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Posts published in “Sports”

Aldine ISD, Spring ISD to remain in Region II after UIL realignment

February 11, 2020

Aldine ISD’s five high schools will continue to compete against Spring ISD in the new District 14- 6A, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced on Monday, Feb. 3 during the UIL’s biennial realignment.

Aldine ISD schools will compete with DeKaney High School, Spring High School and Westfield High School in athletics, performing arts and extra curricular activities beginning in the fall of 2018.

District 14-6A will consist of Aldine High School, Davis High School, Eisenhower High School, MacArthur High School, Nimitz High School, DeKaney High School, Spring High School and Westfield High School for the next two years.

Aldine ISD and Spring ISD will compete in Region II for the next two years.

Super Bowl LIV could be a special one as high-scoring Chiefs face defensive-minded 49ers

January 28, 2020

By Mike Keeney

The first Super Bowl of the new century has the potential to be one of the best ones we’ve seen in recent years. SB No. 54 pits the high-scoring Kansas Chiefs, and one of the game’s rising stars in quarterback Patrick Mahomes, against this year’s Cinderella story, the San Francisco 49ers who turned a 4-12 finish in 2018 to a 13-3 (15-3 now after playoff wins over Minnesota and Green Bay) record and a NFC West title.

The game is scheduled for Miami on Sunday. Early weather forecasts call for showers in the morning, but clearing by the 5:40 p.m. Central Time kickoff on FOX.

This will mark the first time in 18 years that somebody other than Tom Brady (started last four Super Bowls), Peyton Manning or Ben Rothlisberger will quarterback an AFC team in the big game.

The Chiefs will be seeking their second Lombardi Trophy, while the 49ers will be looking for their sixth Super Bowl title, which would tie them with the Steelers as the only NFL teams with six Lombardi’s.

This game will also have a local tie, as former MacArthur High standout Richard Whitaker is the special teams coach for the 49ers.

Chief fans have waited 50 years for a return to the big game, while 49er fans have waited 25 years to get back to a game Joe Montana and Steve Young played in routinely back in the late 1980s and 1990s.

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Crawford named Northeast News’s Coach of the Year

January 14, 2020
MacArthur High School head football coach Wayne Crawford has been named the Northeast News’s Coach of the Year for leading the Generals to their first playoff berth in 12 years.

By Mike Keeney, Contributing Writer

MacArthur High School head football coach Wayne Crawford led the Generals to their first playoff berth in 12 years as the Generals qualified for the Class 6A playoffs by finishing in fourth place in the rugged District 16-6A.

Crawford’s coaching effort earned him the Northeast News’ Coach of the Year honors.

In only his second year as MacArthur’s head coach, the Generals turned around a tough start to the season losing three of their first four games, but rallied to win four of their final six games to earn the school’s first playoff berth since 2007.

“I thought our season was gratifying,” Crawford said. “We got better week in and week out. Our goal was to beat all the teams in Aldine and we accomplished that goal.”

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DeMarcus Barlow is the 2019 Northeast News’ Offensive Player of the Year

January 7, 2020
DeMarcus Barlow let his numbers speak for him during 2019 season.

By Mike Keeney, Contributing Writer

DeMarcus Barlow is a team-first player, that’s why the 2019 season was tough for him and his teammates.

The Davis High Falcons struggled to a 3-7 season under first-year head coach Scott Joseph, but Barlow made things interesting on Friday and Saturday nights this fall by rushing for 1,401 yards on 190 carries (7.3 yards per carry), and scoring 15 touchdowns and completing 16 of 36 passes for 348 yards and six more scores. He also caught two passes for 97 yards (48.5 yards per catch) and one touchdown.

In seven District 16-6A games, Barlow rushed for 1,106 yards (an average of 158 yards per outing).

Barlow’s big senior season earned him the Northeast News’ Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Barlow was also named the District 16-6A Offensive MVP, and first-team all district honors.

The 5′-10″, 210-pounder began the year as the Falcons’s featured running back, but Joseph felt he was needed under center and the amiable Barlow gladly accepted his new role.

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Talented Joshua Eaton named NE News Defensive Player of the Year

December 31, 2019
MacArthur High School head football coach Wayne Crawford congratulates Joshua Eaton on being named the 2019 Northeast News’s Defensive Player of the Year.

By Mike Keeney, Contributing Writer

Joshua Eaton is a coach’s dream. He’s has a rare combination of size and speed for a cornerback with excellent man-to-man coverage skills.

He is one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the state as Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma are hoping to sign him on National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

In his senior season at MacArthur, the 6-2, 170-pound Eaton recorded 63 unassisted tackles, assisted on another 35, broke up seven passes, recovered one fumble (which he returned 55 yards for a touchdown) and recorded one interception. He also helped out on offense for the Generals, who earned their first playoff berth in 12 years, with 13 receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown.

Eaton’s stellar senior season has earned him the Northeast News’s Defensive Player of the Year honors.

MacArthur High School head football coach Wayne Crawford said it has been a pleasure watching Eaton work his magic over the last two years.

“Joshua is a very talented young man,” Crawford said. “He could play wide receiver at a Division I college, but he’s such a good corner that a lot of schools are after him.”

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MacArthur Generals earn first Playoff Berth Since 2007

November 19, 2019
MacArthur coach Wayne Crawford has led the Generals to their first playoff berth since 2007.

Coach Wayne Crawford’s team secured its first post-season berth since 2007 in the Class 6A state football playoffs with a 25-22 victory over Davis High on Friday, Nov. 1.

The Generals will face the top seed out of District 15-6A in bi-district the weekend of Nov. 15-16. Their opponent will be determined after Week 10’s results.

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Harris County Emergency Corps paramedic hit by foul ball

October 22, 2019
Brian Cariota

HOUSTON, October 15, 2019 – Brian Cariota, Paramedic with Harris County Emergency Corps (HCEC) was injured during Game 2 of the AL Championship Series by a foul ball.

Cariota was discharged from the hospital to continue his recovery at home. He and his family are thankful for the outpouring of support, especially from the Houston Astros. He plans to cheer for the Astros as he continues to recover from his injuries.

“Brian is a top-notch paramedic and supervisor,” said Jeremy Hyde, CEO at HCEC. “Our HCEC family continues to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers as he recovers.”

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World class BMX Bike Park opens in North Houston

August 27, 2019
ROCKSTAR ENERGY BMX BIKE PARK as seen in this aerial view, with nearby I-45 frontage road at upper left. Stands hold 3500 spectators.

NORTH HOUSTON – A ribbon cutting was held last Friday, August 16 for a huge new World Class Bike Park and BMX track. This $25 million dollar project was funded by the North Houston Development Corporation, and is expected to be a major attraction for bike enthusiasts and fans.

The ribbon cutting was unusual, with the participants arriving at the line mounted on bikes. Included were Mayor Sylvester Turner, Pct. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Councilman Jerry Davis, NHDC executive director Sally Bradford, HCH Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke, Rockstar Energy VP Paul Tarney, and WCMX President Gretchen Bailey.

The new bike park occupies 20 acres of the 30 acre recreation site, which also includes the largest skate park in America, and Dylan Park, designed for children with all types of abilities.

The development includes 11 attractions: a BMX track, BMX Super Cross trails, Pump Track, Dirt Jump Track, Streetriding Plaza, Multi-skills trails, Bike Skills area, Tot Track, Bowl Riding Performance Pavilion, and Bayou Trail Walking connections.

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Little League season opens in North Houston with parade, games

March 26, 2019
THE LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE started at MacArthur High School, and travelled down side streets until it ended at the Little League fields at Squatty Lyons Park. Floats were judged for their appearance, and the float above, with the LADY BUMBLEBEES team members, won First Place. In all there were 14 floats in the parade, with the 14 teams that competed, and units from the EMS, Westfield Fire Department, East Aldine District, and the Sheriff’s office. See MORE LITTLE LEAGUE on page 8. (Photo by Sara Garcia)

NORTH HOUSTON – The Little League officially opened last Saturday, with a parade of teams and community units on a long trip from MacArthur High School, where they assembled, to the Little League fields in Squatty Lyons Park on East Hardy at Cromwell Roads.

Under the direction of Sara Garcia and Virginia Bazan, the parade consisted of 14 units on decorated trailers, and also a fire truck, EMS ambulance, and vehicles from the Sheriff’s office and East Aldine District.

Parade units were judged for originality and appearance, with the Lady Bumblebees, a T-Ball team, taking first place. Second place was won by the Houston Bombers, a major league team.

At the park, teams and parents had a Festival with games, food, and exhibits, helping to raise money for the teams.

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COACH OF THE YEAR: Eric Jackson leads Eagles to playoffs in first year as Eisenhower head coach

January 15, 2019
Eisenhower High School head football coach Eric Jackson is the 2018 Northeast News’ Coach of the Year

By Mike Keeney, Contributing Writer

Eisenhower High School head football coach Eric Jackson led his team to the playoffs in the first year as the school’s head coach. The Eagles made it to the post season after a two-year playoff drought.

That accomplishment earned the veteran coach the honor of being named the Northeast News’ Coach of the Year for the 2018 season.

The 2018 season was Jackson’s first as a head coach and he’s excited about the future for the Eisenhower football program.

“We’re getting there, but we’re not satisfied where we’re at. We still have a ways to go” Jackson said. “The kids are excited about the program and so are we as coaches. We’re starting a new regime and I think we have gotten off to a good start.”

The Eagles finished tied for second place in District 16-6A and earned a postseason berth.

Prior to being named the Eagles’s head coach, Jackson served as defensive coordinator at Eisenhower. He has also served on the staffs at Hastings High School, Beaumont Central High School Beaumont Ozen High School, Willowridge High School and Fort Bend Terry High School.

The Baton Rogue native is a graduate of Nichols State where he played linebacker.

Jackson and the Eagles have reason to be excited about the future. They will enter spring training with eight offensive and four defensive starters back for the 2019 season, which is a solid nucleus.

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