Convenience Big Store: H-Town Proud: Scarborough off to strongest start in 22 years; Yates keeps building

September 21, 2023

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Scarborough starts unbeaten, turns focus to ending long district losing streak

They are holding their heads up high in northwest Houston.

Tonight, the Scarborough Spartans — off to its best start since 2001 at 3-0 — takes on a formidable Worthing (1-2) squad as District 11-4A Division I gets underway 7 p.m. at Cowart Stadium.

New head coach Darris Lewis came to the program in May and instantly made a winning culture of a point of emphasis.

"It's so cliché, but everybody says they want to come in and change culture," Lewis told the Chronicle's Jon Poorman earlier this week. "Even though everybody says it, that is the truth. Until you change the culture, until you change the mindset, winning will never be a viable option. I think at this point, we're on the borderline of actually becoming a winning program because of the kids' mindset."

The Spartans' track record of being one of the most unsuccessful programs in the state is well-documented. Scarborough lost 59 consecutive games from 2009 to 2015, the third-longest streak in state history. The Spartans are currently in the midst of the state's second-longest district losing streak at 88 games.

Scarborough opened the season with a 44-0 rout of Pro-Vision Academy and followed that up with an 18-6 triumph against Sharpstown. The Spartans' most recent victory came in a 26-0 contest against KIPP Northeast.

The Chronicle's Marcus Gutierrez caught up with the Yates Lions this week. The Lions (1-2) play at Cowart Stadium Friday at 7 p.m. against North Forest (2-1) to begin District 11-4A Division I.

After a tough start to the season with losses to Dallas Carter and Madison, the Lions defeated Wharton on Sept. 8 before its bye last week.

Yates got back to work with eyes on another postseason berth.

"We got better in the bye week after being Wharton," second-year Yates coach Rafael Thomas said. "We cleaned some things up and we still have things to work on. I think we're on the right track heading into district. It's all going to come down to execution."

Three things to watch

North Shore defense: The North Shore Mustangs bring a 37-game district winning streak in Friday's 21-6A opener at home against Beaumont United. The No 2 state ranked Mustangs — with three returning starters — have allowed 160 yards per game and a total of 26 points in non-district play.

Godley plays big: Three years ago, Fulshear senior running back Davion Godley was a B-team slot receiver as a freshman. Now the 5-foot-8, 194-pound senior is one of the most prolific running backs in the Greater Houston area.

Lagway leads the way: Willis 5-star quarterback DJ Lagway has tossed 5 touchdown passes in three games this year. He credits his camaraderie with the rest of the offense as the Wildkats are 4-0 for the first time since 2016.

Follow all our coverage at houstonchronicle.com/highschoolsports.

Note to coaches: Submit scores and stats on game nights by emailing hssports@houstonchronicle.com.

Jon Poorman, High School Sports Editor

jpoorman@houstonchronicle.com

Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to Summer Creek volleyball player Aspen Maxwell, who was voted Girls Athlete of the Week. Maxwell was one short of a career high with 20 kills in a five-set victory against Humble, hitting .441 with 11 digs, a block and an ace.

Congratulations to Randle football player Landen Williams-Callis, who was voted the Boys Athlete of the Week. Williams-Callis, who is already attracting the eye of Division I recruiters, carried 18 times for 226 yards and three touchdowns in his team's 41-24 victory over Bryan.

Check Monday's newsletter for a new set of candidates.

Shout out

The Tomball Memorial volleyball team entered the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 6A state poll this week at No. 21 and was also ranked No. 10 in the Chronicle's Houston-area rankings on Monday.

The Wildcats then made the short trip to rival Tomball Tuesday evening and defeated the defending district-champion Cougars in a thrilling five-set match. It was the first win over the Cougars since 2021.

Coached by Sydney Lynch, Tomball Memorial sits alone atop District 15-6A with a 26-8 record overall and 4-0 mark in league play.

Stat of the day

37: The number of receptions by Pasadena senior Alijah Cruz through four games. The Eagles are off to a 3-1 start to the season and Cruz's 9.3 receptions per game has been a big reason why. Cruz has also hit the end zone seven times, which ranks second in all of the Houston-area as well.