2020 Fall Sports Magazine by Fox Press

M S

R’S EDITO E:

The 2019-2020 athletic school year proved to be history making in both positive and not so positive ways. Shadow NOT Creek captured the first state football championship in both school and Alvin ISD history with a 28-22 triumph over Denton Ryan in Arlington last December. However, Covid-19 came along and ultimately caused the spring season for all Texas high school sports to be cancelled. While the UIL allowed the fall sports season to get under way for 20202021, the effects of the pandemic are still greatly being felt. Unlike previous years, large group photos of the three area football, band and dance programs for the fall sports magazine weren’t taken for precautionary reasons. We asked that our readers please bear with us with this year’s changes. Hopefully, things will be back to normal next year, even though nothing has been normal with this pandemic. This publication still fully supports all the Alvin ISD student athletes, coaches, trainers, cheerleaders and band and dance team members. We look forward to an exciting and hopefully completed school year this time around.

2020

Stephen Collins Sports Editor

MSY

CONTENTS Mavericks

Mavericks Preview . . Football . . . . . . Football Schedule . . Cheerleaders & Band . Volleyball & Trainers .

. . . . .

Shark Preview . . . . . Cheerleaders . . . . . Band and Volleyball . . Football Schedule . . . State Championship Run

. . . . .

13 & 14 . . 16 . . 17 . . 18 . 19 -21

Bill Lewis Tribute . . Yellowjacket Preview . Band & Cheerleaders . Football Schedule . . Volleyball . . . . . .

. . . . .

22 & 23 25 & 26 . . 29 . . 30 . . 31

Sharks

Yellowjackets

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

. . . . .

4&5 7&8 . .9 . 10 . 11

Fall Sports Magazine Stephen Collins - Sports Editor Photographers

Stephen Collins Michael Edmonds Alvin ISD Athletics Dept. Creative Team Linda Knight Marketing Executives Darlene Hall • Sheila Rieke Published by The Alvin Advertiser September 2020 570 Dula Street • Alvin, TX 77511 281-331-4421 • www.alvinsun.net

Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine 3

MANVEL MAVERICKS Mavericks ranked among state’s elite on gridiron again By Stephen Collins Sports Editor

anvel Maverick football was back among Texas High School’s elite on the gridiron

in 2019. Kevin Hall’s squad captured the District 11-5A Division II title and was among the hottest 5A teams in the state until running into league foe Fort Bend Marshall in the state quarterfinals. “We were disappointed in the way last year ended,” said Hall, whose team still finished an impressive 13-1.. “But I think we used it for a little motivation from January to March (until Covid-19 shut everything down).” The Mavs will need that motivation going into the fall with the UIL realignment placing them back in the 5A Division I ranks and also in one of the toughest districts in the state, 10-5A. Manvel replaces defending state champion and AISD neighbor Shadow Creek, who moved up to Class 6A. While returning only a combined four starters on both sides of the ball and facing the likes of Foster, Angleton, Hightower and Katy Paetow in league play, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine has placed the Mavs as one of the early contenders for the Region III crown. “I really don’t pay too much attention to all that,” said Hall of the magazine’s prognostication. “I do think our district is tough enough where someone can play for a state championship. “It can be one of several teams. You can go down the list. You are going to have to play every week.” Manvel opened its season on Sept. 25 by hosting Dickinson at Freedom Field, while playing at Crosby in week two on Oct. 2. 4 4

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

Mavericks’ offensive lineman Christian Robinson engages in a warm-up during the first week of workouts in September. (Photo by Michael Edmonds) After a bye week, the Mavs then host North Shore on Oct. 16 at FF. District 10-5A dates confirm include host-

ing Angleton and Milby on Oct. 23 and Oct. 29 respectively, while playing Hightower in Missouri City on Nov. 5.

While the rest of the league schedule hasn’t been finalized yet, the district will be split up into two zones. Manvel joins Angleton, Hightower and Milby in Zone B, while Zone A consists of Katy Paetow, Foster, Kempner, Rosenberg Terry and Houston Wisdom. “It’s a nine team district, so we (the district coaches) had to meet quite a bit to protect the schedule,” Hall said. “We have a lot of kids, who weren’t starters, but they got a lot of playing time. “We got to make sure that this last month of strength and conditioning gets us ready for Sept. 7 (the first day of regular workouts for all Texas High School football athletes). We’re were laboring on Labor Day. “Hopefully we will be in the kind of shape that we won’t have to waste time conditioning. It needs to be strictly football and weight lifting.” After losing running back Donovan Eaglin to graduation, along with receiver Jalen Paxton and quarterback Tucker Yarborough, the Mavs will look to reload offensively behind the running back duo of Jordon Vaughn (6-3, 215, 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and Demonte Seymour (5-8, 205, 4.6), re-

ceivers Jalen Walthall (6-2, 180, 4.6) and Zion Johnkins and lineman Hunter Schroeder (6-1, 20, 4.9). The biggest question mark for Hall and company entering the season appear to be trying to replace the vacancy under center. There are currently four individuals vying for the QB spot. “Vaughn and Johnkins are really ranked high in their senior class, so we have a cou couple of brain surgeons there, which is real nice. Jalen Walthall is also a tremendous receiver. Schroeder will be the leader of the (offensive line) bunch. We just have a bunch of guys who have to step up and be good, because of the people we’re playing. The ones who are there, though, are busting their tails.” Linebacker Justin Medlock (6-1, 215, 4.6) earned all-district first team honors last year and looks again to make a major impact on the Mavs’ defense, along with ends J.P. Deeter (6-3, 260, 4.8) and Josh Kennard. “I think our defensive line is going to be a strength and that we’re going to have good size up front,” Hall said. “We could conceivably start eight underclassmen on defense, so they’re going to have to grow

up in a hurry. “We should be better defensively, overall. The question is when. How quick can they mature? The first time they walk out there and see a Dickinson or Crosby, how are they going to respond?” The third-year head coach also sees junior Brook Honore as a potential weapon on the Mavs’ special teams’ unit. “This is something else we have this year,” Hall said. “Brook finished last year as our starting punter and has really worked his tail off. People underestimate the use of a good punter.” The Mavs ranked sixth in the 5A Division I preseason poll. Denton Ryan heads the list, followed by Frisco Lone Star, Longview, Highland Park, Lancaster, Man Manvel, Foster, Cedar Park, Red Oak and Ama Amarillo Tascosa. The next 15 teams in the 11-25 order include Lufkin, Frisco Independence, Col Colleyville Heritage, Abilene Cooper, Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, College Station, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff, Hightower, Weslaco East, Friendswood, Dripping Springs, Azle, Mansfield Summit, Amarillo and Lubbock Coronado.

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 5

Pol. ad pd. for by the Dennis Paul Campaign

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

Manvel running back Jordan Vaughn was among the returning players on offense for the Manvel Mavericks in 2020.

(Photo by Michael Edmonds)

Mavericksâ€™ defensive back Colin Wright reaches for a pass during the first week of varsity workouts in September.

(Photo by Michael Edmonds) Alvin Sun AdvertiSer | Fall SportS Magazine 7

GO MAVERICKS!

~ Since 1952 ~

Customized to Meet Your Individual Needs

M&M Hardware ~ Since 1983 ~

~ Since 1983 ~

Where Old Fashion Service Meets Modern Demands

ALL MAJOR BRANDS • DO-IT-YOURSELF HELP WATER WELL PARTS & SERVICE Mike Pyburn - State Lic. 2843AI

19322 Hwy. 6 • Manvel

281-489-9355 281-489-7867 (281) 489-WELL (281) 489-PUMP 281-489-1426 or 281-489-1H20

Manvel junior receiver Brook Honore races downfield after catching a pass during the first week of football workouts in September. (Photo by Michael Edmonds) 8

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

21340 Hwy. 6 â€˘ Manvel

713-675-6693

Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine 9

Manvel High School Band at Practice

Manvel Varsity Cheerleaders 10

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

Manvel Lady Mavericks Varsity Volleyball Team

Student Trainers Morgan Washington and Arraysia Farrell

(Photos by Michael Edmonds)

Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine 11

Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine

SHADOW CREEK SHARKS

Defending champion Sharks face new challenges at 6A level

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor

he final piece to Shadow Creek’s 16-0 magical state title football run in 2019 was finally inserted recently with the Sharks receiving their championship rings. Yet another celebration head coach Brad Butler allowed his players to revel in, but only for a brief time with regular practices starting up for all 6A and 5A gridiron programs on Sept. 7. “With the way the spring unfolded, we were probably one of the last teams to get our rings ordered,” said Butler, whose team has gone an incredible 31-1 over its first two varsity seasons. “We had about half our guys sized for rings when school got shut down (due to Covid-19). “There is a lot of excitement and the kids are looking to forward to it. Putting my coaching hat on, I’m ready to get those rings in my guys hands and let them celebrate and feel good about it. Then we have to put it in the rearview mirror and move forward, because last year’s success doesn’t guarantee success this year.” Fresh off winning the 5A Division I crown, Shadow Creek’s first game in the 6A ranks featured a monster week one meeting with two time defending 6A champ North Shore on Sept. 25 at Galena Park ISD Stadium. The Mustangs’ back-to-back championships have come at the expense of Duncanville in both state finals’ game match-ups. “It will be a baptism by fire to be sure,” Butler said. “Not only are we jumping to 6A, our first game comes against a twotime defending state champion. We were

originally going to play St. Joseph and they (North Shore) were going to play a team from California in a double header to start off. Then we were going to play each other at Freedom Field next year.

“But with all the covid stuff, those guys were unable to travel and we decided with North Shore to go ahead and play each other. It will be a heck of a way to kick off the

season and we definitely have our work cut out for us.” After colliding with the Mustangs in the opener, Butler and company hosted Bridgeland in their home opener on Oct. 2 at AISD’s Freedom Field and then open 23-6A play with Alief Taylor on Oct. 9 at Crump Stadium. The Sharks’ remaining home slate includes games with Pearland Dawson (Oct. 15), Alvin (Oct. 30), and Pearland (Nov. 13), while the road schedule wraps up with Strake Jesuit (Oct. 23), Elsik (Nov. 6) and Hastings (Nov. 20). “We met with everybody in the district and tried to plan the best way we could with all the covid stuff,” Butler said. “Our district made the plan that we were going to start district play in week three, so we gave up a non-district game and built in two off weeks at the end of the regular season. That was done in case there was a need to recoup or make up a game. “The first thing that struck me after realignment was that we would be in with both Pearland and Dawson. The proximity of where we all are will be naturally exciting to the community. Those games could develop into real rivalries. I know both of those coaches (Pearland’s Ricky Tullos and Dawson’s Mike Allison) have a lot of respect for the other coaches in the district. “Again, we will have our work cut out for us, because winning a state championship makes you a little bit of a target.” The Sharks enter the 6A ranks with seven veterans (four on offense, three on defense). Baylor signee and quarterback Kyron Drones (pictured), (6-3, 3, 200, 4.6), who threw for over 3,000 yards and 46 touchdowns, heads the returnee list for the

A Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 33 Alvin lvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 13

— SHARKS — Sharks’ offense. Wide receivers C.J. Guidry (6-3, 200, 4.6 seconds in the 40yard dash) and Greg Hancock are also back, along with left guard Caleb Leonard (6-4, 300), running backs Kelvon Brown and Isaiah Harper and tight end Trent McGaughey (6-3, 225, 4.7). Guidry hauled in 25 receptions for 612 yards and nine touchdowns, while Hancock caught 32 passes for 480 yards and six scores. Brown added 912 yards on the ground and 11 TD’s. Receiver Randy Masters not only delivered 377 yards and six TD’s, the 6-1, 180 pounder also turned in probably one of the most key plays in the Sharks’ 28-22 title triumph over Denton Ryan last December. After a punt snap sailed over the Raiders’ punter Riley Nozzo’s outstretched hands into his own end zone. Nozzo illegally kicked the ball off the ground before attempting to pick it up. Masters alertly scooped up the loose ball near the sideline and motored 37 yards for a special teams’ touchdown. “Obviously you feel good when you return your quarterback,” Butler said. “Kyron will be going into his senior year and we expect big things from him both in on the field performance and a leadership role. He has been in there and been tested. He should be able to bring some calming to what is fairly a young football team. “He’s got some big play receivers in Guidry, Hancock and Masters. Harper also missed some time due to injury last season, but he has looked real good during our skill work this summer.” Butler also tabbed left tackle Jordon Scott, center Nate Guajardo, right guard Cenard Gonzales, right tackle Cameron Jones, Zachary Rhymer and Meyson Colbert as playing crucial offensive roles, along with tight end Damian Palomo. “We have some holes to fill, so we will have some guys stepping up from the JV 14 Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

offensive line wise,” Butler said. “They’re going to be tested quickly, but hopefully two or three weeks into the season, we’re developing into a pretty good football team.” The Sharks will also be looking to fill gaps on defense with the graduation departures of ends Alec Bryant and Ronald Triplett and linebacker Jeremiah Harris. However, linebacker Terrence Cooks (6-3, 215, 4.5), who provided 70 tackles last season, has caught more than a few statewide eyes with an all-state preseason selection to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine’s Super Team. Other key components on Butler’s defense include linemen Jairo Castillo, Josh Diaz and Jaylen Madkins; linebackers Byron Roberson and Thomas Davis; and Jaylen Lane (6-0, 190, 4.6), DeJuan Lewis, Kylan Jackson, Jaidan Scott, Kullen Murrell, Jalen Emery and Nick Hudson in the secondary. “Cooks is on everybody’s recruiting board and is our big play guy on defense,” Butler said. “He’s an outstanding linebacker we can really build around. He’s big and physical. “We also have Lane back at safety and we’re excited about what (safety) Lewis can do for us. Emery, who missed some time last year, is also back for us at corner and Murell really stepped in and played the corner well. Williams will be looking to fill one of those defensive voids (from the graduations of Bryant and Triplett).” QB Duke Butler

(TOP PHOTO)

Receiver reaching for a pass (BOTTOM PHOTO)

(PHOTO ABOVE) Linebacker Jordan Best prepares to engage in a blocking drill with another Shadow Creek teammate.

Sharksâ€™ wide receiver coach Demetrius Woods checks on his position players during a recent practice.

(Photos by Michael Edmonds)

Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine 15

— SHARKS —

Shadow Creek Varsity Cheerleaders (All-American Nominees)

16 Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

Shadow Creek High School Band Practice

Shadow Creek student trainer Madison Craven is prepared to assist Shark player and coaches during a recent practice. (Photos by Michael Edmonds)

Shadow Creek Lady Sharksâ€™ Varsity Volleyball Team Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine 17

18 Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine

SHADOW CREEK SHARKS

Sharks capture first FB state title in school & AISD history

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor

he following highlights the Shadow Creek Sharks’ 2019 magical ride to the state football championship. Shadow Creek 64 Summer Creek 14 - They were hit with the typical opening season bugaboos. That being said, the Shadow Creek Sharks still picked right back up where the left a historic inaugural gridiron campaign last December. The Sharks started their second season off by exploding for 23 first-quarter points and ended with 41 unanswered tallies in a convincing 6414 triumph over Summer Creek Saturday night at Turner Stadium in Humble. Kyron Drones (13 completions in 21 attempts) passed for 249 yards and four touchdowns in his varsity starting debut under center, while Seth Jones (six receptions for 136 yards) grabbed a pair of scoring receptions from the junior signal caller. However, it was the Sharks’ defense

making the biggest statement on this humid evening by accounting for 23 points with two C.J. Brown interception returns for TD’s and a long fumble return by end Alec Bryant. The Sharks also sacked Bryan Bush four times with Bryant trapping the Bulldogs’ junior QB in the end zone for a first period safety.

Sharks 42 Angleton 14 - The AC unit may have strangely not been in working order inside the Shadow Creek dressing room for Friday’s huge 10-5A Division I gridiron opener between a pair of stateranked teams, but that didn’t stop the Sharks from bringing their own brand of heat for 48 minutes. Quarterback Kyron Drones passed for a pair of touchdowns and ran for two more scores, as the Sharks delivered a emphatic 42-14 message to Angleton at

Wildcats’ Stadium. Also moving their record to 4-0 overall after non-district wins over Magnolia and Elsik, Shadow Creek held the Wildcats to 213 total yards and forced five turnovers. While the Wildcats cut a 28-0 deficit in half with a pair of second-half touchdowns, the Sharks ultimately sealed the contest on Jay`Veon Bell’s seven-yard run and Drones’ 11-yard scramble late in the fourth quarter. Sharks 34 Texas City 0 - Coming off their big road win at Angleton the previous weekend, the Shadow Creek Sharks appeared to be flat in more ways than one for their homecoming contest against Texas City Friday

night. However, the SC defense made sure an early tenuous lead stood up, while the offense finally settled in during the final 24 minutes to claim a 34-0 shutout victory over Texas City at AISD’s Freedom Field. The Sharks moved their record to a perfect 5-0 overall, while improving to 2-0 in the 10-5A Division I football standings, while Texas City dropped to 0-5.

A Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 33 13 Alvin lvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 19

While holding the pesky Stings in check for the most part, Shadow Creek hurt its own cause with a pair of red zone turnovers and barely missed committing a third miscue in scoring range, as well. The Sharks’ defense picked up the slack by not allowing Texas City (51 total yards) to cross past midfield until the final period. Sharks 51 Friendswood 6 - Sometimes a relentless assault stops a potential sneak attack in its tracks. The Friendswood Mustangs found that out the hard way Friday night, as Shadow Creek provided the above frame work for rolling to a 51-6 rout at AISD’s Freedom Field in Iowa Colony. Shadow Creek was coming off a dominating 49-6 win over Galveston Ball the week before. Sharks’ quarterback Kyron Drones torched the Mustangs’ secondary for 240 yards and three touchdowns through the air with 10 completions in 15 attempts, while the SC running game rushed for over 200 yards for the second straight week. Jay`Veon Bell racked up 106 yards on 16 carries and one TD and Kelvon Brown chipped in 89 yards on just six carries and two TD’s. Sharks 24 Foster 17 - When it comes to dealing with the Foster Falcons, just call the Shadow Creek Sharks down to the wire specialists. For the third time in the last two seasons, the two teams engaged in such circumstances with the Sharks prevailing in the tightrope battle. Quarterback Kyron Drones threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another score, as Shadow Creek captured a 24-17 triumph Thursday night at Traylor Stadium in Rosenberg. 20 Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine

The Sharks (8-0 overall, 5-0 in 105A Division I) held a seemly comfortable 24-10 lead late in the fourth quarter, but had to survive a crazy finish

during the final two minutes. Sharks 53 Hightower 9 - The Sharks crushed Hightower 53-9 on Thursday at Hall Stadium in Missouri City to clinch their second straight 105A Division I championship. Jeremiah Harris recovered a Hightower fumble on the game’s first play from scrimmage to spark a 24-point first quarter explosion for the Sharks (9-0 overall, 6-0 in 10-5A Division I). Sharks 49 PA Memorial 7 (Bidistrict) - While Shadow Creek was forced to grind out a long scoring drive to open Friday’s Class 5A Division I bi-district football affair, it was Port Arthur Memorial, who soon found themselves material for the Sharks’ grinder. The Sharks totally dominated the Titans both during that initial possession and throughout the evening in a 49-7 romp at AISD’s Freedom Field. The victory advances Shadow Creek (11-0) in the area round of the playoffs, where Brad Butler’s squad meets Hutto in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Waller ISD Stadium. It also marked a stark contrast from

SC’s first bi-district appearance a year ago when the Sharks had to pull off a second-half rally to edge Porter by a 37-30 count. Sharks 63 Hutto 14 (Area playoffs) - Shadow Creek erupted for 42 first half points and never looked back against Hutto in a 63-14 victory in the Class 5A Division I Area Football Playoffs Friday night at Waller ISD Stadium. Using the same formula that led to a 49-7 bi-district romp over Port Arthur Memorial the previous week, the Sharks forced the Hippos to play catch-up throughout. Sharks 36 Foster 31 (Region semifinals - Having watched his predecessor under center direct a pair of dramatic rallies against Foster a year earlier, Kyron Drones decided to get in on the comeback fun against their 10-5A rivals Friday afternoon. Drones and the Shadow Creek Sharks overcame both a 17-point halftime deficit and a one-point fourth quarter gap to outlast the Falcons in a 36-31 Region III-5A Division I Football Playoff Semifinal thriller at Challenger Columbia Stadium in League City. Sharks 59 Manor 14 (State Quarterfinals) - Shadow Creek erupted for 24 points to erase a four-point deficit late in the second quarter and went on to dominate the Manor Mustangs the rest of the way in a 59-14 triumph in the Class 5A Division I State Football Quarterfinals Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Shadow Creek trailed the upstart Mustangs by a 14-10 count following Levonte Benford’s 47-yard touch-

down reception with 5:10 remaining in the second quarter. However, the Sharks answered right back on their next possession, as quarterback Kyron Drones hit Kelvon Brown on a 22yard wheel route to give Shadow Creek the upper hand for good at 17-14 with 3:36 left. Sharks 45 SA Wagner 21 (State Semifinals) - C.J. Guidry didn’t take it personally. The Shadow Creek Sharks’ junior receiver was simply on a mission to make a huge play for his team after watching San Antonio Wagner close the first half on such a dramatic note. Guidry wasted no time delivering the goods by returning the second half kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown to spark a 21-point second half, paving the way for a 45-21 triumph by Shadow Creek in the Class 5A Division I State Football Playoff Semifinals at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio. Friday’s affair also marked the second straight year that Shadow Creek eliminated the Thunderbirds in the postseason’s fifth round.

Sharks 28 Denton Ryan 22 (5A D-1 State Finals) - The resume is now complete. Shadow Creek added the only chap-

ter Friday night that had been missing from already one of the most remarkable runs for a second year program in Texas high school football history. The Sharks outlasted Denton Ryan in a 28-22 Class 5A Division I State Championship game thriller at AT&T Stadium in Arlington to capture both the first state team championship in school history and also the first football crown in Alvin ISD history. The historic triumph caps a perfect 16-0 season for head coach Brad But-

ler’s squad and also gives the Sharks an amazing 31-1 record over their first two varsity seasons. “It was just a culmination of things coming together,” Butler said. “You had coaches believing in each other and players believing in each other. It doesn’t always end the way you want it to, but it sure feels good when everyone sets goals and everything ends unfolding in the right direction.” Avenging their only loss in last year’s title game didn’t come without some anxious late moments for Butler and company, though. Ryan moved from their own 19-yard line to the Shadow Creek 25-yard line and almost pulled off a miracle on the game’s final play with two seconds remaining. Just as the Raiders’ Drew Sanders was about to come down with a “Hail Mary” heave from Seth Henigan in the end zone, however, Sharks’ linebacker T.J. Marshall jarred the ball loose from Sanders’ grasp to preserve the victory.

SHADOW CREEK SHARKS Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 21

Colleagues celebrate Lewis’ impact in classroom and booth By Stephen Collins Sports Editor

olleagues around both the Alvin and surrounding Houston area communities expressed their deepest condolences for the loss of Bill Lewis, who passed away on Aug. 8. Initially coming to ACC in 1982 and ultimately working full time at the college in 1985, Lewis also served as the department chair of communications at Alvin Community College, the director of KACC Radio/TV 89.7 FM and the school’s athletic director. “Bill was an inspiration to all the students,” KACC station manager Mark Moss said. “He dedicated his life to improving education and cared about each student. He poured his heart into each class that he taught.” “He was also a great teacher outside of the classroom too. I will always be thankful that he helped me be a better parent and teacher. He spent many hours also teaching me how to fish saltwater. I will always think of him and miss him whenever I take my daughters fishing.” Lewis was also present during many memorable athletic moments in both AISD and ACC history. The University of Houston graduate painted pictures over the airwaves for KACC listeners to celebrate both the state championship football milestone of the 2019 Shadow Creek Sharks and the Sharks’ 2018 appearance in the state title game, along with the state title football game runs of the 2017 and 2011 Manvel Mavericks, the 2008 22 Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

state softball champion Alvin Lady Yellowjackets, the 1999 Alvin Lady Yellowjacket volleyball regional championship and the national tournament appearance by the 1990-91 ACC Dolphins’ Basketball team. “Bill has experienced every victory and every loss for Alvin, Manvel and

son Tommy Lewis, AT&T Sportsnet Southwest’s Kevin Eschenfelder, Drew Sullins, Houston DJ Tom Fontaine, Joe Hollier of Pipeline and Glass Journal, Paul Fonte, Joe Moreno, Channel 26’s David Canada, David Lanier, Moss, Alex Dickinson, Kevin Hudson and Ryan Middleton.

Shadow Creek high schools over the last 35 years.” AISD athletic director Mike Bass said, “Alvin ISD lost a great friend to the district and I lost a brother.” “You always heard two words when people talked about Bill Lewis, respect and integrity. No one could call the game with the knowledge that Bill Lewis had. People could live the game through his voice, because Bill was so vivid in his description and passion. He was a true professional and he did it for the love of broadcasting.” Lewis’ impressive list of broadcast colleagues over the years featured Rick Pendergrast, brother Steve Lewis and

“He was my instructor, my mentor, my inspiration and my friend,” said Hollier, who added that Lewis got him a paid internship at KPRC after he enrolled in the college’s radio/tv program. “We called numerous sporting events together, including ACC’s infamous run in the JUCO tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. “It’s no secret that ACC had the best people coming out of college, as they were all prepared. I told my wife, Jennifer, the day that Bill passed that it’s unreal the number of lives he impacted. I don’t know how the college will replace him. It will take an army.”

Middleton admitted to having some nerves when he started teaming with Lewis in the broadcast booth. However, a few tips from the veteran during the pair’s pregame preparation ultimately “loosened him up and he began having a fun time calling the games with him.” “The things that Bill told me stick with me today,” Middleton said. “He said to paint a picture when calling the game or giving color commentary, try not to step on each other when calling the game and don’t curse on the air. KACC can’t afford an FCC fine. “Bill was so proud of his kids’ accomplishments and he would make sure every night to give a shout out to special guests, friends and most of all, his wife Barbara over the air. Bill was a special person to so many and there will never be another like him. “The Alvin community lost a legend, but he will never be forgotten.” Lewis told the Sun and Advertiser in 2012 that he grew up admiring the play-by-play styles of both Astros’ broadcasting legend Gene Elston and the Rockets’ Gene Peterson. “I don’t think I patterned myself after Elston, because he was doing baseball and I’m now doing football,” he said. “But he was a guy who didn’t get excited and wasn’t a screamer. He was very matter of fact about the game. I think I bring that to the football broadcasts. I try to get the facts across and try to get excited when it’s appropriate.” “But I don’t want to be screaming where people don’t understand what’s going on.” Lewis’ reserved delivery mixed with timely excitement in the booth drew respective praise from past broadcaster partners and others involved in the industry. “Bill is the cleanest play-by-play announcer I’ve ever heard, even on the college level,” Hudson said. “When I was doing stats for him, he already knew the totals of the quarterback and 4

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

running back before I could tell him.” “He had already pulled those values together in his head.” CMC Communications president Charles McCullough also paid tribute to Lewis on the organization’s facebook page, saying Lewis “gave him valuable assistance” after CMC suffered some damaged equipment due to Hurricane Harvey. “Bill kicked in and let us use one of his station mixers, plus a mike cord in key game broadcasts,” McCullough said. “Bill was the best in every qualifier of the word and he was flat out the very best play-by-play man in any market anywhere and in any media.” The Lewis family held a private service on Aug. 15 and plans to hold a community wide celebration to honor Bill’s legacy at Alvin Memorial Stadium later in the fall. The family is also honoring Bill’s legacy with the creation of the Bill Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are designed to provide tuition assistance to ACC students in need and continue to celebrate Bill for years to come. Do-

nations can be made through the link https://epay.alvincollege.edu/C20358_ ustores/web/product_detail.

jsp?PRODUCTID=414 or mailing address Alvin Community College Education Foundation: 3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, Texas 77511. Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 23

24 Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine

ALVIN YELLOWJACKETS

Jackets’ coach Teykl encouraged by program’s increased numbers By Stephen Collins Sports Editor

While temperatures soared in the mid 90’s for the initial week of Alvin High School Football’s limited strength and conditioning sessions earlier this summer, that didn’t stop Tim Teykl from getting a few chills along the way. Getting the chance on June 8 to work with his athletes for the first time since early March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Yellowjackets’ assistant athletic director/head football coach was immediately overwhelmed by the numbers showing up at AISD Memorial Stadium for the first day of workouts. “In comparison to last year, we had 32 kids show up,” Teykl said. “This year we had about 218 overall. That’s amazing for Alvin. The most impressive thing was that we were also the only school of this side of Houston to get all our (strength and conditioning) days in. The only days we didn’t were on Memorial Day and Father’s Day and the UIL recommended that we take those days off. “You could really tell the difference. There were more kids who bought in. Last year, they couldn’t make it through practice. There was a lot of bending over and walking around, which was pretty disappointing. But the first day of practice this year was pretty enlightening. The kids were pretty fired up.” While the increased numbers served as a huge encouragement for the second-year coach, Teykl didn’t hesitate to state that they could stand a little more growth. “They (the numbers) are still dangerously low for a 6A program,” he said. “We’re go4

Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine

ing to have to play seven or eight individuals two ways, maybe even start them. That’s not our wish or our passion. We’re not just not abundantly talented at our skilled positions. “Our talent level is not what Shadow Creek has, not what Manvel has and not what Iowa Colony is going to have. One thing that we got to do is get better at what we do. We can’t beat ourselves with offsides penalties, fumbles and not knowing what we’re doing.” The offensive roster for Alvin includes quarterbacks Cody Smith and Trevor Bockel, along with running backs Tony Vidana, R..J. Jarvis and Caleb Reed, fullbacks Kelton Coffin and Vidana and halfbacks Daniel Blume and Jarvis in the backfield, while the receiving duo features Lyle Evans and Chris Touch. Taking up the offensive line stations will be William Revels, Izmas Escobar, Aramando Rivera, David Trevino, Sebastian Cisneros, Connor Hughes, Osni Montenegro and Joe Vega and tight ends Eric Burr and Jake Arendell. “We just really needed to put the pads on here, because our offense is a ground oriented attack that requires a lot of blocking,” Teykl said. “Connor Hughes is a three-year player for us and Cody has a year under his belt at quarterback. “I’m pleased that we hired Jerry Cole, who is a 30-year veteran. With coach (Chad) Strban and Jacob Hall, who we brought up from Fairview (Junior High), we have three true offensive line coaches.” Teykl is also excited about his defense, which going to a 3-4 alignment this season. The line includes nose tackles Charlie Fox and Da Shell Foster with tackles Jimmy Beasley, Leon Bell, Larry Vojacek and

Cobe Frausto. “We tweaked our package, because we don’t have a lot of linemen. We have more linebacker types,” he said.”Fox and Shields

are both juniors and their talent is giving disruption early to people’s center. Most people on their nine or 10-game schedule don’t face anyone who has a nose over their center, so that gives us an advantage, because nobody else is doing it. Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 25 Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 25

“Vojacek started for us last year as a true sophomore and if he stays healthy, the sky is the limit for that young man.” The Yellowjacket linebacker crew includes Gavin Guthrie, Briar Jones, Colton Smith and Ronald Broussard on the outside with the inside contingent featuring Marshall Garcia, Bradeth Sobeck, Wyatt Singleton and Easton Winfield. Manning the safety spots will be Elijah Harris, Bo Olszewski and Gage Johnson with the corners consisting of Cade Bingham, Trevor Singleton, Carson Robl and Matt Chavarria. “Gavin had a great summer and the fact that he can concentrate solely at that linebacker spot gives us an extra dimension,” Teykl said. “We also have two individuals on the high end in Olszewski and Harris. He’s not as fast as his brother (New England Patriots’ receiver Gunner Olszewski), but he’s bigger and stronger. He’s an outstanding tackler who plays 90 miles an hour.” The Alvin special teams includes Reed, Bockel, Austin Almarez, Chavarria, Smith, Blume and Johnson. Reed will handle both the place kicking and punting duties. “We believe we have one of the better kickers this side of Houston in Caleb,” Teykl said. “He was on a lot of people’s radars, because he performed well at the camps he attended. He has a booming leg and a great work ethic.” The Jackets join AISD neighbor Shadow Creek in the newly realigned 23-6A with the remainder of the district featuring Alief Elsik, Hastings and Taylor, the Pearland schools (Pearland High and Dawson and Strake Jesuit.) “I’m so excited. We’re going to have one of our own with Shadow Creek back in it,” Tekyl said. “I’m also melancholy, because we’ve leaving some good people (in 24-6A) with Clear Creek ISD. That’s some good folks. “Those relationships were long lasting. I’m looking at it from a tax payer standpoint. The geography was close. Sometimes change is good. It gets you out of a rut. The Alief schools will be a big challenge, because the only way you can get there is down Highway 6.”

26 Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine

Cornerback Cade Bingham is among the penciled in starters for Alvin on defense for the 2020 season. (Photo by Michael Edmonds)

Yellowjacket running back R.J. Jarvis reaches for a pass during the week of varsity workouts in September. (Photo by Michael Edmonds)

Jackets’ linebacker Logan Hodges (above) turns in a sprinting drill during a recent practice.

Alvin running back Dayshaown Peterson (top photo), and Richard Macias (left) go through conditioning drills during a recent practice.

(Photos by Michael Edmonds)

15 20

& UP up

20210 Hwy. 6 Manvel, Texas 77578 “Come and be blessed”

281-692-0600

John Barron Agent

WE FIX MESS UPS!

Rodney R. Smith

Proprietor, Barber/Cert. Barber Teacher 11:00-7:00pm Tues.-Fri. - Sat. 8:00-6:00 pm V.I.P.s only 832-373-9550

116 S Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 Bus 281 331 4132 Fax 281 585 4774 john.barron.ngic@statefarm.com www.jbarroninsurance.com The greatest compliment you can give is a referral. Alvin Sun MediA | Fall SportS Magazine 27

28 Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine

Alvin High School Band Practice Alvin Varsity Cheerleaders

We Support ALL the Teams!

www.walmart.com 400 S. Bypass 35 â€˘ Alvin, TX 77511 281-585-2825 Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine 29

30 Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine

Alvin Lady Yellowjacketsâ€™ Varsity Volleyball Team

Alvin High School athletic trainers Samantha Baker (left) and Carly Malia have worked previously with the Houston Dash soccer team and the Houston Texans.

Alvin Sun Media | Fall Sports Magazine 31