Pearland star quarterback Connor Heath looks forward to collegiate football.
Pearland grad puts injury well into past with scholarship
When Connor Heath broke his collarbone early in the 2013 football season he never could have imagined the good fortune that eventually would come his way.
Heath recovered from his injury in time to take over as Pearland’s quarterback in the regional semifinals. The senior guided the Oilers to three victories and a berth in the Class 5A, Division I state championshipgame.
Last week he added another feather to his cap by playing in the 12th annual Bayou Bowl in Sugar Land. The game pitted some of Houston’s top players against one another in an East vs. West showdown.
Mid-June is not normally a time when high school players get to suit upin full pads and play full contact. Heath, the son of Pearland coach Tony Heath, said he was thankful for the opportunity.
“It was fun just getting back into the routine,” Heath said. “It was a great experience. When I got the call from (Port Arthur Memorial) coach (Kenny) Harrison I was excited all week.”
Heath’s football career did not end with the Bayou Bowl. He has accepted a scholarship offer to play for Tyler Junior College. It is an unexpected surprise for the coach’s son. When he suffered the collarbone injury he figured he was done playing football.
A coach from Tyler was present at several Pearland practices during the playoffs. He told Heath he was impressed with his composure throughout the postseason run. The coach eventually offered Heath a scholarship. It did not take long for himto accept.
“I said, ‘Shoot yeah I want to go play,’” Heath said. “When I got the call, there was a big smile on my face. I was excited I was going to get the chance to play football again. I’m looking forward to it.”
Playing in college will be another chapter in what has been a memorable football career in Pearland. Heath grew up as a ball boy for his father’s teams and dreamed of one day playing quarterback on Friday nights.
When starter Kalen Johnson got injured in the second round of the playoffs Heath stepped in and did not miss a beat. He helped the Oilers defeat Houston Lamar, CypressFairbanks and San Antonio Madison on their way to the state title game where they lost to Allen.
“Growing up as an Oiler and playing for my dad meant a lot to me,” Heath said. “Having the experience as your father as the headcoach, not many high school players get that. Me andmy dad had fun. It will be a lifetime memory.”
Dawson’s Eric England also competed in the Bayou Bowl.
Nowin its 12th year, the BayouBowl changed from a contest between Houston-area all stars andLouisiana all stars to one that includes only Houstonarea players. It was played on June 14 at Fort Bend ISD’s Mercer Stadium.
Mustangs tops
When Friendswood athletics director gathered the school’s coaches together last August the first thing he mentioned was the UIL’s Lone Star Cup.
Everybody knew Friendswood’s days in Class 4A were numbered. Koopman and principal Mark Griffon wanted the Mustangs to make one more run at one of the state’s most prestigious awards.
Now that Friendswood has won its third Lone Star Cup, it’s safe to say the school is leaving Class 4Awith a bang.
“It’s a great way to go out,” Koopman said. “We know it’s going to be a challenge (in 6A). That’s why we wanted to get one more this year.”
Friendswood finished with 89 points to defeat runner-up Dallas Highland Park by three. Aledo and Amarillo tied for third with 82 points. Dawson placed eighth with 64 points. Friendswood previously won the Lone Star Cupin2009 and 2010.
The 2013-14 school year was a banner year at Friendswood. All but one team qualified for the postseason and advanced at least to the second round. The volleyball, girls swimming and girls soccer teams won regional titles and were joined by the boys golf and girls cross country teams at the state tournament.
The wrestling team had four state qualifiers and one state champion. The tennis team’s mixed doubles squad placed second at state. Seventeen swimmers qualified for the state meet. The track team had 11 regional qualifiers and one regional champion.
The Lone Star Cup is not just for athletics. Friendswood also got big points in academics and marching band. Both of those teams placed fifth at their state competitions.