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Kicking It on The Hill
Prairie View A&M Women’s Soccer Team 2019 captivating season gives them something to build on in 2020
You may not have payed attention to what went on off 290 this year, but Prairie View A&M University women’s soccer team assembled a group of young ladies looking to make a long run for years to come. The Lady Panthers set a record for most wins in a single season at 13 and brought home the first Southwestern Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship with a 1-0 victory over Howard.
Statement Game 2: Texans head to Baltimore for a tough AFC matchup against the Ravens
Over a month ago the Houston Texans were faced with a very difficult situation. They had to go into hostile territory and defeat a team that is one of the perennial favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Houston defeated the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 31 – 24 in Arrowhead Stadium to make a statement to the rest of the NFL that they wanted a say in that representation of the division.
Bye Bye
Bye week comes just in time for the Texans to get healthy.
The Houston Texans sit atop of the AFC South with a 6-3 record after going “Across the Pond” to defeat their divisional foe in the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-3. Houston is on a bye this week and it comes at a time when they need it most with all the injuries they have on both sides of the ball.
A Moral Victory
Texans defeat the Raiders but lose a key player for the season due to injury
There is an old expression that says, “Can’t see the forest for the trees.” It is usually used when someone is too involved in the details of a problem to look at the situation as a whole.
One Game at a Time
Houston gets a much-needed victory over the Nationals in Game 3 of the 2019 World Series.
During their run towards “Back to Back” NBA titles, the Houston Rockets ran into some serious trouble against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. Houston went down in that series 3-1 and was on the brink of elimination in Game 5. The overall theme from the head coach all the way down to the last player on the bench was to take it one game at a time. Don’t jump ahead. Just win the game you are playing, and you will earn the chance to play another one with the same opportunity.
RBI-Real Big Innings
Explosive innings by the Nationals have the Astros in a 0-2 hole headed into Game 3 of the 2019 World Series.
For the second night in a row, the Houston Astros failed to get any RBI’s (Runs Batted In) while giving up RBI’s (Real Big Innings). The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros, 12-3 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2019 World Series. Only three teams have ever gone down 0-2 at home to come back and win the World Series: 1985 Kansas City Royals, 1986 New York Mets, and the 1996 New York Yankees.
Fall Classic
Houston Astros take on the Washington Nationals in Game 1 of the 2019 World Series
Just in case you have been living under a rock here in Houston, let me bring you up to speed. The 115th renewal of the World Series begins today between the American League Champions, Houston Astros and the National League Champions, Washington Nationals.
Déjà Vu
Altuve’s walk-off homerun sends the Astros to the World Series.
If you closed your eyes tonight and just listen to the fans, you would think it was October 21, 2017 all over again. On that Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd in Minute Maid Park the Houston Astros defeated the New York Yankees 4-0 to earn their second trip to the World Series in franchise history. We all know how that ended with the Astros winning their first ever World Series title against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
I'm Coming Home
Astros head back to Houston with a 3-2 lead after losing to the Yankees 4-1.
I’m coming home, I’m coming home Tell the world I’m coming home Let the rain wash away All the pain of yesterday I know my kingdom awaits And they’ve forgiven my mistakes I'm coming home, I'm coming home Tell the world I'm coming
Memory Loss
Texans must forget about the past to defeat the Colts
One thing the Houston Texans have been able to do this season is move on to the next game. They did it when they lost the season opener to the New Orleans Saints on a 58-yard field goal by kicker Will Lutz by defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers the next two weeks.
One More to Go
Astros win Game 4 to push them closer to a return to the World Series
The Astros are on the brink of going back to their second World Series within the last three years. Houston (3-1) got a much needed and some might think unexpected victory on last night by beating the New York Yankees (1-3) in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) by a score of 8-3. Houston will now send their ace, Justin Verlander to the mound in Game 5 to try and close out the series, while the Yankees will start James Paxton to stave off elimination.
Jet-Lagged
Houston Rockets lose preseason game at home to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Rockets looked jet lagged from the time spent in Japan playing two preseason games against the reigning NBA Champions, Toronto Raptors. They lost to the San Antonio Spurs 128 – 114 in their final preseason game at home. Houston (3-2) will open up the 2019-20 NBA season against the Milwaukee Bucks next Thursday.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Houston Texans get a signature win against the Kansas City Chiefs
Some players in the NFL will tell you that there are games throughout the season that they mark on their calendars. Whether it’s a game against their former team, the city where they played their college games, or just an opponent that they feel is a barometer or measuring stick. For the Houston Texans, one of those teams is the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have propelled themselves into the conversation of one of the top teams in the AFC right next to the New England Patriots. But that didn’t stop the Texans from going into a hostile stadium and to get the victory over the Chiefs.
Cole takes a bite out of the Big Apple
Astros defeat the Yankees to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven ALCS.
New York, NY- It was very “Cole” in the Bronx tonight as the Houston Astros (2-1) took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven ALCS after defeating the New York Yankees (1-2) by a score of 4-1. Starting Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (1-0) threw seven shutout innings while striking out seven more and helped Houston regain home-field advantage against New York.
Unresponsive
Astros lose ALCS Game 1 to the Yankees
When the weatherman predicted there would be a cold front in Houston on Saturday, he meant the temperature, not the Astros bats. Houston (0-1) was limited to three hits tonight as they lost Game 1 of the ALCS 7-0 to the New York Yankees (1-0).
Run It Back
Astros and Yankees face off in a rematch of the 2017 ALCS
Through 162 games throughout the 2019 Major League Baseball season, you could feel it coming. Each team watching each other from a far but watching each other none the less. One team is trying to continue to build on a dynasty, while the other is seeking revenge from being eliminated from the 2017 American League Championship Series by that same team.
Cole Storm
Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole shuts down the Rays to advance to the 2019 ALCS
There was a loud sigh of relief tonight in the city of Houston, even though some believed that there was never any doubt coming into an elimination game that their ace in the hole would come through for them in the clutch.
A Real Homecoming
Texas Southern football returns to campus for the first time in 11 years
There will be an old familiar sound on Saturday, October 12th to the students, fans, faculty, and alumni off of 3100 Cleburne Street in Houston, Texas. After playing all their home games since 2012, at BBVA stadium which is home of the MLS Houston Dynamo, the Tigers fans can finally stand on their own campus and scream out this phrase they have been holding in for a while. Football is back!
"Verlandered "
Astros Beat the Tampa Bay Rays in Game One of ALDS
Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 at Minute Maid Park on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the American League Division Series
Looking for Another One
Texans look to extend their winning streak against the Panthers
The Houston Texans have plenty to smile about these days. They are currently on a two-game winning streak and are at home on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers looking to make it three in a row.
Century Mark
Astros defeat the Rangers 3-2 to reach 100-wins for third straight year
It is not often a baseball fan gets to witness the team they cheer for get 100 wins in a season. On tonight, 38,417 fans did. The Astros (100-53) defeated the Texas Rangers (74-79) 3-2 behind a strong pitching performance from the Major League leader in strikeouts, Gerrit Cole (18-5). He also became the fastest pitcher in Astros history to reach 300 strikeouts in a season. The last pitchers to reach such an accomplishment were Mike Scott in 1986 (306) and J.R. Richards, who did it twice in 1978 (307) and 1979 (313).
The Rebound
Texans look to bounce back after tough loss on Monday night
The Houston Texans look to rebound after such a heartbreaking loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday night (30 -28) in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Houston will take on AFC South divisional rival, Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at NRG Stadium in their first home game of the 2019 NFL season. The Texans look to make it three- straight against the Jags after winning the last two meetings (20-7, 20-3).
Optimistically Upset
Texans lose season opener to the Saints on a last-second field goal
“Barefield. You almost got it,” said one of my teammates on the basketball team in high school. What he was referring to was my attempt to try and dunk a basketball. I was very close. So close that after a few tries I just hung on the rim. It gave me a sense that one day soon I would complete the task of dunking like my favorite NBA player at the time, Dominique Wilkins.
Unanswered Questions
Texans have a tough road ahead of them to repeat as AFC South champions
The wait is over. The Houston Texans are finally prepared to play the New Orleans Saints in their first game of the 2019 NFL season. After going through offseason OTA’s, training camp, and we can’t forget how much of an emotional rollercoaster the fans were on last Saturday.
Prairie View A&M defeats Texas Southern 44- 23 in 35th Annual Labor Day Classic behind Tucker’s three touchdowns.
Prairie View A&M put the rest of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) on notice that they will be a force to be reckoned with this season. They picked up right where they left off last year by displaying their very aggressive and high-octane offense in the 35th Annual Labor Day Classic.
Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern Square Off In the 35th Labor Day Classic
You ever heard the phrase, “Love and Hate” relationship? It’s a phrase frequently used by siblings, best friends, college roommates, teammates, etc. Two people who have a genuine love for one another, can’t stand each other at times but doesn’t want to see each other hurt. That last sentence would describe the relationship that players, fans, and alumni from Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University have for each other.
When It Rains, It Pours
Texans lose 34-0 to the Cowboys
There is an old saying that I heard growing up that is drenched (no pun intended) in negativity that states, “When it rains it pours.” The original phrase is an old English proverb, “It never rains but it pours,” suggested that when troubles come, they come one after the other.
Texans Training Camp: Day 18
The Texans resumed practice on Wednesday as they prepare for their third preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington on Saturday. Here are a few observations.
On Display
Players look to showcase their skills as the team heads closer to making roster cuts.
The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys prepare to square off tonight in the Governor’s Cup preseason game in Arlington. There are a couple of positions and players you should watch for on the Texans side of the ball.
Due By
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien is right in the Matt Kalil situation
When I was a teacher I use to give out different projects throughout the year that had a completion date in order for the student to receive a grade. Most of the time that due date was at least six weeks out from the day I assigned the project.
High Octane
Texans defeat the Lions 30 – 23 to win their first preseason game
Texans fans got a glimpse of what the upcoming season is going to look like as they watched the hometown team defeat the Detroit Lions 30 – 23. The first team offense under new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly put together a great 75-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to DeAndre Hopkins.
Texans Training Camp Day 14
Texans hold joint practice with the Detroit Lions
The Houston Texans resumed training camp today, with a joint practice with the Detroit Lions who is in town early for their preseason matchup with the Texans on Saturday at NRG Stadium. With the fans looking on, the competition got a little heated at times with trash talking by both teams being heard by fans, but it was all in fun. Here are a couple of things I noticed from today’s practice.
Heating Up Texans Training Camp: Day 13
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien gave his players a much-needed break from the heat today as they practiced inside the bubble for the first time in over a week. Although the temperature wasn’t as hot on the inside, the competition and drills were. Here are a few of my observations from Texans training camp day 13.
Texans Lose First Preseason Game Against Packer 28 -26
Green Bay, Wis.- One thing you can say about the residents of Green Bay is they love them some football. 72,928 fans turned out to watch the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers play their first 2019 preseason game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay defeated Houston by a score of 28 -26.
Texans Take On the Green Bay Packers in Their First Preseason Game of 2019
The Houston Texans will take on the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night at Lambeau Field in their first preseason action of the 2019 NFL season. Although fans won’t see a lot of snaps from starters on both teams, the game will begin to answer some questions Texans fans have been pondering during the off-season and some that have arisen within the last week.
Greinke Wins Astros Debut 11-6 Over the Rockies
RHP Zack Greinke made his Astros’ debut in front of the largest crowd in attendance for a game this year (43,243) at Minute Maid Park and gave the fans a sample size of what they can expect heading towards the end of the season and into the playoffs. Although Greinke allowed five earned runs, three coming off of a homerun in the top of the sixth inning, he pitched a very efficient game.
Texans Training Camp 19: Texans participate in joint practice with the Green Bay Packers
The Houston Texans resumed training camp after having a day of rest and traveling to Green Bay to hold two joint session practices before the team’s first preseason game on Thursday against the Packers. Here are a couple of takeaways from today’s scrimmage:
Texans waive D’Onta Foreman before heading to Green Bay
The Houston Texans waived former third-round pick running back D’Onta Foreman on Sunday before departing to Green Bay to practice against the Packers before playing against them in a preseason game on Thursday.
Caliente: The Houston Astros are blazing through the rest of the AL
They say history has a strange way of repeating itself. If that is true, then some Astros fans need to be putting in for vacation days from work in October for the World Series parade in downtown Houston. The Astros became the first team to reach 70-wins in the American League this year after defeating the Cleveland Indians on last Thursday. They are currently on pace to go over 100 wins for the third straight year and would be the first team since the 2002-04 Yankees to do so. Having won 14 of their last 17 games and 8-2 in their last 10, they also hold a very sizeable lead in the AL West at 8.5.
Mental Health and Veterans - Drive On
Veterans who deal with mental health issues have a tough time after service.
Mr. Consistency
Undrafted defensive back Derrick Baity looks to keep doing what got him here.
Webster defines the word consistency as, steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc. It means that an action or behavior is repeated over and over again usually ending in the same result. Texans undrafted rookie cornerback Derrick Baity Jr. should have that word tattooed on his body somewhere as he is the walking example of the word. And if you know Derrick, then you know he loves tattoos.
Texans Training Camp 2019 – Day 6
The Texans returned to the practice field on Wednesday after a much-needed day off. Although the players were happy to be off, you could also tell that they missed being in pads as the practice bubble at the Methodist training facility was buzzing before the media was fully able to get inside. Here are a couple of takeaways from day 6 of Texans training camp.
The Rich Get Richer
Astros make last second deal to acquire former Cy Young Award Winner
The Houston Astros are the gift that keeps on giving. Two years ago, they made a major splash by acquiring All-Star and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander from the Detroit Tigers helped the Astros secure their first ever World Series championship by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers. Houston fans everywhere rejoiced as they thought they would never feel joy like that ever again. That was until July 31, 2019.
Houston Texans Rookie Floyd Allen Talks About Being Homeless
Back in 2018, I decided that I was going to see what it would be like to live out of my car. For two days in a row (One documented on social media through Facebook Live) I lived as if I had nowhere to go. Let me say that those were the hardest two days I have ever been through in my life and I have lived in the Middle East (Afghanistan) for a year in the mountains.
Welcome to H-Town
Houston Rockets hold press conference to introduce Russell Westbrook
The “Brodie” era has officially begun in Houston. Russell Westbrook was introduced on Friday after being traded to Houston from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Chris Paul and two first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 with the rights to two first-round swaps in 2021 and 2025. The 2016-17 MVP was introduced by Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey who could hardly contain his excitement knowing that he had brokered a deal that could potentially bring the city of Houston another NBA championship.
Texans Training Camp 2019
The Texans opened their 2019 training camp with some unanswered issues that they hope to get resolved before the season starts against the New Orleans Saints. Houston, who some have making it to the AFC Championship game returned home this year for camp after spending the last two seasons in West Virginia.
2019 SWAC Media Day
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) held its annual Media Day with one of the biggest issues being addressed by SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland. The conference has announced the permanent future of its football championship game which will be played at the home site of the highest ranked team at the conclusion of the regular season.
Interview Questions
I was originally born in Waco, Texas to a teenage mom. It’s safe to say that we grew up together and we were best friends until she took her last breath on December 18, 2018. Her drive, will, and determination along with the daily guidance from my step-father (Fred) is what fuels me to be the person I am today. Also, my late wife Jamila Barefield who left this earth on September 5, 2017, due to complications with colon cancer is one of the voices I hear in my mind that says, “You can do whatever you set your mind to do.”I was originally born in Waco, Texas to a teenage mom. It’s safe to say that we grew up together and we were best friends until she took her last breath on December 18, 2018. Her drive, will, and determination along with the daily guidance from my step-father (Fred) is what fuels me to be the person I am today. Also, my late wife Jamila Barefield who left this earth on September 5, 2017, due to complications with colon cancer is one of the voices I hear in my mind that says, “You can do whatever you set your mind to do.”
Superman Returns Home
Michael Brantley returns back to Cleveland as a starter in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game
As I prepared to exit the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, I was stopped in my tracks mid-stride and paused for a second. What I was witnessing was something I was not prepared for, but definitely had been waiting all my life to see. Walking out of the last door at the north end of the airport, there is a nice montage of my childhood hero Superman. The fictional character was created during the 1930s and portrayed as a working-class citizen by day and crime fighter by night.
Six Pack: SIX PACK Major League Baseball select six Astros players to participate in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game
Well, here we are again. In the exact same spot as two years ago. Yes, I know our physical anatomy has changed a little bit. Ok. For me, it has a lot because I love Shipley’s donuts and Whataburger. Hey, I am from Houston and those two establishments fed me through my upbringing. I digress.