Memorial High School Mustangs

 

Memorial Mustangs looking to follow up last season with another high-performing campaign

With great team chemistry comes a high level of performance. This is a concept that is tried and true for the Memorial High Mustangs. 

Girls Head Coach Lindley Amarantos believes that the girls team is special due to their friendships with one another on and off the pitch, while Boys Head Coach Bryce Haskett sees the boys team working hard and enjoying the competition daily. 

“You can feel it when you watch them play,” said Amarantos. “There is so much joy on the field!”

Leading the charge this season for both teams are the 2023 team captains. For the girls, senior Adelhia Ghonda and Logan Patterson and junior Cara Chaffin are seasoned varsity players and were a part of the 2021 State Semifinalist team. The boys team relies on junior captain Camden Helme, seniors Zidane and Zach Allan and junior Yadiel Cardona. 

“The amount of heart they play with is seldom seen,” said Haskett when asked about his team leaders. 

Looking forward to the I-10 Shootout in Katy, Amarantos is excited to see how the Mustangs stack up against a tough bracket made up of the best teams in Texas. Haskett believes the boys have already set themselves up for a successful season after setting the bar high at the Katy ISD Mojo Showcase.

“We are always thankful for any and all support, but the girls get the most excited when we see the stands packed with their peers,” shared Amarantos. “Nothing brings more excitement than when a group of students shows up loud and proud.” 

Also wanting students to show up and be supportive, Haskett hopes that it creates a competitive home field advantage. 

“The presence of fellow students can make the atmosphere fun and lively,” said Haskett.

The Mustangs are also excited to host elementary students from feeder schools that help out as ball girls and boys. You can also expect to see SBISD’s Advanced Movers at various games as they get to experience what it’s like to be a Memorial High Mustang. 

You can find their full schedule at rankone.com and follow them at @MHShouston on Twitter. 

 

Northbrook High School Raiders

 

Northbrook Raiders look to rebuild, focus and perform 

Coming off a season where the Raider boys made a playoff appearance, the team is eager to make a statement at the district, regional and state levels. 

Believing they are going to be well set for the next several seasons with underclassmen talent, Boys Head Coach Jonathan Claydon understands that this season is crucial in building up the confidence in the younger players while depending on leadership from his veterans. 

“We don’t want to be content with a fourth place district finish and a first round exit,” said Claydon. “These kids want to make a statement at the state level.”

With strikers Jesus Muñoz and Angel Ramos already outscoring their season totals last season, Claydon is excited to see how they step into leadership roles. The Raiders also have a strong midfield led by Anthony Ayala and Abraham Muñoz who create scoring opportunities. Senior goalkeeper Bryan Espinoza is also one to watch for.

The Raider girls are hopeful for their season as well. Girls Head Coach Azeez Shifatu believes that they could make a playoff run if they keep honing in on their skills.

“It won’t be easy,” said Shifatu. “I know we can do it if we continue to work hard, have grit in every practice, and show confidence in every game.”

Leaders for the girls are Maria Ruiz, Maggie Aguilera and Ariana Arteaga. 

Both teams look toward the future with the hope that they can be strong contenders in every game. 

“Winning or losing can make a difference between who makes it to the postseason and who doesn’t,” said Claydon. 

The soccer program has a special place in the Northbrook High community, with alumni attending every game.  

“We’re at the point now where we’re coaching the nephews, nieces and younger brothers and sisters of Northbrook High soccer alumni,” said Claydon. 

Both teams are thrilled to have a packed homestand and are ready to make their community proud.

You can find their full schedule at rankone.com and follow them at @northbrookhigh on Twitter.

 

Spring Woods High School Tigers

 

Spring Woods Tigers excited to mix veteran experience with underclassmen determination

Striving to maintain a culture of positivity and relentless work ethic, both the girls’ and boys’ teams hope to see their hard work culminate in success on the pitch. 

“I truly believe this team is a playoff team this season,” said Boys Head Coach Wadey Yaya. “With heart, hard work and belief, this team can compete with anyone.”

Leading the Tigers are the catalysts and engines of the boys’ team, junior Gregorio Tejeda and junior captain Jonathan Revolorio. Also in a leadership role is senior David Jurado. Jurado is a physical player who is coming back from an ACL injury but is stepping into a captain role with confidence. 

For the girls, senior captains Andrea Gallegos and Amanda Ocampo are keeping the team focused on fostering a team mentality, not individual mindsets. 

“The girls work hard,” said Girls Head Coach Sarah Policove. “They support each other and really try to maintain a positive culture.”

Both coaches look forward to district play, especially El Clásico, the annual game played between Spring Woods and Northbrook high schools. 

Yaya and Policove also focus on the community building of these teams. A message spread to both girls and boys teams is that they are playing for parents, friends, former players who still come out to relive the memories of their success with the program, each other and the entire community.

You can find their full schedule at rankone.com and follow them at @SpringWoodsHigh on Twitter. 

 

Stratford High School Spartans

 

Stratford Spartans depend on the connection and support of teammates to succeed

The bar is raised for the Spartans, as the girls are coming off of a 2021-2022 district championship and a strong showing in the regional final match. Girls Head Coach David Walters believes that they can repeat that level of excellence. 

Boys Head Coach Jeremy Rodgers is also believing in success for his team, as they are hoping to bounce back from finishing at the bottom of district rankings last season. 

“Our season motto this year is ‘Who We Are,’" said Rodgers. “This is where student-athletes are committed to showing their attitude, effort and character in every aspect of life on and off the soccer pitch.”

Leaders for the girls are Lauren Ahearn, Ellie Stephenson, Kendall Emery, Kristin Geczik, Lizzy Emerson and Mary-Charlotte Paul. All demonstrate unmatched work ethic and determination. Key players for the boys are senior captain Yuto Komiya, sophomore Hanno Waguespack and junior Jasper Hartman. Komiya leads the Spartans in scoring while Waguespack and Hartman both bring dynamic energy and skill to the team. 

Walters is excited about the team’s trip to Georgetown, where they will face off against some of the best teams in the state. Rodgers is preparing his team to play in-district rival Memorial High, as both teams are skillful and energetic on the field. 

Both teams also look forward to district matchups where they will fight for their place in the postseason. 

“To the community; I hope everyone continues with their positivity toward our team and our officials as both work hard to make each game memorable,” said Walter. “It is important that our fans come out and enjoy what they are watching, root for their kids and get to know their neighbors.”

You can find their full schedule at rankone.com and follow them at @StratfordSBISD on Twitter.