On Thursday, August 25th, the Varsity Football team had our season opener at HBU Stadium against Legacy Prep. After experiencing a slight delay due to lightning in the area, the game was officially underway at 5:00PM. The Vikings won the coin toss and chose to receive. The first half saw little ball movement from either team. Both teams tried to establish their run games early and often, but it was the defensive side of the ball that made plays and big tackles. The Vikings defense was highlighted by the twin linebackers, Jeremy and Jon S. The twins showed great range from sideline to sideline, pursuing the ball and making tackles for losses. The Legacy passing attack was non existent. Max P was on an island all night against their physical 6’3" wide receiver. Max stuck with him stride for stride, had multiple pass breakups, and the physical Wide Receiver did not record a single catch.

The second half was more of the same. The defenses were digging in and winning the battle up front. It was a battle of field position, which is a battle the Vikings lost in the first half. After recording a few first downs, the field position swung in the Vikings favor, and RB, Khalil M, broke off a 31 yard run. The score remained tied entering the 4th after the drive stalled. The first score of the game came at the 7:00 mark in the 4th when Legacy Prep got their ground game going. The 2 point conversion failed, but the Vikings now trailed, 6-0. The Vikings were forced to punt on their next possession, but the defense stepped up, forcing a 3 and out from Legacy. With under 3 minutes remaining in the game, the Vikings went hurry up offense, and had a few quick hitters that Robinson connected on to Viking wide receivers. After 2 connections, the Vikings called another pass play, but this time, Max P got behind the defense. Robinson let it fly and connected with Palmer on a 70 yard score! The Vikings tied it up 6-6 with a big PAT coming. Kicker, Owen M, stepped up and split the uprights giving the Vikings the lead, 7-6, with 2:45 to play in the game. It was now Legacy ball at the 25 after a touchback kickoff. Legacy then ran an out-route, but sophomore cornerback, Cade B, jumped the route and took it to the house for a pick 6! The PAT was no good, but the Vikings now had a 13-6 lead. The very next possession, history repeated itself. Legacy ran an out-route to the short side of the field and Cade B read it perfectly. He jumped the pass and returned it for another Viking touchdown! The Vikings now led 19-6!

After 3.5 quarters of scoreless action, both teams combined for 25 points in the final 7 minutes of the game. All of the Vikings 19 game points were scored in the final 2 minutes and 45 seconds of the game. More than anything else, this game showed the resiliency and consistent effort from our young Viking team. It showed that lightning can strike at any point, and to keep playing until the final whistle. The team will enjoy their win and return to practice on Monday to prepare for next Friday’s visiting opponent and sister school, Windermere Prep, from Florida. Kick off for that game is at 7:00PM on Friday, September 2nd at HBU Stadium.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
http://www.hudl.com/video/2/177348/57c2e7f23bd81562f41da025

Positive Coaching Alliance has announced their list of finalists for the 2016-17 Triple Impact Competitor Scholarship Award. “A Triple Impact Competitor is a person who strives to improve themselves, their teammates, and their sport as a whole.” Seniors, Amber P and Charlotte S, have been nominated as 2 of the finalists from the Houston area. With over 3,200 applications sent in, the field has narrowed significantly. This type of national recognition speaks volumes about Amber and Charlotte’s character, excellence in their sports, and commitment to their teammates and coaches. There cannot be two more deserving individuals for this award. The Village School is proud of Amber and Charlotte for representing their school, programs, and family with the highest level of integrity and grace. Keep up the great work!

For a link to see the finalists, click the link below:

http://positivecoach.org/the-pca-blog/2016-triple-impact-competitor-scholarship-finalists/?utm_source=h5m&utm_medium=e&utm_campaign=tic

On Monday, August 22nd, the Village School hosted its first Sports Media Day for their fall sport high school teams. When the athletes walked in the gym, it immediately became a fun atmosphere. Music was playing through the loudspeaker. A slideshow of our athletes was playing on the drop-down projector. Double Daves Pizza catered the event, which the athletes certainly enjoyed. Our Village Vikings posed for group shots, took team photos, and individual head shots. Our Seniors posed for their Senior banner. We also snapped the photo of our Fall Media Guide Cover, which features 2 athletes from each of our Varsity teams! Valor the Viking was there to liven the atmosphere and enjoy the festivities.

Once all of the photos we taken, our very own Head of School, Gabriella Rowe, and Athletic Director, Dustin Embrey, were interviewed by members of our Viking Media team and our Sports Information Director, Nick Petito. Following them were interviews from our three Varsity Head Coaches: Chandace Tryon- Girls Volleyball, Scott Mastro- Cross Country, and Kevon Bagot- Football. Accompanying the Head Coaches were 2 athletes from their teams. The interviews were both fun and informative. Coaches and players both gave insightful responses to the questions that were asked and provided a unique and personal perspective on the culture of their programs. The consistent theme from all of the programs was the emphasis on developing our student-athletes into leaders who will learn the importance of working together, hard work, and sacrifice. All key ingredients that make a person (and team) successful. As our Head of School, Gabriella Rowe, said when asked about the importance of athletics, “It is not the culture of one, but the culture of all.” Village Vikings are modeling a Culture of Champions. Together we will be successful.

More to come on Sports Media Day, including: photos, interview footage, and quotes from our athletes and coaches! Stay Tuned!

Kevon Bagot is entering his second year as Head Coach. When asked about the philosophy of his program, he responded by saying, “To inspire, lift, and change the face of Village Athletics. Increase athletic participation, build men of character, get every player feeling important and unified in purpose. Encourage open and honest communication between staff and players, as well as focus on solutions rather than problems.” As you can see, the values of this program extend well beyond the football field. Football is the tool that is used to teach our young players values such as honesty, determination, loyalty, and excellence. Excellence is a word that is commonly used in Coach KB’s program. Coach KB defines EXCELLENCE is a variety of ways:

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way
Excellence allows the ordinary person to reach extraordinary results
Excellence is striving to reach your full potential
Excellence is striving for success
Excellence is the habit of being the best you can be

When Coach KB was asked about his goals for the season, he said, “To commit to core values, build a brand, win 8 games, make the TAPPS Independent State Playoff, and make sure everyone understands their role in building success.” With outstanding leadership from his captains, Patrick S, Keagan T, Max P, and Jon S, the team will certainly stay focused and have excellent players to model a high level of focus and consistency that produces high results.

Coach KB was excited about this year’s team. They have been working hard the entire off-season and pre-season.. “Despite the weather, we are still able to accomplish a lot. Our focus has been on leadership the first two weeks, making sure student-athletes feel the importance of not only the coaches, but the captains as well.”

“It’s a great time to be a Village Viking! So far the football program is on the right path. I am truly comfortable with where the program is in relationship to the start of last season. Our first scrimmage, although pointed out a few flaws, showed how far we’ve come. We have added a new look this year with uniforms and players, the student-athletes will have something to fight for with newly set TAPPS Independent Playoffs. I am looking forward to the season, it is my hope to build camaraderie around the team and teach the kids my philosophy on leadership. We have a big task at hand and a few obstacles in our way however we are prepared and understand the quality of hard work. "

The Village Vikings start their season on Thursday, August 25th, at HBU Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:30PM. Come support your Varsity football team and GO VIKINGS!

Please see the attached information flyer from King Daddy Sports regarding our Village Tennis Center!