Athletes to watch

Ryan Fitzpatrick

The last time he played at NRG Stadium, he threw for 358 yards and six touchdowns for the Texans in a Nov. 30, 2014, victory over Tennessee. The veteran quarterback was injured the next week and didn’t play again for the Texans before they traded him in the offseason to the New York Jets. Now he’ll be back at NRG on Sunday with the Jets and, if he’s healthy after undergoing thumb surgery, playing against the Texans.

Bram Kohlhausen

Speaking of healthy quarterbacks, Trevone Boykin might not be among them when TCU plays Saturday at Oklahoma. If he’s not, the Frogs’ starter might be the 6-2, 203-pound former Lamar High and University of Houston quarterback. When things didn’t work out at UH, Kohlhausen transferred to Los Angeles Harbor College, then TCU. He has played sparingly behind Boykin, a one-time Heisman candidate.

Rakeem Boyd

Stratford’s only loss came with the 5-10, 200-pound running back on the sideline. But he will be showcasing his versatile skills — strong enough to run between the tackles, fast enough to outrun defenders--in a playoff game Friday night against Temple at Merrill Green Stadium in Bryan. Texas A&M fans might want to take the opportunity to get an early peek at him. He has committed to the Aggies.

Paige Swinney

The 5-10 senior outside hitter leads a multi-talented Bulldogs attack into the state tournament for the first time, with the opening game Friday night at Culwell Center in Garland against Oak Ridge. Swinney, who signed last week with Sacramento State, had 38 kills in the Region III 6-A tournament.

Kevin Harvick

With the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase down to four finalists, the defending champion is favored to drive down victory lane again Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the season finale. One reason is obvious: He has the fastest car, with 14 top-two finishes this year. He also is a clutch driver, having survived early elimination in the last three seasons.