery/Weiner School Jaguars celebrated the TAPPS Division 1 state championship in six-man football.

For the fourth time since 2015, The Emery/Weiner School Jaguars are state champions in six-man football. Emery/Weiner defeated Austin’s Veritas Academy 55-22 in the TAPPS Division 1 six-man state final to lock down the title while capping off another magnificent season for the Jaguars.

“We lost a heartbreaker in the state semifinals last season on a Hail-Mary play, so the guys came out this season especially focused and motivated,” said Jaguars head football coach Samuel Castello. “We also got better and better each week and played great football in the playoffs.”

The Jaguars were led all season by standout junior quarterback Bennett Grossman, who had four passing touchdowns as well as a rushing touchdown in the state final victory. “Bennett is a dynamic player both running and passing,” said Castello.

On the ground, senior Zac Laviage rushed for 150 yards in the state championship final. “Zac and our other running backs Matthew Newman and Harrison Zimmerman gave us a really nice running attack during the final stretch of the season and especially in the state semifinal and state title games,” said Castello. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Daniel Gordon was a major contributor including 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in the state final.

“We just have a great culture here at Emery/Weiner when it comes to our football program,” added Castello. “We embrace six-man football, and our kids begin playing in our program when they’re in middle school. We’ll be back in the weight room in January to start getting ready for next season.”

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].