The 8th grade football team is excited to begin its season on August 29th against Presbyterian. The team began practicing on August 9th and have been enduring the summer heat as they prepare for the season. This team will compete for a title in the HJPC Division II level this season and play conference games against Saint Michael’s, Presbyterian, River Oaks Baptist, and AOS. The Vikings return Rodrigo J., Bernardo R., Harry B., Andrew D., Harvey H., Griffin R., Cole B., and Joseph H. Come out this season and support your Vikings!
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On Thursday, August 25th, the Varsity Football team had our season opener at HBU Stadium against Legacy Prep. After experiencing a slight delay due to lightning in the area, the game was officially underway at 5:00PM. The Vikings won the coin toss and chose to receive. The first half saw little ball movement from either team. Both teams tried to establish their run games early and often, but it was the defensive side of the ball that made plays and big tackles. The Vikings defense was highlighted by the twin linebackers, Jeremy and Jon S. The twins showed great range from sideline to sideline, pursuing the ball and making tackles for losses. The Legacy passing attack was non existent. Max P was on an island all night against their physical 6’3" wide receiver. Max stuck with him stride for stride, had multiple pass breakups, and the physical Wide Receiver did not record a single catch.

The second half was more of the same. The defenses were digging in and winning the battle up front. It was a battle of field position, which is a battle the Vikings lost in the first half. After recording a few first downs, the field position swung in the Vikings favor, and RB, Khalil M, broke off a 31 yard run. The score remained tied entering the 4th after the drive stalled. The first score of the game came at the 7:00 mark in the 4th when Legacy Prep got their ground game going. The 2 point conversion failed, but the Vikings now trailed, 6-0. The Vikings were forced to punt on their next possession, but the defense stepped up, forcing a 3 and out from Legacy. With under 3 minutes remaining in the game, the Vikings went hurry up offense, and had a few quick hitters that Robinson connected on to Viking wide receivers. After 2 connections, the Vikings called another pass play, but this time, Max P got behind the defense. Robinson let it fly and connected with Palmer on a 70 yard score! The Vikings tied it up 6-6 with a big PAT coming. Kicker, Owen M, stepped up and split the uprights giving the Vikings the lead, 7-6, with 2:45 to play in the game. It was now Legacy ball at the 25 after a touchback kickoff. Legacy then ran an out-route, but sophomore cornerback, Cade B, jumped the route and took it to the house for a pick 6! The PAT was no good, but the Vikings now had a 13-6 lead. The very next possession, history repeated itself. Legacy ran an out-route to the short side of the field and Cade B read it perfectly. He jumped the pass and returned it for another Viking touchdown! The Vikings now led 19-6!

After 3.5 quarters of scoreless action, both teams combined for 25 points in the final 7 minutes of the game. All of the Vikings 19 game points were scored in the final 2 minutes and 45 seconds of the game. More than anything else, this game showed the resiliency and consistent effort from our young Viking team. It showed that lightning can strike at any point, and to keep playing until the final whistle. The team will enjoy their win and return to practice on Monday to prepare for next Friday’s visiting opponent and sister school, Windermere Prep, from Florida. Kick off for that game is at 7:00PM on Friday, September 2nd at HBU Stadium.

Kevon Bagot is entering his second year as Head Coach. When asked about the philosophy of his program, he responded by saying, “To inspire, lift, and change the face of Village Athletics. Increase athletic participation, build men of character, get every player feeling important and unified in purpose. Encourage open and honest communication between staff and players, as well as focus on solutions rather than problems.” As you can see, the values of this program extend well beyond the football field. Football is the tool that is used to teach our young players values such as honesty, determination, loyalty, and excellence. Excellence is a word that is commonly used in Coach KB’s program. Coach KB defines EXCELLENCE is a variety of ways:

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way
Excellence allows the ordinary person to reach extraordinary results
Excellence is striving to reach your full potential
Excellence is striving for success
Excellence is the habit of being the best you can be

When Coach KB was asked about his goals for the season, he said, “To commit to core values, build a brand, win 8 games, make the TAPPS Independent State Playoff, and make sure everyone understands their role in building success.” With outstanding leadership from his captains, Patrick S, Keagan T, Max P, and Jon S, the team will certainly stay focused and have excellent players to model a high level of focus and consistency that produces high results.

Coach KB was excited about this year’s team. They have been working hard the entire off-season and pre-season.. “Despite the weather, we are still able to accomplish a lot. Our focus has been on leadership the first two weeks, making sure student-athletes feel the importance of not only the coaches, but the captains as well.”

“It’s a great time to be a Village Viking! So far the football program is on the right path. I am truly comfortable with where the program is in relationship to the start of last season. Our first scrimmage, although pointed out a few flaws, showed how far we’ve come. We have added a new look this year with uniforms and players, the student-athletes will have something to fight for with newly set TAPPS Independent Playoffs. I am looking forward to the season, it is my hope to build camaraderie around the team and teach the kids my philosophy on leadership. We have a big task at hand and a few obstacles in our way however we are prepared and understand the quality of hard work. "

The Village Vikings start their season on Thursday, August 25th, at HBU Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:30PM. Come support your Varsity football team and GO VIKINGS!

Houston Methodist West Hospital will be holding physicals at The Village School Moore Gym on May 18 from 3:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.. Cost of the physical will be $25; we ask checks be payable to The Village School.

Students must bring the following forms correctly completed by both student and parent: Physical Evaluation and Medical History Form, Physical Assessment Form, Houston Methodist Physical Consent Form, and the Impact Testing Form. All forms can be found on The Village Athletics website under the tab Student Resources, or click the link below.

As a reminder, students do not need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian but must have all forms correctly completed and signed by parent/guardian in order to be able to have a physical completed.

The middle school football team finished its season at 2-6-1. The Vikings put up impressive offensive numbers this season with its star running backs Kamsi E and Earving W. Emegwa scored at least one touchdown in every game this year. The passing game was lead by second year quarterback Zach I and wide receiver Daniel M, who led the team in receptions. On defense the Vikings had excellent secondary play from Mac B and Eric P, while the defensive line was anchored by Rodrigo J-M and Andrew A, both of whom had numerous sacks.

The coaching staff would like to that all the parents and the players for a wonderful season! A special thanks goes out to all the eighth graders for all their hard work over the past few seasons as we continue to build our middle school football program.

Go Vikings!