The 08-19-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

Texas Central, Amtrak exploring high speed rail partnership

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The proposed high speed rail project between Houston and Dallas whose stations include an old local mall site could be full speed ahead once again if a proposed partnership between its benefactor and a national railroad company comes to full fruition in the coming days and months.

National railroad organization Amtrak announced last week that it is exploring a partnership related to the proposed Dallas to Houston High Speed Rail project with Texas Central – which is backing the project. The partnership would provide advance planning and analysis work associated with the proposed Dallas-Houston 205-mph high-speed rail project to

further determine its viability, according to a news release from Amtrak.

“We believe many of the country’s biggest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas, like Houston and Dallas, deserve more high quality high-speed, intercity rail service and we are proud to bring our experience to evaluate this potential project and explore opportunities with Texas Central so the state can meet its full transportation needs,” said Amtrak Senior Vice President of High-Speed Rail Development Programs Andy Byford.

However, opponents of the proposed Dallas-Houston high speed rail say that the proposed partnership and how it came together would be a continuation of the project’s organizers

See

Inwood man wanted for alleged injury to child

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A Houston man is wanted in connection to the alleged bodily injury of a child in the Greater Inwood area in late May, according to Houston Crime Stoppers. Timothy Deundre Harris, 32, is wanted on a charge of Injury to a Child Under 15 with Bodily Injury, according to Harris County court records. There is a warrant out for his arrest on the charge, according to court records, and he remained at

Timothy Deundre Harris

large as of Friday according to a news release from Houston Crime Stoppers.

Brown is 6-feet tall with brown eyes and black hair and weighs about 300 pounds, according to Harris County court records.

Crime Stoppers said officers with the Houston Police Department received a call of an injury to a child to a home in the 8700 block of Roaring Point Drive in the Greater Inwood area on May 30. During the investigation, officers saw that the child had been allegedly struck in the face, causing the injury. Ac -

cording to Crime Stoppers, the investigation has allegedly determined that Harris allegedly physically abused the child.

Anyone who has any information on Harris’ potential whereabouts can submit a tip directly to Crime Stoppers by calling them at 713-222-8477 (TIPS), or by submitting a tip online at www.crime-stoppers. org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect.

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THE TOPICS. Maroon is also a verb

THE CLASSROOM –

Welcome, students, to the first class in Journalism 101 here at Texas A&M. As you may know, this school once had a Department of Jour nalism, but it was abolished. Something about teaching the truth. One of its gradu ates was that noted journal ist, Lyle Lovett. But now we are back to teach how jour nalists work, why they work and why they aren’t woke. I’d like to set forth a few rules for the classroom. You ag majors please don’t bring your lab work from other classes. Those chickens and goats make such a racket. Members of the Corps of Cadets, do not march in. Band members can leave your tubas and bass drums in the hallway. For all of you, this is not a football game so you don’t have to stand the entire class. Turn off your tape recorders, iPhones and videos. What I say will certainly be used against me. But for the record, I love Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

I see most of you already have your textbooks. That must have been difficult since many books on my list have been deemed “unpatriotic,” “left-of-center” or “marginally suspicious of treason,” the latter banned since it contained a chapter on the First Amendment. I still can’t figure out why the textbook on “Transitions of Type” was excluded except one regent said, “I don’t want any trans taught at A&M.” During this semester we shall discuss the following: “How to Spot Fake News,” “The Wit and Wisdom of Melania Trump” and see several shows with Sean Hannity. Please hold your applause. Also we shall hone your ability to write alternative facts.

Incidentally, why any of you would want to go into journalism eludes me. There are no jobs awaiting you. Take up a profession that has a future like beekeeping or valet parking. Anyway, today let’s start with some do’s and don’t’s. Don’t use the term “Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck!” It might be a secret code used by the deep state. Public officials will stonewall your embarrassing questions about their sexual harassment charges for as long as they can, then will snort, “That’s old news.” If you are interviewing a politician on TV, don’t let her reply to your inquiry by saying, “That’s a great question.” Do not use unsubstantiated numbers.

British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”

Here is an example: In 1990, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the College

Lynn Ashby Columnist

offered a five-year, non-tenured position, and then oneyear contract which could be rescinded at any time.

were college students. Every single year tens of thousands of you move to A&M in the fall and move out in the summer.

You aspiring sportswriters, no good sports story goes without lots of clichés. They are not the New York Yankees but the Pinstripes. The Dallas Cowboys are either the ‘Boys or America’s Team. In a bad season, they are the Houston Lastros. The ball was hit like a frozen rope. He was as cool as the other side of the pillow. Try not tell the reader who won a game, how and the final score until maybe the tenth paragraph.

When you signed up for classes in journalism, you were led to believe this department would be headed by a famed Black journalist and scholar, Dr. Kathleen McElroy. She is a graduate of A&M and served for four years as director of the UTAustin School of Journalism and Media. She worked for 30 years at The New York Times, was a Pulitzer Prizes juror and has done research on the relationship between the news media and race — including in newsroom practices. Dr. McElroy was considered quite a catch and was welcomed here at A&M with great fanfare.

Oops. Her hiring ignited an Aggie bonfire. Regent Mike Hernandez said in an email to President M. Katherine Banks and Chancellor John Sharp that “granting tenure to somebody with this background is going to be a difficult sell for many on the (board).” He suggested they “put the brakes on this.” He added: “The New York Times is one of the leading main stream media sources in our country. It is common knowledge that they are biased and progressive leaning. The same exact thing can be said about the university (small u) of Texas. Yet that is Dr. McElroy’s résumé in a nutshell.” President Banks received several negative calls from former students including an organization called the Rudder Association. The Sul Ross Group of aging Ags also voiced its displeasure. Dr. McElroy was then

After the dirty dust had settled, President Banks resigned as did José Luis Bermúdez as interim dean of College of Arts and Sciences, which includes the journalism department, though he remains a professor here. Chancellor Sharp, taking a line from Sergeant Shultz in “Hogan’s Heroes,” said, “I see nothing. I was not here. I did not even get up this morning.” Dr. McElroy said no thanks and was paid off with $1 million, which is almost more than our head football coach Jimbo Fisher spills. You all know the embarrassing story of A&M professor Joy Alonzo who was placed on administrative leave after she was accused of making personal attacks against Lt. Gov. Patrick during a guest lecture at UTMB in Galveston. That accusation fell apart but it showed who actually runs Texas A&M. The latest problem has been with the 12th Man Trust set up to fund our athletes. The IRS said the group couldn’t do that and the fund was dissolved. In a press release they said, “The last thing we would want to do is bring any dishonor to Texas A&M University.” It’s too late. Any questions? Yes, you in back. Oh, why do our university leaders keep bowing to politicians and wealthy outsiders? That’s a great question but that’s old news.

Ashby

‘em at ashby2@comcast.net

the leader Puzzlers.

aCrOss

WORD SCRAMBLE

Greater Heights park nominated for national campaign

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A park in the Greater Heights area has been selected to be part of a national campaign focusing on revitalizing park space around the country.

Last week, the city of Houston announced that Woodland Park at 212 Parkview St. has been selected as one of nine projects in the 2023 Niagara Perk Your Park Grant Campaign from Niagara Bottling, through its charitable program, Niagara Cares, and in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

A news release from the city said the campaign is an initiative that focuses on park and community space revitalization nationwide and encourages engagement by asking the public to support a park project that should be selected to receive a grant. If Woodland Park is selected, the project would restore degraded habitat in the park, which is one of the city’s recently-designated nature preserves according to the release. Included as part of the project would be removing invasive species and planting new trees and un-

derstory vegetation. There will also be interpretive signage added along the park’s trail to educate visitors on the importance of the habitat at the site and the impact that natural areas have on flood mitigation, water quality, erosion control, and native wildlife.

“The Woodland Park Nature Preserve project will help the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s ongoing effort to build a healthier forested ecosystem in the city,” Parks and Recreation Department director Kenneth Allen said in the release.  “It will connect the community to the area, as well as support environmental education efforts for the department, along with improving our natural habitat. We encourage everyone to go online and show their support for our transformative project.”

Community members can nominate the Woodland Park Nature Preserve project once per day through Sept. 18 by going online to NiagaraPerkYourPark.com in efforts to try and help the Woodland Park Nature Preserve be one of the parks which receives the grant.

THE PUBLIC.

HHA seeking additional support for constable patrol program

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Houston Heights Association is looking for more members and donations to its constable patrol programs, and says it would have to reduce the number of constables on patrol if the goal is not met by the end of the year.

According to the HHA, there are currently 1,035 Heights Constable Patrol subscribers. The goal, according to a Facebook post from the organization, is have 1,175 subscribers by the end of the year. It would be $180 to subscribe to the program for the rest of the year as of Aug. 1, according to the organization. If they are not able to meet their goal, the organization said the number of patrolling constables officers would have

to be reduced from four down to three.

The organization says the program gives residents the ability to call the constable’s dispatch directly instead of having to be routed through 9-1-1, saving response times for potential safety issues when they arise. It provides home safety inspections and more including vacation watch, according to the HHA, and the organization says it increases public safety presence in the neighborhood including traffic law enforcement.

“This is program is crucial to improving safety in our community, and we hope you choose to support it so we can grow this program and add more deputies to patrol our streets,” the HHA wrote on Facebook.

Independence Heights house fire under investigation

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews. com

Houston fire authorities are still searching for the cause of a house fire in the Independence Heights area last week, according to the Houston Fire Department.

There were no reported injuries as a result of the fire, according to the fire department.

Crews from stations 15, 27, 30, 31, 34, and 58 responded to a call in 4000 block of Delhi Street in Independence Heights just after

5:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, according to the department, where firefighters found a one-story house on fire.

After making an offensive attack to subdue the fire, the department said crews conducted a primary search and found nobody inside the house.

The department’s arson investigators are still working to determine what began and led to the fire, which caused an estimated $50,000 worth of damage to the house, according to the department.

Police Reports • August 4-14

Photo

Photo from Facebook

Some birds are shown at Woodland Park,

Oak Forest Hometown Heroes

For The Leader

LC and Minnie Webb have been proud residents of Candlelight Plaza since 1974, a subdivision located in the Oak Forest neighborhood. They have been happily married for 55 years. LC served for 24 years in the US Army. A few areas he served included the 2nd Armored Division Service Battery at Fort Hood, three combat tours overseas, two tours

in Korea and one tour in Vietnam, Nuremberg Germany, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Anchorage, Alaska. LC achieved the highest rank of an enlisted man, Command Sergeant Major. LC and Minnie have been serving the community all their lives. LC served for many years as the Candlelight Plaza Head of Neighborhood Watch Program. That program required him to drive his personal

vehicle patrolling the neighborhood. He also manned the CB radio communications for countless hours ensuring the safety of the neighborhood. They are both avid gardeners who have loved planting and working their beautiful vegetable gardens for many years. Minnie has been a homemaker and beautician/entrepreneur for over 75 years. In her spare time, she prepared countless meals and cakes for the

sick and bereaving families in their community. Minnie was one of the first graduates of the iconic Franklin Beauty School. They have been faithful members of Garden Oaks Church of Christ since 1974. LC has been President of the Wise Owl Seniors Group for many years. LC also serves as President of the GOCC Food Pantry. Minnie and LC have also served on the Nursing home visitation ministry. Minnie has

managed the kitchen for Vacation Bible School, she is currently a member of the Bereavement and Sympathy ministry that sends cards to those impacted by the loss of a loved one. They are loving parents with an enormously generous heart that has served their immediate family along with their GOCC family and the community. We salute LC and Minnie as Oak Forest “Hometown Heroes.”

Contributed photos

LC and Minnie Webb are longtime members of the Garden Oaks Church of Christ and of the neighborhood since 1974. The couple has been married for 55 years and made notable impacts through service to their church and their community.

not paying attention to concerns that it could cause to the land in its path

“We’ve known this partnership was in the works only because of open records requests, but everyone involved was unwilling to provide us with more information, despite our counties being directly impacted by their project,” said Waller County Judge Trey Duhon, the board president of nonprofit organization Texans Against High Speed Rail, which has long fought the project on behalf of landowners in its route.

Last week’s announcement was just the latest development in a winding road that the proposed project has undergone.

In June 2022, the Texas Supreme Court voted 5-3 in favor of upholding the eminent domain rights of Texas Central. The ruling said Texas Central

and Integrated Texas Logistics, Inc., had the legal right to acquire the land needed to construct the $30 billion high speed rail, upholding a state appellate court’s previous decision on June 24, according to court documents. The ruling said Texas Central and Integrated Texas Logistics Inc. can be classified as interurban electric railway companies under the Texas Transportation Code.

Before that, the case previously originated in rural Leon County in 2019 – when it went before the Texas Supreme Court - when property owner James F. Miles sued Texas Central and an affiliated company over their right to survey his land for the project. A state district court judge in Leon County ruled in Miles’ favor, but a Texas appellate court subsequently ruled in favor of Texas

Central in May 2020, saying it is a valid railroad company and could therefore exercise eminent domain – the practice by which governments and traditional railroads can force property owners to sell their land.

According to Texas Central’s website, the high speed rail project will transport passengers between Houston and Dallas – a 240-mile trip – in less than 90 minutes while traveling more than 200 miles per hour, and Texas Central says the project will create thousands of new jobs along the route.

Texas Central and Amtrak have submitted applications to several federal programs in connection with further study and design work for the potential Dallas to Houston segment, according to the release. The former Northwest Mall site near the intersection

Local business is our business.

of U.S. 290, Loop 610 and Interstate 10 has been tabbed as the Houston station for the proposed railway.

“We appreciate Amtrak’s continued collaboration and look forward to continuing to explore how we can partner in the development of this important project,” Texas Central CEO Michael Bui said.

And city leaders in both Houston and Dallas have applauded the proposed partnership.

““This collaboration between Amtrak and Texas Central is a momentous milestone for the City of Houston,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “Our city is committed to advancing transportation initiatives that support economic growth and enhance quality of life for our residents. This agreement will accelerate the planning and

analysis necessary for the successful implementation of a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable rail system connecting Houston and Dallas.”

Opponents and those whose land is potentially impacted by the eminent domain ruling, however, say they will not give up on defending against the project.

“Amtrak has refused to give information to any elected official who inquired. TxDOT sent public information requests to the Attorney General,” Duhon said. “We are directly impacted and intentionally being kept out of the loop. This is unacceptable, and we will not allow this to continue.”

Good Luck from The Leader!

St. Thomas seeking to recapture top form

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The St. Thomas Eagles are a perennial TAPPS district title and playoff contender under head coach Rich McGuire. And especially after coming so close to scaling the mountain last season, the Eagles have their sights set on building from last season’s near miss.

St. Thomas is coming off a season where they went 10-2 overall and reached the TAPPS Division I state semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Dallas Parish Episcopal. And despite the strong overall season, the aftertaste was still bitter after falling just short of a shot at the state title – a shot St. Thomas hasn’t had in more than a decade.

But with a young and loaded team, McGuire said his Eagles are as hungry as ever to get back and take their shot.

“We’ve talked a lot about the fact that we don’t want to be the team crying in the locker room at the end – which we have been and that you are when you don’t win the last one. The kids want to get to the state championship, because we haven’t been there in a long time,” McGuire said. “They’re really focused on trying to get to there. They want to get back to being district champs and trying to make a run to get to

the state championship and take their swing.”

On offense, the show begins with senior dual-threat quarterback Donte Lewis, who is coming off a season in which he accounted for 3,129 total yards (2,478 passing, 651 rushing) and 37 total touchdowns in his first varsity season at St. Thomas. And McGuire said that while Lewis’ athleticism and arm talent separated him in the fight for the job last season, he now combines it with a comfort in the offense that was not present at times last season. “He’s a lot better because he’s not ‘learning’ anymore. He

knows the plays and knows the reads and that kind of stuff. He feels more comfortable in the offense,” McGuire said. “(Last year) we were getting to know him and he was getting to know us. There were some growing pains along the way, but he looks a lot better this year.”

And he’ll have plenty of weapons around him as well. In addition to Vanderbilt commit running back Johann Cardenas (1,371 all-purpose yards, 18 touchdowns), the Eagles boast All-District receiver Luke Edgecomb, who led the team with 649 receiving yards last season to go along with four touchdowns. Added to the mix

is senior Larry Benton (299 yards, three touchdowns) and quarterback-turned tight end Blaize Covington, who McGuire said has put on about 20 pounds of muscle since last season.

“We’ve got a lot of guys we just need to get the ball to in space,” he said.

But the offense will go, he said, as their offensive line goes. Both starting offensive tackles from last season in Sam Hanse and Jacob Husband are returning, as are Sam Feller and senior Jacob Davidson. And McGuire said it’s as strong a group as the Eagles have had in recent seasons.

“We feel we have an older group and a stronger group at offensive line than we’ve had in a while. I’m hoping it will help (all those other guys) play better because we have a better offensive line,” he said. “…. The performance is going to come down to how well that offensive line forms. If it forms to the level that I’m hoping, then we have a chance to be really good.”

On the defensive side of the ball, McGuire said the Eagles feel good about their top guys, and that the group has a chance to be special if all the pieces fall into place It begins up front with re-

turning defensive end MichaelAnthony Okwura (48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 TFL), who recently committed to the University of California, and sophomore Obinna Umeh. St. Thomas also returns linebackers Travis Day (68 tackles, 5 TFL) and Gunther Blencke, along with returning defensive backs Aron Valentine (59 tackles, two FR) and Keenan Bonner and Damarcus Batiste, who transferred to St. Thomas from Northbrook High School.

“We feel pretty good about the top 16-18 kids, and if we can stay healthy I think we’ll be really good defensively,” McGuire said.

Photo from Twitter

St. Thomas dual-threat quarterback Donte Lewis is one of several players to watch around the area this season.

Photo by Jack Potts Photography

The 2023 St. Thomas Eagles bring a loaded team to the table this season, hoping to make a run at a state championship.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Coming off last season’s playoff appearance, Waltrip High School head football coach Jeremy Kirt knows it might be a tough hill to climb back there after losing several key players to graduation. But he’s not letting that dim his optimism for the upcoming season.

The Rams are coming off a season in which they went 8-3 overall and finished in second place in District 9-5A with a 7-1 mark, making the program’s first UIL playoff appearance since the 2017.

And though a number of key figures have since graduated, Kirt believes that his team has it what it takes to make some noise if everything falls into place. The Rams will be younger this year, Kirt said, with only six seniors on the entire roster. But just because they’re younger, he believes in the process the program has set forth.

“The biggest key is making the kids understand the standard to which we do things and our process…. so it’s trying to get these seniors here to understand it’s a race to maturity,” he said. “It’s just (about) an understanding of what it takes to be successful here, and once we do that we’ll be able to sustain it.”

One of those senior leaders is Jaylen Middleton, who Kirt said will play on both sides of the ball for Waltrip as a running back and safety after rushing for 271 yards and seven touchdowns on the

Panthers building on foundations heading in 2023

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The St. Pius X Panthers have a strong base and foundation for success in 2023, according to head coach Greg Cranfill. And as they prepare to embark on the upcoming season on the gridiron, Cranfill believes pieces are in place for the Panthers to be contenders again.

St. Pius X is coming off a season in which they went 5-6 overall, including a playoff loss to eventual state runner-up Plano Prestonwood Christian in the first round. And though they lost some key pieces from last season, Cranfill said the foundation remains for a strong season.

“Every year is a brand new season – we have to continue to build on the things that we’re doing, but know the senior class we lost from last year had some pretty talented kids and leaves us some holes that we have to fill,” he said. “But the younger kids we have this year have done a great job through the off-season and summer strength and conditioning. So we’re looking to pick up right where we left off.”

One of the strengths of the Panthers heading into the season, Cranfill said, is on the defensive side of the ball, where they return starting linebackers C.J. Fowler, Jake Lozano, and Sam Williams while bringing in transfer Easton Dean at outside linebacker. At the corners are returners Ethan Mc-

ground last season – the most among the Rams’ returners.

Another key figure, Kirt said, is senior Jordan Crawford –who will play cornerback and as a wide receiver – as well as junior Jamyrie Glover, who played mainly special teams and linebacker last season but will play all over the field this season.

Everything for Kirt and the Rams, he said, starts up front. It will be a young offensive line, according to Kirt, and he said he will be looking to returning sophomore Isaiah Montez to lead that group.

“We’re just full of youth. But we look forward to what they can do, because if we can get

them up to speed with what we do and our process, we can be pretty good for years,” Kirt said.

And at the end of the day, Kirt simply wants his players

to embrace “the grind.” Every minute of every practice, he said, plays into the results on the field. And if they do that, he said, he believes the pieces will fall into place for his Rams

and put on capes,” he said.

to make some noise.

“You have to learn how to learn day by day so that on game day you reap the benefits. There are no superheroes, we don’t go in the locker room

“I just want them to worry about the process and fall in love with the grind. Just worry about the process, one step and one rep at a time.”

Minn and Jackson Rodgers. Meanwhile, Nick Woods and Alex Yearwood along with Atascocita transfer Cameron Brown patrol the back end at safety.

Up front, Nathan Alvarez and Joe Guzman lead the way for a unit that looks to be in strong position to begin the season.

“The strength right now for us is on the defensive side, because we return so many guys,” Cranfill said. “…. We feel really good about our defense.”

There is a little less certainty on the offensive side as the Panthers look to fill the hole left by two-year starter Bryce McKeon, who has graduated. Battling for that spot is a three-way competition between J.D. Sanford, Braxton

Bies, and Adrian Kithas according to Cranfill, who said he and his staff are looking for someone to step up and take the reins.

“I tell all three of them that we’ll provide the opportunity, and one of you is going to take a hold of it. And that’s what it comes down at every position,” he said. “We’re going to give you the opportunity to show us you can do what we ask you to do – but it’s on you to come out and perform. So that’s what we’re looking for.”

The Panthers also pose a young offensive line with just one returning starter in Chase Stepp, but Cranfill said those such as Miles Harper, Evan Wittmann, Luke Pitta-Lima, and Alex Velasquez have come a long way, and is encouraged by their play despite

a lack of varsity game experience.

SPX boasts an explosive running back in Josh Mitchell, who ran for 1,016 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and have five games of at least 100 yards, as well as twoway players in Yearwood and Easton Dean and freshman Isiah Peavy who Cranfill said has impressed with his play.

“We might start at least two freshmen on offense – not because we have to, but because we feel those kids are talented enough to step out and do it,” he said.

And while he has confidence in moving the football consistently, Cranfill said the Panthers are still looking for a consistent big play threat.

“I think we’re going to have no doubt in moving the

chains, but we need to find those guys who can have those breakout plays; guys who in one play can take it to the house And that’s everybody,” he said. “Everybody wants to have consistency offensively, but they also need players who can make those explosive plays.”

He also noted that maybe the biggest weapon the Panthers possess is in kicker/ punter Preston Kyle, who also plays on the school’s soccer team.

“He can flip the field immediately with the leg that he’s got. He’s an intelligent kid that understands the game,” Cranfill said. “He’s not just out there kicking – he understands the importance of field position and things as far as keeping it away from certain

people and things like that.”

Ultimately, he said, the Panthers – like most teams – are largely dependent on health in order to have the best seasons possible. But in the event that injuries should happen, he and his staff are working to develop their younger players and (current) reserves to potentially be a starter one day.

It’s simply a “next man up” mentality.

“At any given moment you could step into that “ones” huddle, and you’ve got to be ready to perform. That’s what we need from all of our guys. There’s talent everywhere –it’s just a matter of if we stay healthy and develop the depth we need in case something does happen.

Contributed

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

Bulldogs boast firepower as 2023 campaign begins

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Heights High School head football coach Stephen Dixon knows the explosiveness he possesses in his locker room on both sides of the ball. And if he has his way, the Greater Houston area will see it too by the time all is said and done.

As a whole, the Bulldogs had a solid season last year, finishing the season with an 8-4 overall record and reaching the area round for the second time in three seasons before falling to Fort Bend Hightower. But Dixon knows there is more in there, and more to his squad than meets the eye.

“I think that despite the things that we don’t have, we as coaches are continuing to stress to our players that we’ve got to continue to be grateful for what we’ve got,” he said. “We’re going to work on the minds of their kids and let them know they’re just as good, despite maybe lacking in certain things, as our suburban counterparts. Once we get our kids’ mindsets there, I believe we absolutely have the kids to achieve that goal, which is always to win a state championship.”

One of the key figures in Heights’ attack figures to be the offensive line, according to Dixon. Leading the charge

is senior four-year starter Frank Moss, who is committed to Texas Southern and was a member of the preseason Houston Touchdown Club’s All-Offense team. Beside him will be junior Devinn Farris, who currently holds offers from Arkansas State, UTSA, and Grambling State.

“If (Frank) was 6’2’’ he’d have every power five offer in the book. He’s that good,” Dixon said. “And when it’s all said and done, I think (Devinn) be a five-star kid, one of the best in the nation.”

And though the Bulldogs lost quarterback Allen Rainey to graduation, Dixon believes he still has plenty of explosiveness on that side of the ball. He has a pair of transfers

from Katy Mayde Creek in junior quarterback Reggie McNeal Jr. and wide receiver/ safety Zaylen Cormier, with the latter already holding Division I college offers from Mississippi State, Arkansas State, and Texas State.

And that is added to returners such as seniors Lamont Robins (443 yards, 6 touchdowns) and Nick Brown (228 yards, 1 touchdown) in the Bulldogs’ receiving core.

“(Zaylen), I think, is going to be one of the best receivers in the area,” Dixon said. “(And Reggie), there’s a kid that’s going to step off the map. He’s one of the most dynamic players I’ve ever had here since I’ve been the head coach.”

On defense, he said the Bulldogs’ defensive attack begins up front with returning linebackers Bryce Chevalier (77 tackles, 6 TFL) and Dylan Ray (39 tackles, 8 TFL) as well as Jaylon Bihms, who amassed 69 tackles along with a team-leading four sacks and 16 tackles for loss last season.

Jordan Clavelle (23 tackles, 6 TFL) and Trevon Duncan (33 tackles, 9 TFL), meanwhile, anchor the defensive line. On the back end, defensive backs Broderick Brown and Noah Sewell combined for 39 tackles and three interceptions last season while Joseph Diaz and Jacory Miller round out the key players for the secondary. And though they don’t have

as much depth (currently) as Dixon would like, he knows he has talent on both sides of the ball. And he is determined to show the city and state what his team can do.

“There’s a thing going

around Houston and everywhere that inner city, HISD schools will never compete (for a state championship), he said. “But I will never let my kinds believe in that statement.”

JOHN H. REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORTER

Class of 1974 BOBBY PENICK

to the school’s program after a couple of tough seasons.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Edwin Preston has turned Lutheran North Academy’s boys’ basketball team into an annual contender on the hardwood. Now, he’s looking to do the same on the gridiron as Lutheran North Academy embarks on a new journey in football – in more ways than one.

Preston is entering his first season as the school’s head football coach, in the same year that the Lions will be making the transition from 11-man football to six-man football as he looks to bring a football culture back to the school.

The Lions are coming off a season in which they went 0-9 a season after going 1-7. And in addition to bringing the school more wins, Preston said his aim is to bring a culture of joy back

“My major goal is just to teach the kids how to play the game right, have fun with it, and from that you’ll yield the results of winning,” he said. “But it’s not all about winning. It’s mostly about having fun and teaching them to play the game right, creating a culture here of fun and exciting football.”

As Lutheran North embarks on the new style of football, there are several leaders Preston is looking to in order to help the Lions as they start the six-man style. Three-sport star senior Tiras McNeal, who runs track and also plays on the school’s boys’ basketball team, will be one of the team’s leaders in the switch according to Preston.

But McNeal will not be alone. Also leading them, Preston said, will be Sion Cleveland and Isaiah Greenhouse – both of whom also play on the basketball team – as well as Petey Green and Kirstan Hawkins on the offensive line. In a more wide-open game such as sixman football, Preston believes that the athleticism of those

and other players will manifest themselves into positive results due to the wide open nature of the game.

“No matter what, football is football,” he said. “…. You just have to take some of those (11man) concepts and bring them

to six-man football. I really think (those guys) will be able to transfer it over.”

The new rules, such as of-

fensive linemen being eligible and more, will definitely take some getting accustomed to according to Preston. But once it clicks, he said he believes the hard work his team and coaches have been doing will pay off on the scoreboard.

“I think football players, especially those who come from 11-man they’ll be able to thrive in the six-man setting – especially on offense,” he said. “Give us a game or two, and we’ll be ok. I’ve got a good group of coaches with me that I’m really excited about.”

And even though every coach’s goal is to win when they step on the football field, Preston believes he has a bigger purpose than that.

“The biggest goal is to just reinvigorate the culture of football here, and give these guys something to be proud of,” he said. “When I took the job, that’s what my main focus was – give them something to be proud of again and bring some culture back. I want them to enjoy coming to and participating in here at Lutheran North.”

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

It’s been a tough few years on the gridiron for the Scarborough Spartans over the last several years, having won just a single game since the 2019 season. That said, that most recent win came last season, and could be something that the Spartans can build upon entering the 2023 campaign.

The Spartans are coming off a 1-9 season last year, and are under a first-year head coach this season in Darris Lewis. He is replacing Larkay James, who did not return for a third season at the school following the end of last season. Lewis comes to Scarborough from La Marque, where

he spent the last few seasons as the Cougars’ defensive coordinator.

With a small roster and some turnover, the Spartans typically have several players who play on both sides of the ball, and that will look to be no different this season.

Among the Spartans’ returners are dynamic senior running back Alex Jackson, who had several standout games last season including a 158-yard performance in the Spartans’ win over Pro Vision Academy. They will also return tight end/defensive end Tomas Alzan, who played both positions for the Spartans last season.

Just as they did last season, the Spartans will begin their season with a road against Pro Vision Academy at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 before playing their first home game at 7 p.m. on Sept. 1 against Sharpstown at Dyer Stadium. Among additional schedule highlights include a showdown with local foe Booker T. Washington to end the regular season on Nov. 2.

Spartans attempting to build momentum in 2023

File photo by Landan Kuhlmann

New coach aims to restore football culture at Lutheran North

The Heights Bulldogs run onto the field before a game last season. As they enter the 2023 season, the Bulldogs look like a loaded squad looking to make a run in District 18-6A.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the Booker T. Washington Eagles’ football team prepares to kick off its 2023 season next weekend, they do so on the heels of a historic regular season last year. And though they’re led by a new head coach, they have no plans on letting up.

Booker T. Washington went 9-1 last season, including a perfect 6-0 record in District 11-4A to claim the program’s first district championship in nearly 30 years. And despite losing some key contributors, new head coach Don Holloway has the team’s collective mind set on building on last year’s success. Holloway, who was an offensive assistant last season for the Eagles, is taking over for Kelvin Chatham, who left Booker T. Washington after two seasons to be the head coach at Aldine Davis. And Holloway is wasting no time trying to instill his mindset into the team.

“The biggest thing is just

having everybody on the same page and believing in the same core values and being accountable for each other,” Holloway said. “It’s all about making sure they’re here every day and working hard every day.”

Crucial the Eagles’ success this season, he said, will be the accountability and leadership of the team’s senior class as a new team comes together this season. Those such as linebackers Avery Ina (37 tackles, 6 TFL) and Tarrence Woods, along with wide/receiver defensive back Robert Hawkins, wide receiver/linebacker Daveon Houston and running

back/linebacker Mason, are those Holloway is looking to in order to lead the team this season.

As seniors, he said, he believes the senior class has the ability to hold a team together.

“We just want them to know that they’re all seniors and that we’re looking for a lot of accountability and leadership with them,” Holloway said. “This is their last year, and we always preach to them that we want their last year to be successful and for them to go out with a winning season. We don’t want any mishaps or ‘could have, should have,

would have’ situations at the end of the year. They want to lead the team in a way they’ll be remembered.”

The offense, he said, shouldn’t look much different than fans are used to, he said, but he’s excited to see what his offensive weapons can do. Leading the charge will be junior quarterback Cam Taylor, who was a wide receiver previously but has made the switch to quarterback for the Eagles – and early results have been encouraging, according to Holloway.

“He’s getting a little more accurate, he’s getting rid of the

2023 SCHEDULE

ball a lot faster, and his chemistry and timing with his receivers is getting a lot better,” he said. “And his mechanics are phenomenal. So even just a few weeks in, he’s looking really good.”

Defensively, Holloway said to look for his team to be more aggressive with a new defensive coordinator in tow in an effort to get the ball back to their weapons on offense.

“He’s going to have the kids flying around the field more aggressively, and we’re definitely going to be getting the backfield and causing havoc,” Holloway said.

As a whole, Holloway believes in his team’s ability to not only sustain last season’s success, but build on it. And that starts, he said, in their own locker room.

“It’s all about being on the same page, playing as one, and letting your brother know on each side of you that he can count on you,” he said. “Our motto is ‘We’re all we’ve got, we’re all we need.’ That’s basically what we’re trying to preach, and when the team is out on that field we need to be accountable.”

Booker T. Washington looks to continue resurgence in 2023

Review: Spice it up at Mala Sichuan

By Dan Greer For The Leader

On Mala Sichuan’s website, they quote an old Chinese saying, “China is the place for food. Sichuan is the place for flavor.” “Ma” and “La” refer to the type of spices in their food. Sichuan is a Chinese province well known for their outstanding culinary skills. What I will add to this is that Houston is the place to eagerly consume such a combination.

Their space is cozy and the décor is fun and interesting.

Some of the lighting resembles floating, candlelit lanterns and adds to the authentic feel. Decorative shelves of whimsical “Sichuan Cats” will greet you as you walk down a side hallway.

Our server arrived and though not very conversational, matter-of-factly answered several questions we had. The expansive menu had a lot to offer and we were ready to indulge. We started with the Red Oil Dumplings which are apparently a house favorite. Not being a huge dumpling guy (that

came out sounding weird), I entrusted one of my dining partners with the critique. She very much loved not just the plump and soft dumplings, but also the red chili sauce with garlic and sweet and spicy soy paste that was doused atop them. I ended up trying one and I really liked the flavor of that sauce.

Next came something I was also not quite sure about, the Crabmeat and Asparagus Soup. And a word of advice – when they say it serves 3-5 people, believe them. It arrived in a steaming hot, large bowl. It reminded me of a twist on egg drop soup. It was delicious, although it could’ve used more crabmeat. We had enough left over to take home for that night’s supper. The Spicy Crispy Chicken was a crowd pleaser. I mean, they had us at “spicy, crispy chicken.” The fried chicken is bite-sized and definitely crispy with a flavorful batter. Red chiles, peppercorns and bean paste round out the spices with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top.

Our seafood lover in the group opted for the Mala Prawns with Crispy Rice

Cracker. Sharing not being one of his stronger suits, I had to distract him to nab a prawn

from his plate. The sauce had a slight kick due to the jalapenos and dry red chilis. The shrimp were large and tender and the crackers took the edge off of the heat.

Chicken Stock Potstickers ended up being the most fought over dish on the table. A slight crisp on the outside combined with a delicious pork, green onion and sesame oil interior. There was also a small side dish of something they call their “proprietary dipping sauce.” I just called it addictive.

The newly-beloved potstickers were given a run for their money by the Crispy Mala Beef. The meat is thinly shredded with sliced celery, chopped jalapenos, peppercorns, bits of green onion, red chilis, chili sauce and soy sauce, among other things. I know I tasted some ginger as well, but our quiet server would neither confirm nor deny my inquisition. The bottom line…it was great. Their big bowl of steamed white rice paired nicely.

If you haven’t been to MKT Heights, you should definitely

check it out. Located right on the Heights Hike and Bike Trail, it offers a nice mix of dining, shopping and fun scheduled events, including family-friendly and kid-focused activities. There’s a free music and magic show coming up in August. Mala Sichuan is in a prime spot here and is also a good choice for some great Sichuan cuisine.

Mala Sichuan Bistro

Address: 600 N. Shepherd Dr. Dining Options: Dine-in, takeout

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday-Monday; closed Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Entrée prices: $11.99$24.99

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Alcohol: Yes

Healthy Options: Yes

Star of the show: Chicken Stock Potstickers

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Acres Homes farm wins big in H-E-B competition

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

An Acres Homes farm has now had its products cemented as one of the best the entire state has to offer after winning big at a competition hosted by a Texas grocery giant.

On Aug. 9, H-E-B announced the winners of its “Quest for Texas Best” competition, in which entrepreneurs from around the state enter unique food and drink products and

compete to have their creations recognized and later put on shelves for customers at H-E-B stores throughout the state – with local entrepreneurs winning big.

Verdegreens Farms, located at 1208 Bland St. in Acres Homes, was named a First Place winner in the competition for its Farmstand Salad Dressing, according to a news release from H-E-B, which earned them a $20,000 prize in addition to the salad dressings

future placement on H-E-B shelves. In total, Verdegreens and nine other entrepreneurs took home $185,000 in prize money according to the release.

According to its bio from the competition, Verdegreens incorporates methods that use less water than traditional agriculture. The farm is comprised of one-acre of hydroponic and one-acre of no-till organic production, according to the bio. The team of

Billy Trainor, Lynne Tolentino, David Philo, and Kyle Wiebe specializes in living lettuces, microgreens, culinary herbs, and seasonal vegetables, and creates pestos, sauces, and hummus. And now, they also have made-by-hand small batch Farmstand salad dressings in flavors such as Creole Cane Syrup Vinaigrette, Tahini Mint, and Lemon Caper Buttermilk.

Over the past few months,

the news release said H-E-B’s Business Development Managers viewed and reviewed nearly two dozen hours of video submissions for more than 600 products produced by entrepreneurs representing 132 cities across Texas before selecting the 10 finalists and winners.

The products will now be placed on H-E-B shelves throughout the state.

“Once again, we have seen and

tasted the best Texans have to offer, and we look forward to adding more Texas-made products to our shelves,” said James Harris the senior director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity. “Today, everyone walked away a winner, and we can’t wait to share with our customers the creative products from these amazing small businesses.”

Photo by Dan Greer

The Chicken Potstickers were the star of the show at Mala Sichuan.

Photo by Dan Greer

Mala Sichuan’s Crispy Mala Beef was possibly the runner-up star of the show, giving the potstickers a run for their money.