HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Boys
Grant Gunnell, St. Pius X
Notable: The junior private school quarterback and Texas A&M pledge completed 24 of 29 passes for 503 yards and a state record-tying 10 touchdowns while playing a little more than three quarters of a 69-14 win over Houston ISD Class 6A team Chavez.
What coach Stephen Hill said: “His accuracy was through the roof. He didn’t miss many throws at all. He had a couple drops, and other than that, he managed the game really well.”
Other nominees
Jianni Angulo, Katy: The junior defensive back snagged two of his team’s four interceptions and returned the first 64 yards for a touchdown in a 30-0 win over Cinco Ranch.
KeSean Carter, The Woodlands: The senior receiver/kick returner had five touchdowns and 313 all-purpose yards in a 52-12 win over George Ranch.
Sam Mathews, Clear Creek: The senior quarterback threw for 120 yards and two first-half TDs, and he carried 12 times for 214 yards and three second-half scores in a 44-41 victory over Channelview. He scored the game-winner on a 3-yard run with 38 seconds remaining. Jason McDaniel
Girls
Faith Marabella, Friendswood
Notable: The senior hit .587 for the week with 39 kills in the Lady Mustangs’ District 24-6A wins over Dickinson, Clear Creek and Clear Lake. Marabella’s 19 kills spurred the victory over Clear Creek, which snapped the Lady Wildcats’ 44-match district winning streak and kept Friendswood unbeaten in district play.
What coach Sarah Paulk said: “Faith has really come into her own. We have seen immense improvement from her in the past two seasons. She took charge, along with the other seniors, this past offseason and she has done a great job of leading by example.”
Other nominees
Brianna Franklin, George Ranch: Franklin’s week included committing to LouisianaLafayette, a season-high 21 digs against The Woodlands and 14 digs without an error in a sweep of Brazoswood.
Heidi Nielson, Cinco Ranch: The freshman turned in a first-place time of 18:04.10 at the Brenham Hillacious Invitational.
Reagan Rutherford, Ridge Point: In a fourset victory against Dulles, Rutherford had 11 kills, 16 digs and 19 assists. She added 10 kills in a sweep of Fort Bend Austin. Adam Coleman