Convenience Big Store: Rockstar rushers: Houston-area running backs have big weeks

October 9, 2023

Houston-area running backs were on fire last week, leading their teams to big district victories

Rockstar rushers put on an impressive show last week.

Running backs were all the buzz around the Houston-area high school football scene with big performances in key district matchups.

Klein Collins senior Michael Wilson helped the Tigers earn a huge victory against a state-ranked Tomball Memorial squad. Fulshear senior Davion Godley only needed a dozen carries to get north of 200 yards during a win over Friendswood. And Magnolia senior Hunter Andrews was unstoppable as the Bulldogs knocked off crosstown rival Magnolia West in dominant fashion.

The list goes on and on. Seven running backs were named top performers this week.

Three weekend takeaways

Bullish on Bishop: Speaking of top performers, Willis sophomore Jermaine Bishop has certainly been one this season. He showed off his playmaking ability and versatility during the Wildkats' blowout victory against College Park in District 13-6A play last Thursday. Head coach Trent Miller proclaimed Bishop as the "best prospect in the 2026 class" after an electric performance on offense, defense and special teams. The 5-foot-10, 150-pound dynamo returned a kickoff for a touchdown, had 93 receiving yards and another score and nabbed an interception on defense for the 7-0 state-ranked Wildkats.

Heart of the Lions: Yates picked up a critical victory against Houston ISD rival Furr on Saturday evening, rallying from a halftime deficit to remain unbeaten in District 11-4A Division I action. The Lions have won four straight games after opening the season with blowout losses against Dallas Carter (65-0) and Madison (63-24). Since that point, Yates has outscored its opponents 153-80. Worthing is the only other team still undefeated in the Lions' district, and the title could be on the line when they meet Nov. 3.

Schedule heating up: With each passing week, the playoff picture around the Houston area is coming into focus. There are several big matchups in Week 8, including a Class 3A showdown between Columbus and Hitchcock. That contest is one of just 10 matchups around the state that features a pair of unbeaten teams. Pearland and Dawson will renew their rivalry with flawless district records on the line. Hightower and George Ranch will clash with second place in their district hanging in the balance. Check out the full schedule here and get ready for this week's action.

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

Follow all our coverage at houstonchronicle.com/highschoolsports.

Jon Poorman, High School Sports Editor

jpoorman@houstonchronicle.com

Athlete of the Week

This week's nominees feature four cross country district champions, three talented football players and three volleyball standouts. Check out the list and vote for your favorite. Voting ends at midnight Wednesday, and the winners will be recognized in Thursday's newsletter.

VOTE for Girls Athlete of the Week

VOTE for Boys Athlete of the Week

Shout out

Madison junior quarterback Camben Emanuel was recognized last week as the Love of the Game Award winner, an honor handed out by Dave Campbell's Texas Football. The award is designed to recognize 10 student-athletes across the state for "leaving it all out on the field" and "serving as a great example for their teammates and peers." Emanuel received $500 to use toward his college tuition. He has passed for 1,150 yards and 20 touchdowns against just one interception through seven games this season. He has also rushed for seven scores for the 4-3 Marlins.

Stat of the day

497: The number of combined points Columbus and Hitchcock have outscored their opponents by this season. The Cardinals have outpaced their foes by 251 points, while the Bulldogs are close behind at 246. The two undefeated state-ranked teams will meet Friday in a game that will likely decide the District 12-3A Division I championship. Hitchcock won 33-28 last season.