Today's starting lineup
The coach who could be the X-factor for the Texans this year? It's not DeMeco Ryans or another newcomer but someone who's been around for the past two disastrous seasons, writes Jerome Solomon. As C.J. Stroud prepares for the preseason finale, how pinpoint ball placement has helped the rookie quarterback make strides. And as injuries mount, the Texans make a trade with the Cardinals for offensive tackle Josh Jones, a UH alum.
If you missed the Astros' getaway day game Thursday, well, you didn't miss much as the Red Sox hammered J.P. France in a debacle that ended with veteran catcher MartÃn Maldonado on the mound. Matt Kawahara shares his takeaways from the series split against Boston. Michael Brantley, meanwhile, will head back to a rehab assignment with Sugar Land for at least a couple more games.
Returning kicks has become UH's forte in recent seasons. The Cougars are now looking for a new leading return man as their first Big 12 football season nears. In Austin, Ridge Point graduate Adonai Mitchell brings SEC and championship experience to Texas' receiver corps after two seasons at Georgia.
The high school football season kicked off around Texas on Thursday night. We have coverage from opening night around Houston, including Seven Lakes ending a marathon night with an overtime win over Memorial and Eisenhower rallying past Morton Ranch for a win in local football legend Odell James' coaching debut. Check out our local roundup for more around the area.
Stat of the day: 10-7. The Astros' record against former manager A.J. Hinch since he went to Detroit in 2021, including a 7-0 mark last season.
 | Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor |
Texans / NFL
Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer
The X-factor?
From Ross, the holdover coordinator from the past two regimes, guides a special-teams unit that ranked No. 2 in the NFL last season and could have a big impact on the 2023 Texans season, writes Jerome Solomon.
- On the mark: His pinpoint ball placement helps the Texans' C.J. Stroud make strides in a league where a quarterback hitting his spots can go a long way.
- Trade and homecoming: With several injuries involving offensive tackles, the Texans are acquiring Josh Jones, a UH product, from the Cardinals.
- Second time around: The Texans re-sign guard Keaton Sutherland, who had been with them earlier in training camp.
- Straight from the top: Texans CEO Cal McNair answered fan questions and gave some juicy hints about uniform changes the franchise is planning for 2024.
Astros / MLB
Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer
Split decision
Astros beat writer Matt Kawahara shares his takeaways from the series split with Boston that ensured Houston would depart for Detroit still looking up at Texas in the AL West standings.
- Roughed up: Houston's bullpen was taxed yet again after a disastrous start by J.P. France, who allowed 10 runs in two-plus innings.
- Staying on the farm: Michael Brantley will continue his rehab assignment with Class AAA Sugar Land into the weekend before the Astros determine his next move.
- Another arm shuffle: With their bullpen needing a fresh arm, the Astros call up Brandon Bielak from Sugar Land.
- On deck: Astros at Tigers: Besides going against ex-manager A.J. Hinch, the Astros will likely face Miguel Cabrera for the last time this weekend in Detroit.
College Football
Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer
Coogs' calling card
Owning one of the nation's top punt-return units, UH will have to sort through a list of candidates to handle punt and kickoff return duties in their Big 12 debut.
- Winner comes to Austin: After two years at Georgia, Adonai Mitchell wanted to be closer to home. The Ridge Point graduate brings championship experience to Texas' receiver corps.
High School Football
Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer
On the right foot
Seven Lakes started 0-5 last year but is off to a promising start in 2023 after working overtime for a season-opening win over Memorial.
- Eisenhower 18, Morton Ranch 16: Eisenhower scores a late touchdown to cap a rally and stun Morton Ranch to give Houston football legend Odell James a win in his debut as head coach.
- Iowa Colony 38, Fort Bend Christian 13: In a matchup of contrasting styles, Iowa Colony's speed more than offset a more power-oriented look from Fort Bend Christian.
- Around the area: The opening night of the season featured several blowouts across the Houston area, but also some closely contested games.
- Scoreboard: Thursday's scores from the Houston area and around the state of Texas.
- One last ride: Quarterback Tucker Parks begins his last year of high school football leading a Klein Collins squad with high expectations.
- All about the process: Porter coach Billy Russell said the Spartans were three plays from having an outstanding year last season and is optimistic going into 2023.
High School Volleyball
Photo by: Kirk Sides, Staff Photographer
Pushing through
After suffering knee and ankle injuries early in her career, senior middle blocker Adell Murray has excelled and is determined to build on success with Fort Bend Austin.
- Time to reflect: Veteran coach Christie Mewis, who started at Kingwood in 2018, won her 500th career game recently.
Gymnastics
Photo by: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
A new landscape
When Simone Biles pulled out of Tokyo Olympics events in 2021, it sent shockwaves through already scandal-plagued U.S. gymnastics. Her comeback finds the sport changed, but has it gotten better?
- Out in front: Asher Hong, a 19-year-old sophomore at Stanford who has trained in Houston, took the lead on the opening night of the U.S. men's gymnastics championships.
Worth a read
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