The 2025 high school volleyball season tips off around the state this week as Austin High, Lake Travis and Cedar Park lead the area as Central Texas’ top three preseason teams. They’ll hope to play for a state title in late November.
Sports
How Shorts, Reels, and Stories are Changing the Way Sports Fans Consume Content in MENA
Entertainment as we know it is changing. And changing fast. Screens once dominated by full-length broadcasts have transformed into rapid-fire feeds of reels, shorts, and stories. Entertainment as we know it is changing. And changing fast. Screens once dominated by full-length broadcasts have transformed into rapid-fire feeds of reels, shorts, and stories. To help sports […]

Entertainment as we know it is changing. And changing fast. Screens once dominated by full-length broadcasts have transformed into rapid-fire feeds of reels, shorts, and stories.
Entertainment as we know it is changing. And changing fast. Screens once dominated by full-length broadcasts have transformed into rapid-fire feeds of reels, shorts, and stories.
To help sports rights holders keep up with fans’ unquenchable thirst for content, WSC Sports developed the industry’s leading platform for creating innovative AI-tailored content experiences that help organizations deepen the connection with their fans. To get a better understanding of the latest content trends, we analyzed data from over 550 of the world’s leading sports rights owners that use our platform.
According to the data, the average length of videos created by sports rights holders on the WSC Sports platform has decreased by 24% year over year to an average of 1:11 minutes. In the MENA region, the average video length is just 1:05–-almost a 10% difference compared to the rest of the world.
Even websites and streaming apps traditionally associated with long-form video are being affected by this shift. YouTube Shorts, for instance, now account for over 20% of all videos uploaded to the platform. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Stories across have conditioned fans to expect fast, punchy, highly engaging content—especially in sports, where every second can feel like a highlight.
Impact on the Sports Industry
For sports rights holders it’s a signal to adapt quickly, if you haven’t already. Long-form content will always have its place, especially for live broadcasts and deep storytelling. But the window to capture fan attention before and after the game is narrowing.
And here’s the catch: a lot of organizations are investing millions—sometimes hundreds of millions—just to secure the rights to live sports. Maximizing the value of that investment means extending the life of each broadcast as long as possible. That’s where short-form content comes in.
By slicing key moments into dynamic, bite-sized videos optimized for social, mobile, and on-demand platforms, teams, leagues, and broadcasters can get exponentially more return on the rights they’ve acquired—especially in a region with one of the highest average screen times. In Saudi Arabia and Egypt for example, the typical smartphone owner spends 4 ½ hours per day on their phone. That’s more than a half hour longer than the global average.
When it comes to vertical content—that could be anything from a 4:5 post on Instagram to 9:16 reels and stories—organizations from the MENA region are also outpacing their global counterparts by creating 13% more vertical videos on average. In total, the majority of videos created by WSC Sports’ clients—an astounding 67%—were in a vertical format.
If short-form consumption continues to rise—and there’s every reason to believe it will—organizations that don’t recalibrate their content strategy risk falling behind in the race for relevance and reach.
What Rights Holders Are Doing—And What They Need to Do
To keep up, many organizations have ramped up their short-form production, and even hired dedicated teams to manage everything “content”. From finally saying yes to opening that TikTok account, to adapting to new content formats like shorts and stories, the push is clearly there. But creating this volume of content quickly, accurately, and at scale remains a challenge—and only one piece of the puzzle.
To engage today’s evolving audiences, broadcasters and rights holders must begin operating more like digital entertainment platforms by blending innovation, content, culture, and personalization to connect with different fans.That means providing experiences they’ve come to expect, like an app filled with the type of videos already being created for social. An app should also be home to anything you’d find on an organization’s website including tickets, news, standings, and upcoming events—the key differentiator here: you own and access user data in your app, something that you miss when only publishing to social media platforms.
Sound like a lot? That’s because it is. Traditional production and post-production workflows weren’t built for this kind of pace. And while some teams might have the manpower to produce content in real and near time, it’s often reactive, inconsistent, and difficult to maintain—especially across multiple platforms, formats, and audience segments.
AI-Automation is No Longer a ‘Nice to Have’
Just like every other industry, sports organizations will need to adopt the latest AI tools to stay in the game and keep their brands competitive. WSC Sports helps rights holders meet fans where they are—with automated, personalized video content that’s ready for every screen, every moment, and every platform. Our AI-powered platform takes live broadcast streams and transforms them into short-form videos, built for the way fans consume content.
Who’s Doing it Best?
We’ve seen firsthand how our global client base is leveraging the WSC Sports platform to not only meet the demand for short-form—but to lead it.
- The NBA: produces hundreds of real-time, personalized highlight packages per night, delivered to the NBA app, social accounts, and more
- NASCAR: delivers real-time highlights to its Timeline Feed in the NASCAR app so fans can follow along with zero delay
- Bayern Munich Basketball: creates scores of videos for social media and their mobile app—including in new content formats like stories.
These organizations aren’t just increasing brand reach—they’re winning more engagement with content. And the success has been measurable.
Download the Full Report
The data is pretty clear: short-form is getting shorter, and it’s only gaining momentum. As platforms shift and fan behavior evolves, rights holders need to stay ahead—not scramble to catch up.
At WSC Sports, we’re helping organizations take control of the moment. Let’s make sure your fans never miss a second—even when seconds are all they’ve got. Download the report and learn about the 5 latest trends in sports content.
Sports
Texas high school track & field state champion found dead in his home
All hs coaches work toward & dream of having a state champion on their team, in all sports. Thank you Roy Hughes jr., for help making the current Legendary Lincoln T&F Staff dream come true. Gone too soon, but will never be forgotten. Tiger 💜! 🐅🦾🥇@LegendaryLHS pic.twitter.com/8yg1AWCd2q — Lincoln Athletics (@LHS5PS) August 9, 2025 A […]

A Texas high school track and field state champion has died unexpectedly.
According to KDFW in Dallas, Roy Hughes Jr. was found unresponsive in his home after he came home from practice on Friday. His mother, Virginia Mosley, told the station that Hughes Jr. fell asleep and never woke up. Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived at the home and pronounced him dead.
Hughes Jr. was several days away from starting his senior year at Lincoln Heights High School (Dallas). A few months ago, he won the Texas 4A state title in the 300 hurdles in a time of 36.58 seconds.
According to his X page, Hughes Jr. had a 3.7 grade point average and recently took an unofficial college visit to UT Arlington. According to the TV station, an autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death.
A ballon release was held this afternoon at Lincoln High School to honor Hughes Jr.
Sports
Women's Sports in Oregon Portland Thorns vs. Seattle Reign & WNBA returning
Sports
The Incredible Comeback of Elite U.S. Star Track Athlete
Track is going through a revolution. Advances in shoe technology and professionalized training bleeding into youth athletics is producing unprecedented performances. The sport is becoming younger and younger by the year. For example, in the ~50 years since Jim Ryun became the first US high schooler to break 4:00 in the mile, ten athletes accomplished […]

Track is going through a revolution. Advances in shoe technology and professionalized training bleeding into youth athletics is producing unprecedented performances. The sport is becoming younger and younger by the year.
For example, in the ~50 years since Jim Ryun became the first US high schooler to break 4:00 in the mile, ten athletes accomplished the feat. But in the last five years alone, twenty high school boys broke the 4:00 barrier.
Hobbs Kessler, a 1,500m specialist from the US, recently alluded to how much the competition has stepped up in the last year alone. He placed 5th in 1,500m Olympic final last year but failed to make the 2025 World Championship team. The staggering progression in the sport makes Donovan Brazier’s comeback all the more impressive.
Any track fan is familiar with Brazier, but if you are not, here’s a brief reminder. He was the 4th fastest all-time US high schooler in the 800 meters back in 2014 and a NCAA champion the subsequent year when he ran 1:43.55. That time broke Jim Ryun’s 50 year junior record (under 20), which stood until Cooper Lutkenhaus’ recent performance at the US trials.
He turned pro after one collegiate season then signed with Nike. In 2019 became a World Champion, American record holder in the 800 meters, and was awarded the Jesse Owens award for best US track athlete. He was the first American to ever win a world title in the 800. Over the next two years he continued his dominance, setting the indoor American 800 record (twice) and running an impressive 3:35 over 1,500 meters. Suffice it to say he was on top of the sport.
However, a series of injuries and multiple surgeries between 2021-2023 kept him off the start line for nearly three years, in a time when the sport was progressing faster than ever. In arecent interview with CITIUS Mag, Brazier mentions he hasn’t really been healthy since 2021, despite racing a bit in the winter of 2022.
The Comeback
Due to the nature of Brazier’s foot injuries, running really wasn’t an option for a long time. He tried to maintain some fitness using the elliptical and bike (imagine seeing the world champion next to you at Planet Fitness). But he was basically completely removed from the sport, not even watching or keeping up with major events. In early 2025 he linked up with coach Mike Smith in Flagstaff, AZ to start a return to the sport, not really knowing what to expect.
The 800 meters has gotten so strong in America, we just have to manage our expectations
– Donovan Brazier
He started training somewhat seriously in March of 2025, and one of his first workouts back was 2 sets of 4 x 400 meters in 1:12 with about a minute of rest between each (at altitude). It had him absolutely dying and questioning whether he could regain his fitness. To put it in perspective, this is a guy who a few years ago could run two consecutive 400’s in about 51-52 seconds each.
As an exercise physiologist and someone who trains quite a bit at similar distances myself, let’s just say I would probably would have shared his concerns. But, fast forward to June and he wins a small 800m race in Nashville in 1:44. Unbelievable. Then, in August, he runs the fastest time of his life (1:42.16) and becomes the US champion. Even more unbelievable.
Unlike team or more skill-based sports, pure fitness is a huge part of success in track, which is what makes this story so impressive. Within 4-5 months, Brazier went from struggling in a workout that a well-trained recreational runner could complete, to being back on top of the most grueling event in track, ready to compete for a medal on the World Championship stage in September. It goes to show the amazing things the body can accomplish with the right mindset and training.
Sports
50 Austin-area players to watch this season
The 2025 high school volleyball season tips off around the state this week as Austin High, Lake Travis and Cedar Park lead the area as Central Texas’ top three preseason teams. They’ll hope to play for a state title in late November. As part of the American-Statesman’s coverage this season, we ranked the top 45 […]

As part of the American-Statesman’s coverage this season, we ranked the top 45 Austin-area players, headlined by our top 10 preseason players, heading into the 2025 campaign. They represent more than two dozen different schools and multiple grade levels. There are several college-committed players on the list, including future Texas Longhorns.
Players are listed alphabetically:
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Henley Anderson, Dripping Springs
The 6-foot-3 senior outside hitter will play for Texas and is the two-time Central Texas player of the year and a three-time national team member. She slammed 549 kills last season for the Tigers, who went 46-3. She also hit .287 with 59 blocks and 66 aces.
Gentry Barker, Lake Travis
The 6-foot junior transferred from defending Class 5A state champion Lucas Lovejoy and is regarded as the state’s top recruit for her class. She was the 5A player of the year last year and also earned state tournament MVP honors after leading Lovejoy past Cedar Park in the UIL state title match. She is committed to San Diego State and averaged a double-double last year with 484 kills and 483 digs.
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Chloe Frizzell, Anderson
Anderson’s 6-foot-3 middle blocker had a tremendous freshman season while playing alongside All-Central Texas standout Parker Duncan, who’s now at Arkansas. Frizzell averaged two blocks and just over two kills per set as the Trojans’ third option, but should be a standout this year as they look to defend their District 24-5A title.
Dripping Springs’ Henley Anderson (22) sends a kill attempt over the net while playing in an away game against Lake Travis in Lakeway, Sept. 24, 2024.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Jenna Hehman, Vandegrift
Heman, a 6-foot senior outside hitter, was a key to the Vipers’ run to the Class 6A final four, producing 580 kills, 50 blocks, 291 digs and 33 aces. District 25-6A’s hitter of the year also earned TGCA all-state honors who was a versatile six rotation player. She has committed to Louisiana Tech.
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Mya Ibarra, Johnson
The six rotation outside hitter was the 2024 Central Texas newcomer of the year, earning first-team all-district honors after playing a key role in the Jaguars’ 41-7 season that included a district championship and run to the regional finals. The 5-foot-10 sophomore is a member of the 2024 AVCA Class of 2028 Phenom List and notched 351 kills, an average of 3.0 kills per set.
Chloe Kelly, Westlake
Kelly, a 6-foot outside hitter, is committed to Villanova. She slammed 400 kills last season, averaging 3.4 per set, and added 57 aces, 42 blocks and 334 digs.
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Riley Malloy, Austin High
The 6-foot-5 senior outside hitter is a USC signee coming off a huge 2024 season with 469 kills, which ran her career total to 1,220. The two-time all-district selection hit 46.2% with a .358 hitting efficiency.
Camille Presley, Austin High
The 6-foot-3 junior middle blocker is committed to Texas and led the Maroons into the state playoffs last year with 128 blocks and 118 kills.
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Kerrington Thornton, Round Rock
The 6-foot-4 junior middle blocker had 116 blocks last year and was a big boost for the Dragons, who won their final 14 matches of the regular season to make the playoffs. She had 14 kills and six blocks in a win over Lake Travis.
Joy Udoye, Cedar Park
Udoye, a 6-2 senior outside hitter, led the Timberwolves to the Class 5A Division 1 state finals by pounding 586 kills and hitting .313. She added 55 blocks, 359 digs and 52 aces. She has pledged to play for Stanford.
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Other Austin-area players to watch this season:
Troy Acevedo, Leander, senior
Madison Amina, Weiss, senior
Jade Anderson, Connally, junior
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Taliah Angwekwe, Stony Point, senior
Lyla Annen, Ann Richards, senior
Aniyah Baker, LBJ, junior
Sophie Bell, LASA, senior
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Sienna Benavides, Cedar Park, senior
Elise Bowman, St. Stephen’s, junior
Rihanna Bryant, Weiss, senior
Rileigh Butler, Johnson, junior
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Jenna Carroll, Smithville, senior
Mya Cheatum, Cedar Park, senior
Olivia Coleman, Ann Richards, sophomore
Kyrksen Cook, Lago Vista, sophomore
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Adyson Davis, Lake Travis, senior
Malia Gibbs, Hays, sophomore
Hannah Griffin, Liberty Hill, sophomore
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Audrey Hedlund, Vandegrift, junior
Jennavee Jensen, Vista Ridge, senior
Mia Kropewnicki, Round Rock Christian, senior
Kendall Lewis, Cedar Ridge, senior
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Maggie McCarroll, Austin High, senior
Grace McCluskey, Westwood, senior
Addison Otto, Smithville, senior
Piper Poage, Anderson, junior
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Morgan Prihoda, Pflugerville, senior
Avery Ralston, Rouse, senior
Kendal Robertson, Hendrickson, senior
Lexi Rosenblatt, McCallum, senior
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Taylor Tatum, Rouse, senior
Jenna Tello, Austin High, sophomore
Eva Marie Thompson, Hendrickson, junior
Carla Ulrich, LaGrange, senior
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Makenna Watson, Hill Country Christian, junior
Alta Wilson, Round Rock, senior
Ellie Wichter, Hutto, sophomore
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Sydney Yohe, Westlake, senior
From left, Joy Udoye, a senior at Cedar Park High School, Jenna Hehman, a senior at Vandegrift High School, Camille Presley, a junior at Austin High School, Gentry Barker, a junior at Lake Travis High School, Riley Malloy, a senior at Austin High School, Mya Ibarra, a sophomore at Buda Johnson High School, Kerington Thornton, a junior at Round Rock High School, Chloe Kelly, a senior at Westlake High School and Chloe Frizzell, a sophomore at Anderson High School are the top 10 Austin-area volleyball players to watch this high school volleyball season. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. Henley Anderson from Dripping Springs not pictured.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Sports
6:30PM – Volleyball: Cedar Park vs. Vista Ridge
Pearland Oilers Manvel Mavericks Dawson Eagles Dobie Longhorns South Houston Trojans Pasadena Memorial Alvin Yellowjackets Sam Rayburn Texans (Bold Denotes Playoffs) … VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Chris Stewart, Shadow Creek OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tristan Willis, Shadow Creek DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Joseph Credit, Pearland BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Damarcus […]

Pearland Oilers
Manvel Mavericks
Dawson Eagles
Dobie Longhorns
South Houston Trojans
Pasadena Memorial
Alvin Yellowjackets
Sam Rayburn Texans
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
…
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Chris Stewart, Shadow Creek
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tristan Willis, Shadow Creek
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Joseph Credit, Pearland
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Damarcus Hodges, Dobie
ON THE CUSP: Dobie Longhorns
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…
After storming through district play with an unblemished 8-0 record and clinching their fourth consecutive title, the Shadow Creek Sharks concluded the season at 9-2 – though a stunning 31-28 playoff loss to Fort Bend Elkins brought their postseason to an abrupt end. Second-year head coach Tyrone Green will look to harness that disappointment as motivation for a team still seeking its first state championship since 2019. Shadow Creek’s offense returns plenty of firepower, led by senior wideout Chris Stewart – last season’s 22-6A Offensive MVP and a Texas-commit – who racked up 922 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns. Junior RB Tristan Willis, the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year, added nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards and 14 scores, while Houston-bound junior receiver Aden Starling is back after a brief transfer with Iowa Colony. Sophomore WR Jaylen Addai, the son of former NFL running back Joseph Addai, brings elite pedigree and early D1 attention. On the line, junior Demarcus West is expected to step into a bigger role. Defensively, the Sharks are anchored by senior linebacker and reigning Defensive MVP Giavani “Tommy” Baker. The front seven features proven talents like Deneim Scott and Nathan Harris, while the secondary is headlined by Utah-commit Carter Stewart (first-team, all-district) and rising junior Kevin Jackson—a versatile athlete with offers from several Power 5 programs. Additionally, second-teamer and three-star collegiate prospect Brandon Sherrard (Jr. DB) provides considerable coverage from the cornerback position. With veteran leadership, high-end skill talent, and playoff motivation, the Sharks are poised to make another deep run—this time with their eyes firmly set on reclaiming the state crown.
…
Expectations remain high in Pearland as the Oilers return a veteran-heavy lineup with both production and athleticism. After finishing 9-3 last fall and pushing into the 6A-D1 Area Round, head coach B.J. Gotte enters his fourth season with a team that looks primed to take the next step. Senior signal-caller Jake Westmoreland (first-team, all-district) leads the charge after a sharp junior season where he threw for over 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns with just two picks. His go-to target, senior Jordan “Jet” Hernandez, is back after lighting up defenses for 1,094 yards and 15 scores. Up front, three-star lineman Nicholas Howard (Pitt-commit) and junior Colby Rao form the foundation of a solid offensive line, while junior Ryan Miller could emerge as the next feature back in the wake of Tate Chisolm’s graduation. The defense, meanwhile, is stacked with next-level talent. Kansas-commit and first-team, all-district selection Joseph Credit (77 tackles, 9 TFL, 5 sacks) anchors the linebacker corps, flanked by Illinois-bound pass rusher Jaylen Stewart (first-team). Safety Zeke Alkire (Air Force), another first-teamer, adds stability on the back end, while junior DE DeMarco Jenkins (Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year), senior Amari Wilks (LA Tech), and LB Anthony DeLeon round out a deep, experienced unit.
…
There’s no rebuilding at Manvel – just reloading. Coming off a 6-6 season capped by a playoff win over Hightower, the Mavericks retain a dynamic core with the tools to raise their ceiling this fall. Senior QB Camren Renfro (second-team, all-district) is back to command the offense after throwing for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns, while adding nine more scores with his legs. His chemistry with senior wideout Antoine Wilder (first-team) gives Manvel a dangerous duo in the passing game. The backfield will feature junior up-and-comer Xaiden Brown – who is expected to have an even bigger year, following a season that saw him rack up nearly 700 all-purpose yards and nine total touchdowns – alongside veteran tailback Eric Mosley III, who transferred from Iowa Colony. Up front, senior OL Paulo Camacho adds a veteran presence in the trenches. The defense may be comparatively young, but it’s headlined by top-end talent. Junior cornerback Karnell “Greedy” James Jr. enters the spotlight as a three-star recruit with Power 5 offers from programs like Texas, Cal, and TCU. Linebacker Samuel Weary, also a junior, brings energy and upside to the middle of the defense. With a mix of established leaders and emerging stars, Manvel enters the season hungry to prove they belong among the region’s top contenders. If the Mavs can build off last year’s foundation, expect a deeper postseason push.
…
Dawson enters 2025 with fresh leadership and a relatively balanced array of players aiming to push past last year’s 6-4 finish. New head coach Jaybo Shaw, hired in December 2024, inherits a team eager to return to playoff contention after narrowly missing out in 2024. On offense, Luke Brown (Sr. QB) steps into the starting role following the graduation of standout Max Zavala. Brown will be supported by a sturdy offensive line anchored by junior Carter Ceasar, a second-team, all-district selection, and senior Taryn Hill. Versatile junior Corey Brown (22-6A Utility Player of the Year) and senior Josiah McFarland add dynamic playmaking ability as two-way athletes. The Eagles’ defense features senior leaders across the board, including outside linebacker Kingston Ephriam, who earned an all-district honorable mention, MLB James Higgins, and safety Bryson Flynn. The combined experience and leadership will be critical if Dawson wishes to establish themselves on either side of the ball.
…
The Dobie Longhorns, under second-year head coach Daniel Fitzmorris, approach the new campaign in hopes of returning to playoff form following a 6-5 result last season. After capturing the district title in 2023, Dobie reached the postseason but saw their run cut short in the Bi-District round against Ridge Point. Losing star tailback and two-time District MVP Cam Matthews (Memphis) to graduation leaves a significant hole in the backfield. However, Dobie’s offense still features some notable returning talent, including senior guard Camron Robertson, a first-team, all-district pick, and junior center Alonzo Chapman, who earned second-team honors. Additionally, senior Damarcus Hodges is poised for a breakout year as the likely lead back. On the defensive side, the Longhorns will lean heavily on senior OLB Desmond Talib, another first-team, all-district standout.
…
Progress may not always show up in the win column, but South Houston heads into this fall with reasons for optimism. After winding up with a 3-7 record last season, the Trojans return a handful of key weapons who could accelerate their climb under head coach Patrick Longstreet. Junior quarterback Keke Baker is back under center after earning second-team, all-district honors, offering stability and playmaking potential on offense. Senior Tyren Brewster adds versatility across the board—primarily in the secondary, but capable of lining up anywhere when needed. Defensively, junior lineman Xavier Muhammad headlines the group as a rare talent. The four-star recruit and multi-sport standout was named District 22-6A Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year and has already drawn offers from notable D1 collegiate programs such as Iowa, TCU, Rice, Houston, and SMU.
…
Following a 3-7 outing in 2024, Pasadena Memorial returns a strong group of impact players as coach Jamie Crocker enters a pivotal season. The most noteworthy, of which, is standout offensive lineman Devan Robison, a three-star senior with offers from programs like Oklahoma, Houston, Stanford, and Baylor, and Ole Miss. He’ll help protect senior QB Logan Johnson, who earned second-team, all-district honors. Furthermore, junior receiver Landon Johnson adds a dependable target, while senior linebacker Arturo Aguilera brings leadership on defense.
…
Alvin looks to turn the page in 2025 with new head coach Matthew Bass taking the reins of the program, in hopes of rebuilding momentum after a 3-7 finish last fall. While the Longhorns face a tough climb in 22-6A, a few key returners provide some stability through the transition. Senior center Jacob Baez, a first-team, all-district selection, anchors the offensive line alongside junior Jacobi Small. On special teams, senior kicker Enrique Garza should continue to be a reliable presence as Alvin looks to take a step forward under new leadership.
…
After back-to-back winless district slates, Sam Rayburn sets their sights on turning the tide. Led by fourth-year coach Sergio Gonzalez, the Texans bring back a solid mix of senior vets and promising juniors, including dynamic athlete H’Rei Jones and fullback Ruben Vasquez – both second-team, all-district selections. Quarterback Malachi Rivas and lineman Cristian Mendez add experience on offense, while juniors Juelz Byrd-Acuna and Julian Montelongo bulk up the defensive trenches. Additionally, Coen Holliday and Josiah Vela are both proven contributors in the Rayburn secondary.
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Sports
New Mexican restaurant to open in 2026 in Eastport
A new Mexican restaurant is set to open in 2026 at the Eastport Town Center. Tacos & Tequila Cantina will be bringing its Tex-Mex cuisine to the newest town center in The Villages. Tacos & Tequila Cantina already operates successful locations in Naples and Estero. The new restaurant in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown will be located […]

A new Mexican restaurant is set to open in 2026 at the Eastport Town Center.
Tacos & Tequila Cantina will be bringing its Tex-Mex cuisine to the newest town center in The Villages.
Tacos & Tequila Cantina already operates successful locations in Naples and Estero. The new restaurant in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown will be located in 4,700 square feet on Central Lake Drive.
Lucky Goat Coffee has also signed a lease at Eastport.
The FMK Hospitality Group has already committed to bring classy rooftop dining to Eastport with Prime + Ember Signature Steakhouse. Work is progressing on that restaurant.
A lot is happening at Eastport.
Phase 1 of Olympia Recreation Center will open Monday, Aug. 11. Outdoor courts, fields, and the dog park will be available for general open play. Residents of The Villages and their registered guests with Valid ID and Photo ID are welcome to stop by and enjoy various new amenities coming to the Eastport area
The Outdoor amenities include:
• 12 Pickleball Courts
• 8 Shuffleboard Courts
• 6 Sand Courts (Sand Volleyball & Beach Tennis)
• 6 Platform Tennis Courts
• 4 Bocce Courts
• 4 Tennis Courts
• 2 Corn Toss Courts
• 4 Softball Fields at Farragut Softball Complex
• Sophie Doodles Dog Park
• Outdoor Fitness Equipment
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