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SATURDAY High school fooCbal Time Radio 1..1 vs. Galena Park North Shore 2 p.m. 104.9 West ~ vs. Beaumont West Brook4 p.m. 1300 CENTRAL TEXAS IIIGH SOIOOl PlAY. Off SCHEDUl£ °"""' (ll•IJ,._ ____(1 4- tl,saudiy,-·-2p.a.-NIGSladi.a.,_ °"'"' wtsll....(13--■-1) ... ---(U·n- S>~•---Cllss4A ...... 1'/ -·-U.,,,y.. (Ul) .. - Clnhlg<(l♦0), 1'11! HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: GAMliS OF THE DAY Class 6A Division I state semifinal: r \- ~c12-1> vs. Galena Park North Shore (14-0) 2 p.m. Saturday, NRG Stadium, Houston Quarterbacks: cavaliers junior Hudson card has been hot in the playoffs. passing for 17 TDs with one INT while averaging 308 yards per game. For the year he has three INTs in 335 attempts. •.. Mustangs sophomore Dematrius Davis leads an offense that has scored 56 points a game. Edge: - i; Other offense: i..-..ai:;;.;;...;a senior Garrett Wison has been spectacular, catch- ing 31 passes for :£1 yards and nineTDs in four playoff games. Teanvnate Kyte Eaves has caught 11 passes for 270 yards and three TDs in the last two playoff victo ries. ... North Shore's Zach Evans has been named by Rivals as the No. 1 RB in the state for the class of 2020; he scored all five of his team's TOs in last week's 38-21 vic tory over Cypress Fairbanks. Edge: North Shore Defense: The cavaliers had their best defensive game of the season in last Saturday's 38-21 victory over Converse Judson. a team that was averaging 49 points. LBS Nick Vilarreal and Mauricio Trevino have 118 and 117 tackles, respec tively.••• led by LBs Corey Flagg and Daymond lewis, the Mustangs have held their opponents to fewer than 200 yards per game. Edge: North Shore Special teams: Wilson has scored a TD on a kickoff return. PK Hays Md:annon is 4 of 5 on FG attempts. •.. The Mustangs have break away speed on kickoff and punt returns that has given them good field position all season. Edge: Intangibles: Wrth a victory, the Cavaliers would reach a Class 6A state champion ship for the fourth straight year. When Katy beat l • " ';"-s forthe20156ADII championship. the game was played at NRG Stadium. ... North Shore has beaten state power Katy twice this season. When the Mustangs beat Westfield 28-21 in November, it was the only time all season an opponent finished within 10 points of them. Edge: North Shore Rick Cantu Converse Judson running back Sincere McCormick is swarmed by Lake Travis defenders during last week's Class 6A Division t state quarterfinal The cavs hope to clamp down on unbeaten Galena Park North Shore this week. [JOHN GUTIERREZ/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN] SPORT,Si Cl FAB55:0IJR RANKINGS OF: 'TOP RECRUITS Why Lake Travis' Garrett WIison tops our annual.· list ofthe ~~e's best: Wilson rises to top of Fab55
Uy Mike Craven [email protected]
~ '!.. · °''°" footbaU coach Hank Carter first heard the nnme Garrett Wilson from his sister in-law, wh.o coaches at Hudson Bend Middle School He didn't give it a ton of thoughtuntilafewmonth.s later when he witnessed a Hudson Bendsixth-grader score a touchdown in a seven-on-seven middle school tournament. That same kid dunked the ball over the goal posts like an NFL celebration.
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His name was Garrett Wilson, and jumping has always come easily for the top football recruit in the state. Wilson, the No. I -ranked player on the American-Statesman's Fabulous 55, is now a five star wide receiver who plans to sign with Ohio State on Wednesday, the first day of the early sign ing period. They all know wh o Garrett Wilson is now. Lake ll'avis wide re<:ehler Garrett Wilson, this year's top re<:ruit on the Fabulous 55, has His name has been men- said he will sign with Ohio State on Wednesday. [STEPHEN SPILLMA~OR AMERICAN-STATESMAN) tioned by every recruiter who has come through Lake Travis High School for the past three years. The first time he dunked a basketball was in the eighth grade, and his circus catches have been aired on ESPN. "Wide receiver and playing basketball defi nitely complement each other," Wilson said. "The movements and the free lance ability with your body to contort and go make plays, that's impor tant in basketball and going up for catches." 'Ibe6-foot-1, 181-pound senior was a finalist at the Opening last summer in Frisco. His sophomore season at Lake Travis ended with a state cham pionship. His junior season ended in the state title game, and he made it to the Class 6A Division I state semifinals this year before Lake Travis lost to Galena Park North Shore on Saturday. Wilson's high school career will be capped with an appearance in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 5. He caught three touch down passes in Lake Travis' 38-21 win over Converse Judson in the state quarterfinals. "Every game is impor tant, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't those types of games that really get me going," Wilson said. "I'm supposed to be the best player on the field, and it's my job to prove that and help my team win. The big games are why I love athletics." Fab 55: Recent No. ls
2019: Garrett Wilson, WR, Lake Travis (Ohio State) 2018: BJ. Foster, S. Angleton (Texas) 2017: Baron Browning, LB, Kennedale (Ohio State) 2016: Gregory Little, OT, Allen (Ole Miss) 2015: Malik Jefferson, LB, Mesquite Poteet (Texas) 2014: Myles Garrett, OE, Arlington Martin (Texas Garrett Wilson was highly recruited by both Texas and A&M) Ohio State but committed to the Buckeyes. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, before the family moved to Texas. [JOHN GUTIERRfZ/1-0R AMERICAH-STATESMANJ Wilson, who caught 98
passes for 11773 yards and It's a trait his head the competition. It drives 26 touchdowns his junior coach loves. Some of the him, and it gives him a season, to Odell Beckham top recruits build film and challenge." Jr. The two are similar in stats by feasting onlower Wilson will be the size. They've also built a level competition. Not second No. 1 player on reputation for the circus everyone loves the grind. the Fab 55 to choose Ohio catch. Soon Wilson will Carter says Wilson's grit State in the past three be off to Columbus, Ohio; and competitiveness set years;BaronBrowning,a he reaffirmed bis com - him apart from most pros five-star linebacker from mitment to Ohio State pects, and Carter knows a Kennedale, signed with immediately after Urban few things about pros the Buckeyes in 2017 and Meyer's retirement. In pects at Lake Travis. bas played in 11 games as the end, be chose to play ''His parents did a great a sophomore. Ohio State in the city where be was job raising him," Carter landed three of the state's born instead of staying in said. "He's as humble as top four players that year; Austin to play at Texas. can be lllltil he steps on the others were La Grange "I knew where I wanted the field or the court. He runningback J.K. Dobbins to go, and I've stuck with reminds me a lot of Baker and South Grand Prairie my decision," Wilson Mayfield in that way. He safety Jeffrey Okudab. said. "Recruiting can be has this switch on the field, Only 12 players from stressful, but you just do but then he's the nicest the Fab 55 remain uncom what is best for you." person when it comes to mitted. Most of the His presence on the the kids in this community. prospects will sign this field changes everything He's a special kid." week. Texas A&M has 12 and bas helped a future Wilson wants the ball in pledges from Fab 55 play Longhorn do his job. thebigmoments, whether ers; Texas is second with "He sure makes me look on the basketball court or seven. UT's class bas been good," said Lake Travis the football field. strengthened by several quarterback Hudson "Garrett's at his best out-of-state recruits and Card, who has committed when we're going up ranks sixth in the coun to Texas in 2020. "lt'slike against a top corner or try beading into the early a video game sometimes. I playing a great team," signing period. know he'll catchit ifl put Carter said. "He justloves Cart er compared it in his area." 2019 AMERICAN- STATESMAN FABULOUS 55
The American-Statesman's final Fabulous 55 list of the state's top recruits for 2019, compiled by staff writer Mike Craven. Numbers in parentheses reflect that recruit's ranking from August
Rank Pos. Player School Ht.,wt. Colegenote 1 (1) WR Garrett Wilson 1 Tr (6A) 6-0, 181 Committed to Ohio State 2 (3) DL DeMarvin l eal Converse Judson (6A) 6-4,280 Committed to Texas A&M 3 (2) OT Kenyon Green Humble Atascocita (6A) 6-4,330 Committed to Texas A&M 4 (12) OLB Marcel Brooks Aov.er Mound (6A) 6-3,195 Committed to LSU 5 (5) OT Tyler Johnson Conroe Oak Ridge (6A) 6-5,308 Committed to Texas 6(4) WR Joroan Whittington CUero(4A) 6-1,198 Committed to Texas 7(8) TE Austin Stogner Prestonwood cath. CPriv.) 6-6,235 Committed to Oklahoma 8(9) DE Nana Osafo-Mensah F.W. Nolan Gath. (Priv.) 6-4,231 committed to Notre Dame 9(10) CB Jeffel)'carter Mansfield Legacy (6A) 6-0,186 Committed to Alabama 10 (11) s Brian Williams Dallas Bishop Dunne (Priv.) 6-1,211 Committed to Texas A&M ll (6) WR Trejan Bridges Lewisville Hebron (6A) 6-1,184 Committed to Oklahoma 12(7) WR TheoWe.ase Allen (6A) 6-3,202 Committed to Oklahoma 13 (16) TE Baylor Clipp Brock (3A) 6-6,240 Committed to Texas A&M 14 (28) C Branson Bragg Crandall (4A) 6-4,308 Committed to Stanford 15(15) s Dcmani Richardson waxahachie (6A) 6-1,209 Committed to Texas A&M 16(13) DE Marcus Stripling Katy Mayde creek (6A) 6-2,260 Several, incl. Oklahoma, Texas A&M 17 (19) CB Marcus Banks Spring Dekaney (6A) 6-0,170 Several, incl. Texas A&M. LSU. Alabama 18(24) CB Erick Young Fort Bend Bush (GA) 6-0,208 Committed to Texas A&M 19 (14) WR Dylan Wright West Mesquite (SA) 6-4,215 Committed to TexasA&M 20 (22) s Lewis Cine Trinity Christian (Private) 6-2,180 Committed to Georgia 210n s Jalen catalon Mansfield Legacy (6A) 5-9.188 Se\-e'a~ incl. Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma 22 (36) DE T\/ondre Sweat Huntsville (SA) 6-3,249 Committed to Texas 23czn 0G EJ Ndoma-Ogar Allen(GA) 6-3,328 Committed to Oklahoma 24 (23) WR Elijah Higgins Austin Bowie (6A) 6-3,214 Several, incl. Stanford, Florida, Texas, Auburn 25 (21) WR Arjei Henderson Fort Bend ~ (6A) 6-1,183 Several, incl Oklahoma, Alabama. Auburn 26 (18) CB Marquez Beason Duncanville (6A) 5-10,177 Committed to IUinois 27 (25) QB Roschon Johnson Port Neches-Groves (SA) 6-1,192 Committed to Texas 28 (20) QB Grant Gunnell Hou. St Pius X (Priv.) 6-6,222 committed to Arizona 29 (41) OT AndrewCOker Katy Taylor (6A) 6-6,310 Committed to TCU 30 (31) RB Isaiah Spiller Klein Collins (6A) 6-o.201 committed to Texas A&M 31(29) WR Jayten Ellis R. Rock Cedar Ridge (GA) 6-0,180 committed to Baylor 32 (26) OT Javonne Shepherd Hou. North forest(4 A) 6-6,346 Committed to Texas 33(NR) s Tyler OWens Plano East (6A) 6-2,202 Committed to Texas 34 (52) OT Josh Ellison A&M Consolidated (SA) 6-3,285 Committed to Texas A&M 35 (51) RB Daimarqua Foster Wichita Falls Hirschi (4A) 5-lD.195 Committed to TCU 36(39) RB Darwin Barlow Newton(2A) 5-11,195 Committed to TCU 37 (38) DE Steven Parker South Oal< Cliff (SA) 6-4,220 ~ I. incl. TCU, Baylor 38(32) ATH Tamauzia Bra.vn Newton(2A) 6-1,175 Committed to TCU 39 (35) RB Deondrick Glass Katy(6A) 5-11,200 Several, incl. Okla. St, Alabama, Georgia 40 (34) ILB David Gbenda Katy Cinco Ranch (6A) 6-0,218 Committed to Texas 41 (37) WR Kam Brown COiieyviiie Heritage (SA) 6-0,170 Committed to Texas A&M 42 (33) CB Bobby Wolfe Houston Madison (6A) 6-1,180 Several, incl Arizona, Texas A&M, Ar1 By Rick Cantu Evans accounted for 196 53 yards on its first drive [email protected] yards and four touchdowns. and getting a 22 -yard field Neither : .,.. s goal by Hays McCannon to HOUSTON - After the coach Hank Carter nor bis takea3-olead battle had been lost, ~ players offered excuses. North Shore would ~ is seniors Garrett They were beaten by a score 41 straight points Wilson, Chad Wolf and better team, a group that before Card and Wilson Matthew Peterman were could very easily win the connected on a 9-yard not ready to take their game state crown next Saturday. touchdown pass late in the jerseys offfor the final time. "We needed to tackle third quarter. For Card, a A team accustomed to better, and we needed to Texas pledge, it was the winning was not supposed protect (the quarterback) 50th touchdown pass of to end the season this way. better," Carter said. "We the season. ForObiostate Galena Park North Shore neededtomakemoreplays, bound Wilson, it was his was bigger, stronger and and we just didn't." 18th scoring reception. quicker than a Cavaliers Cavalier quarterback Peterman, who also team that was seeking its Hudson Card could not played his last game as a fourth straight trip to the save a one-dimensional Cavalier, said he has too state finals. Instead, North offense that bad its lowest many good memories to Shore stayed alive in the scoring output of the let one loss spoil bis career. playoffs witha surprisingly season. Tbe last time L.:!..e And while the Cavaliers easy 51-10 victory over r scoredfewerthan10 will have to regroup next r., .. ·~· on Saturday after points was in the2015 Class year withoutthis season's noon at NRG Stadium. 6Atitle game, a 34-7 loss to strong senior class, be said North Shore (15-0) will North Shore's Zach Evans runs flW a touchdown 5aturday as Ve '11 ,,,_- 6-34H Z H·J6 laVIDUAI.STAIISTICS bslilg - - ....I.. ~s6-D; ~ Ni'.llmll•)I.Clnl t-16: UCO'ce 1•9;GIJMlhrk NOrth Sllilft. Evaas 11~ 19'. 4 T0s:G LibertyHill quarterback Jacob Ceariey ledan offense that finished with542 yards in the PantheB' 44-41 win over previously unbeaten carthage in the Class 4ADivision I state semifinals. IROOOU-0 GONZALEZ/ FO~ STATESMAN] PLAYER OF THE WEEK to Beaumont West Brook in a Carthage. Class 6A DII state semifinal Kyle Harrison, RB, Liberty Hill: B Simpson, RB, Liberty Hill: Saturday in Katy. The Panther all-state senior The Panther sophomore was Hudson card, QB, .1 ,wT~: had another spectacular game, the key to Liberty Hill's offense The Cavalier junior passed for rushing for 155yards 0020 car during a 44-41 victory over 158 yards and tossed his 50th ries and scoring on two long CarthageinaClass 4A Division touchdown pass of the season runs in the upset of Carthage. I state semifinal last Friday in in a 51-10 loss to Galena Park Mason Mangum, WR, West!. 111!: Cypress. Simpson rushed 21 North Shore in.a Class 6A DlI The Chaparral junior caught timesfor187yards- 8.9yards game in Katy. four passes for 85 yards, a carry-and two touchdowns. Jacob Cearley, QB, Liberty includinga38-yardTDcatch, His TD runs of 32 and 17 yards Hill: The Panther junior led in the loss to Beaumont West helped the Panthers reach the an offense that finished with Brook. state championship game this 542 yards. He contributed 67 Kirkland Michaux, QB, Friday against Waco La Vega. yards on just seven carries and West The Chaparral junior surprised previously unbeaten completed 14 of 30 passes for GAME BALLS Carthage with three pass com 215 yards and a pair of touch pletions for 43 yards. downs and ran for 30 yards and Penny Baker, WR, West,.. e: Wyatt Cheney, OB, Liberty Hill: a third TD in the loss to West The Chaparral senior caught The Panther senior had nine Brook. six passes for 107 yards and solo tackles and assisted on a touchdown in a 35- 30 loss five others in the victory over Rick Cantu Texas hoping to close with final recruiting targets Texas coach Tom Herman"s first recruiting class at UT ranked third in the country in 2018. With a full year to recruit, he has the seventh-rated class heacfing into Wednesday"s start of the early signing period. tJAY JANNER/AMERICAH·STATESMANJ By l\fikc Craven Wednesday. Louisiana defen [email protected] sive end Myron Warren is the only current commit who has Texas will add another crop hinted at waiting lUltil February. of players to the program on Texas signed the No. 3-rated Wednesday when the early class in 2018 and currently signing period begins. The ranks seventh in the coun three-day window startedwith try beading into Wednesday, the 2018 class. That group used trailing No. I Alabama, No. z the early period at a nearly So Georgia, No. 3 TexasA&M, No. percent rate natioruilly and the 4 LSU, No. 5 Oregon and No. 6 2019 class shouldfollow suit. Clemson. The Longhorns have The bulk of the class around the top-rated class in the Big u, the country will sign national thoughNo.8Oklahomaisright letters of intent by Wednesday behind. First-yearTexasA&M afternoon. Texas waltzed coach funbo Fisher has bad a into the early signing period solid year in putting together in 2018 with 21 commitments. his first full class. Nineteen of those signed and TheAggieswillsignthestate's the Longhorns finished with top·ratedoffensiveanddefen the No. 3-ranked class in the sivelinemaninConverseJudson country after national signing defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal dayinFebruary. Texasholds and Humble Atascocita offen· Texas is holding out hope to land the nation's top-ranked running n pledges heading into this sive tackle Kenyon Green. back prospect. Trey Sanders, from IMG Academy in Florida, year's early signing period and will choose between the Longhorns and top SEC programs on most are expected to sign on SceTEXAS, C3 Wednesday. IMIKE CRAVEH/AMERICAN·STATtSMANJ TEXAS A SIGNING DAY PRIMER TOP 10 CLASSES 1-romPageC1 The country's top classes, per 247Sports' composite ratings, heading into the start of the They're ranked No. 2 early signing period on Wednesday. Last year, 80 percent of players committed to Power and No. 3intheAmerican Five schools signed early. Statemian's Fabulous 55 list of the state's top recruits. School Ho. Ss 4s ls 11lestate'sNo.1player, 1. Alabama 24 2 21 1 6.Clemson 24 2 9 13 Lake Travis wide receiver 2. Georgia 19 4 13 2 7. Texas 22 0 13 9 Garrett Wilson, will 3. TexasA&M 24 2 11 11 8. Oklahoma 19 2 10 7 sign with Ohio State on 4.LSU 19 3 8 7 9. Michigan 25 0 14 11 Wednesday. Rumors are 5. Oregon 20 1 11 8 10. Ohio State 16 2 10 4 circlingabouttheurcom mitment status offour-star NO. 7, WITH POTENTIAL St. Louis wide receiver MarcusWashington. Texas Texas' 22-player class head five-star studs like Sanders and sign him on Wednesday. lost pledges from Oklahoma ing Into Wednesday, the start and McCoy would push UT • Add a defensive play wide receiver Demariyon of the earty signing period, is into the conversation for the maker like Mansfield Houston and Odessa ranked No. 7 nationally. The third-ranked spot Legacy safety Jalen Permian athlete Peyton Longhorns' 2018 class ranked • Get two more offensive line catalon. Powell, who was probably third. What do they need to men. fort Bend Dulles' Isaiah Sanders and McCoy remain goingtoendupatreceiver, do from now until national Hoofkin was considered to the swing prospects for the thismonth. signing day in February to end be a UT lean, but indications cycle. Sanders will decide The Longhorns replen up as a tap-five class? Here are he'll pledge to Baylor on on Wednesday. McCoy will ished t hose ranks on are Mike Craven's thoughts: W:?clnesday. Katy Taylor's announce his pick on Jan. Tuesday with Melissa wide • Close with the top remain· Andrew Coker - a TCU 5. The Longhorns will have receiver Kennedy Lewis' ing targets on urs board commit- took his official a top-10 class even if they pledge. Bowie wide receiver - California athlete Bru visit to UT last weekend. don't close with those two Elijah Higgins picked McCoy, IMG Academy run· Texas also can go the JUCO or prospects. But landing one, stanford later Tuesday. ning back Trey Sanders. The graduate transfer route. or both, puts an excla Texas added three-star margin between No. 4 LSU • Keep Chris Adimora, a four mation point on another JUCO outside linebacker and No. 7 Texas is tight Two star safety from Galifomia, top-five class. Caleb Johson of Fullerton College in California TEXAS' CLASS on Monday night. He became the fourth line- The Longhorns have 22 commitments for the 2019 recruiting class; 20 are expected to backer to pledge to UT, sign on Wednesday and six will be early enrollees. Players are listed by overall national joining De'Gabriel Floyd, ranking per 247Sports composite ratings. Marcus Tillman Jr. and in- state four-star prospect Player Pos. School Stars Nat State David Gbenda. Floyd and Tyler Johnson OT Conroe Oak Ridge 4 37th 5th Tillman are among the six Jordan Whittington WR CUero 4 53rd 6th early enrollees that Texas De'Gabriel Floyd ILB w. Village, calif. 4 64th 12th expectstosign. Theothers Jake Smith WR Scottsdale N.D. Prep 4 81st 2nd are Jordan Whittington, Kenyatta watson II CB Loganville (Ga) Grayson 4 135th 15th Brayden Liebrock, Jared Brayden Liebrock TE aiandler, Ariz. 4 182nd 4th Wiley, Roschon Johnson Marcus washington WR st LOuis T. catholic 4 191st 3rd and Peter Mpagi. TylerOWens s Plano East 4 197th 33rd A handful of targets are Chris Adimora s Lakewood (caJif.) Mayfair 4 206th 28th still on the board enter- Roschon Johnson QB Port Neches-Groves 4 214th 27th ing Wednesday, including Oerrian Brown RB Buford,Ga 4 234th 24th Isaiah Hookfin. The 6-5, David Gbenda ILB Katy Cinco Ranch 4 268th 40th 27O-pound offensive Javonne Shepherd OT Hou. North Forest 4 337th 32nd lineman was a late riser Marcus Tillman Jr. OLB Orlando Jones 3 439th 56th in recruiting circles. The Myron warren DE Many,La 3 447th 21st Fort Bend Dulles product Jacoby Jones DE Butler C.C. (Kan) 3 23rd' 6th· appears down to have nar- calebJones OLB Fullerton Coll. (caJif.) 3 40th' 7th" rowed his choice to either Kennedy Lewis WR Melissa 3 634th 77th Baylor or Texas. He'll T'Vondre Sweat DE Huntsville 3 655th 22nd announ.ce Wednesday. Marques caldwell CB Alvin 3 681st 86th Hookfin would form PeterMpagi DE Richmond G. Ranch 3 746th 95th a strong trio with four Jared Wiley TE Temple 3 976th 126th star offensive tackles and • JUCO rankings fellow Fab 55 members Tyler Johnson and Javonne hours before announc- not announcing his com- forthetwo-waystarhoping Shepherd. The main event ing live OD ESPN2 at 12:20 rnitment publicly until to start at wide receiver and OD Wednesday is the loom- p.m. Texas must beat out the All-American Bowl in contribute at outside line- ing decision of five-star SEC programs like Florida, SanAntonioonJan.5. The backer. Four-star safety runningbackTreySanders. Georgia and Alabama. Longhorns stood toe-to- Jalen Catalon is one of the The IMG Academy product Five-star athlete Bru toe with USC throughout top targets in the nation is the top-rated back in the McCoy also might sign the recruiting process for that's waiting until signing nationandis seriously con- behind the scenes with him and the Longhorns feel dayinFebruary.He'ssetto sidering Texas in the final eitherUSCorTexasdespite good about their position announceon)an.19. Changing chapters, ~-. 1'\ ' Wilson begins future with Ohio State By Rick Cantu [email protected] :..'UCWA Y - Garrett Wilson, the state's No. 1 high school recruit, said Wednesday that play ing for r - has prepared him for the next chapter ofbis life. The Cavaliers' five-star wide receiver posed for pictures with bis family after signing a national l • ·s wide receiver Garrett Wilson signs his letter of intent to play for national letter of intent Wednesday morning with Ohio Ohio State. Flanked by State as his mother, Candy, looks on. Wilson is the bis father, Kenneth, bis state's No. 1 recruit. [L - ISO PHOTOJ mother, Candy, and bis sister Sydney, it was a por FAB 55: RECENT NO. l'S trait he won't soon forget. Planning to enroll at Where the last 10 No. 1 recruits from the Fabulous 55 Ohio State in January, his have signed: last day as a high school 2009: Garrett Gilbert, QB (Texas) student will be Thursday. 2010: Jackson Jeffcoat, Plano West DE (Texas) '"Ibis place has prepared 2011: Steve Edmond, Daingerfield ILB (Texas) me for college sports, aca 2012: Mario Edwards, Denton Ryan DE (Florida State) demics, and everything 2013: Robbie Rhodes, Fort Worth Southwest WR (Baylor) it takes to go to the next 2014: Myles Garrett, Arlington Martin DE (Texas A&M) level," Wilson said. 2015: Malik Jefferson, Mesquite Poteet OLB (Texas) He received a hug from 2016: Gregory Little, Allen OT (Ole Miss) Cavaliers safety Hunter 2017: Baron Browning, Kennedale OLB (Ohio State) Henry, who also signed 2018: Garrett Wilson, WR (Ohio State) Wednesday to playat Rice. They soaked in applause two state championships. Urban Meyer retired ear from about 100 friends, Cavaliers coach Hank lier this month. He had coaches and officials, Carter described Wilson as already developed a rela including r .,: ... ".":.I. :s' "the L...A~ .r'6'-- . 1.. version" tionship with Meyer's principal and the school ofLeBronJam.es. Wilson's replacement, offensive district's superintendent. legacy at M • has coordinator Ryan Day. Wilson, the No. already been written. The "I can't say (Meyer's I- ranked player on the Cavaliers went41-6 during retirement) didn't affect American-Statesman's his three years, won the me at all, but when they Fabulous 55, picked Ohio Class 6A Division I state made the decision to State over roughly 40 other title in 20161 reached the elevate coach Day to the offers, including Texas. state finals again in 2017 bead coaching job, we He's the second-highest and made it to the state were comfortable with prospect in the Buckeyes' semifinals this fall. that," he said. "He's class, which features "It's very rare when someone that me and my three five -star recruits someone has a lot of family have full trust in, and is ranked 14th nation - expectations put on them and we have a great rela - ally. Ohio State signed the and they meet or exceed tionship with him." nation's top-rated defen them," Carter said. What will Wilson sive end, the second-rated "LeBron was one of those remember about wide receiver and the sec guys when he came out ':----,..? ond-rated center. of high school. Garrett "The blue-collar Ohio State has signed the isn't LeBron yet, but he's work ethic," be said. state'sNo.1-rankedrecruit incredible on the field and "A lot of people think two years in arow. in the classroom. He's a L-~ L...tt! has a bunch Wilson has beena walk fanatic competitor and one of snobby kids, but we ing highlight reel for the of the guys we're going to work for everything we past three years, a span in brag about later." get. There's a reason which be caught 219 passes Wilson said he did not the school has won six for 3,578 yards and 57 waver from his decision state championships. It touchdowns and playedfor to playfor Ohio State when doesn't just happen." Central Texas WRs Ellis, lliggins choose schools By Mike Craven [email protected] Austin Bowie wide receiver Elijah Higgins picked bis college des tination the day before the early signing period when the four-star picked Stanford over Texas and Florida on Tuesday night. The big-bodied 6-foot-3 wide receiver ear ned second-team all-district as a senior despite missing half of the season with a Bowie's Elijah Higgins, right, picked hi.s college wrist injury. destination the day before the early signing period when Higgins was a first-team the four•star picked Stanford over Texas and Florida on selection as a sophomore Tuesday night. [STEPHEN SPlllMAN/fOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN] and junior. He participated in the Opening Finals and will play in the Polynesian Bowl before finishing his prep career. Higgins is the No. 24-ranked pros pect on the latest 2019 Fabulous 55. He held 38 offers and posted a laser timed 4.57 40-yard dash at The Opening at 214 pounds. "St anford is a ridicu lous mix of top football and academics," Higgins said. "It's the whole aroma of the program." Higgins is the second Cedar Ridge wide receiver Jaylen Ellis, left, signed with local wide receiver the Baylor on Wednesday. The 6-foot, 187-pound playmaker Longhorns came in second held 25 offers, was a participant at the Opening Final.s place for in the 2019 cycle. and is ranked No. 31 on the American-Statesman's 2019 ~--4 ~ ,. .. star Garrett Fabulous 55. LRICMOO B. BRAZZI Ell/AMERICAN-STATESMAN] Wilson chose Ohio State over the Longhorns in the rear-view mirror, sign playmaker held 25 offers, April.Higginsisanative early and begin preparing was a participant at the of Florida and always for college. The three Opening Finals and is maintained leaving the star wide receiver from ranked No. 31 on the state was not a concern. Cedar Ridge was origi American -Statesman's Ranked as the No. 97th nally scheduled to commit 2019 Fabulous 55. best prospect in the nation at the Under-Armour He's considered by 247Sports Composite, All-American Game in the 6oth-best wide Higgins becomes the Orlando next month and receiver in the nation per top-rated member of sign in February. 247Sports Composite. Stanford's current 2019 His final three was He's a big-play threat class. Crandall cent er Baylor, Tennessee and who emerged as a junior Branson Bragg is a fellow Michigan. after he recorded a 10.4 Fab 55 member also com The speedy receiver 100-meter dash time at mitted to Stanford. chose Baylor on his district track meet. Ellis chooses Baylor: Wednesday morning at Ellis averaged more than Jaylen Ellis decided it was Cedar Ridge High School. 20 yards a catch in his best t o get his decision in The 6-foot, 187- pound high school career. CENTRAL TEXAS FOOTBALL SIGNEES AUSTIN HIGH Curley Young, DL PFLUGERVILLE Ben Koch, TE (Army) (California) Casey Washington, WR BOWIE HUTTO (Illinois) Elijah Higgins, WR Chase Griffin. QB (UCLA) ROUND ROCK (Stanford) LAM: 1ltA , iS Garrett Miller, TE (Purdue) CEDAR RIDGE Hunter Henry, DB (Rice) Ryan O'Keefe, QB (Central Jaylen Ellis, WR (Baylor) Garrett Wilson, WR (Ohio Florida) GEORGETOWN State) Reese Watson, DB Mason Meyer, DL MCNEIL (Incarnate Word) (Incarnate Word) Jordan Kerley, WR (Arizona VANDEGRIFT HENDRICKSON State) Spencer Jones, LB (Army) AMERICAN-STATESMAN 2019 FABULOUS 55 The American-Statesman's Fabulous 55 list of the state's top recruits for 2019, compiled by staff writer Mike Craven. ,_._ PliJt< Sdlool llt..Wl c.,nogeoott ,_._ PliJt< Sdlool Ht.wt Cohgeaolt I WR Gam!II Wilsoa t- (6A) 611.ISI Sl!Jlt(I "'itll Ohio SWl! 2!l OT MdrcwCOI\« Katy Tlylor (6A) f,-fi.JIO Slg.. d v,JIII TCU 2 DI. Oo,Mamn U,al eon- Judson (6A) 6-4,2!0 Sigrled willl ltxas MM 3G R!I i By Jay Plotkin American-Statesman Correspondent When the season heads into the home stretch - which for ~ traditionally means the state semifinals or finals - Cavaliers coach Hank Carter often tells his players to cherish their last few prac tices because "the light at the end of the tunnel is getting pretty big." On Saturday at NRG Stadium, that light turned out to be an oncoming train in the form of Galena Park North Shore. The second-ranked Mustangs (15-0) looked every bit the part of a state champi onship favorite, ending 4 ;' season 51-10. "That is not what we hoped," Carter said. "They are a great team. They have some excellent athletes, and their kids are strong. We just weren't able to get them on the ground." Zach Evans rushed for 196 yardsandfourtouchdowns, including a 60 - yard score on his first carry, and Damatruis Davis passed for 231 and two touchdowns as the Mustangs scored on six of their first eight possessions ofthe game. North Shore finished with 557 yards of offense. knew stop ping North Shore's offense would be a challenge, but the Cavaliers hoped to find more success against North Shore's pass rush. They didn't. After See REACTION, Alo Shore's pressure making couldn't haul in a would-be REACTION him get rid of the ball before touchdown pass. A final Hail receivers had time to beat Mary fell incomplete as well, FromPageAB man-to-man coverage, 12 and the Cavaliers never got of Card's next 13 passes fell back into the game. completing three of his first incomplete. He failed to "Throughout the first half, four passes, Hudson Card complete 50 percent of his we thought we'd just keep struggled in the face of pres passes for the first time all trying to do our thing and get sure led by Tony Bradford season. He crone into the back into the game" Wilson and Jordan Revels. game completing 70.9 per said. "Therewasalotoftime "We just couldn't get into cent of his passes. left in the game, but we could any kind of rhythm," Card A stretch at ·the end of the just never make it happen." said after completing 13 of33 second quarter exemplified Battling tight coverage passes for 158 yards. "They Lake Travis' frustrations. all afternoon, Wilson gave are a good team, and we just Trailing 34-3, the Cavaliers credit where it was due fol came up short. We did the marched into Mustang terri lowing the game. best we could." tory. From the Mustang 40 "They are a physical After leading the Cavaliers with 20 seconds left, Garrett team," Wilson said of the to a 3-0 lead early, Card Wilson finally got behind Mustangs. "They started struggled. With North the North Shore defense but hot and they beat our butts." Lake navis Cavaliers wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) grimaces while bringing down North Shore Mustangs quarterback Roger Hagan (15) during the fourth quarter at the Class 6A Division I semifinal playoff footbaD game Dec. 15 at NRG Stadium. [JOHN GUTIERREZ/ FOR STATESMAN) Chaps' win streak vs. Cavs still alive Darius McBride scores frontrunner in a district race on a three-pounter from the game's flnal six points that will likely come down to right wing and made three of for Westl.1.Ke the No. 19 Chaps and No. 4 four free throws in the final ~·"'-' :.~ •• (16-1, 1- 1), who minute, including two clutch By Thomas Jones entered this week as the only foul shots in a 1-and-1 situ [email protected] Class 6A area teams ranked ation with 17 seconds left on by the Texas Association of the clock. ~ WAY - It's been Basketball Coaches. Sophomore K.J. Adams, almost four years since West...:!.e's Darius McBride, another first-year member · = _ beat neighbor a 6-foot-3 senior who played of West, ~ •s basketball ing nemesis Wes 1 on the at Vista Ridge the past three program who bad 14 points bardcourt, but none of those seasons, said his first foray and four assists, also made nine consecutive losses have into the rivalry dubbed "the big plays down the stretch come with quite as much Battle of the ~ ·..: s" regardless by blocking a shot from _::.a angst. ofthe sport matched the hype. .... _;:). • point guard Ryan Despite a brilliant game "Every time we play, we Bormann and kicking out a plan almost flawlessly all know it's going to be like pass to McBride for the game executed by the Cavs, this," he said. "This is my first tying trey. West' ' came up clutch in year here, and I wanted to get "They were sagging off of the waning moments of the that win. That's what we did; me, and when I saw K.J. drive, Dec. 11gametoclaima57-54 we for sure are in their heads." I knew he'd kick it out," said win at ~ ';: • High McBride scored the game's McBride, who had 14 points West ,ca guard Darius McBride (24) scores over w... • T h point School. With the road victory, final six points in a span of 75 and five rebounds. "I got my guard Ryan Bormann (4) and guard Bennett Mohn (21) during a West • (13-2, 2-0 District seconds to secure the win for District 25·6A high school basketball game at t n av, High School 25-6A) becomes the early Wesf-....l. He tied the contest SeeBOYS, A9 Dec. 11. [STEPHEN SPIUMAN fOR AMERICAN·STAT£SMANJ Lake Travis point guard John Wetter (20) shoots over Westlake forward KJ Adams (30) during a District 25-6A high school basketbaJI game at Lake Travis High School Dec. 11. [PHOTOS BY STEPHEN SPIUMAN fOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN] briefly tied the score at and skills to match up BOYS 48-48 midway through with Baker in the paint but the fourth. he may miss the rest of the fromPageA8 Lake Travis' defensive season with an injury, strategy proved effective according to Lake Travis for much of the game. coaches. feet set and got ofthe shot Baker had just eight The only Cavs who off." points and six rebounds took the court Tuesday The frenzied ending while battling a swarm taller 6 feet, 2 inches contrasted with the ing defense spearheaded were Bennett Mohn, a game's pace. Lake Travis by the 6-3 Brett Baty, skilled but slight 6-4 committed just five turn another future Longhorn wing and the burly Baty, over while slowing down who will play baseball at a starter as a sophomore the game and limiting Texas. who skipped basketball Westlake's dangerous "Brett muscled up," his junior year in order to transition attack. And said Lake Travis coach focus on baseball. bow did McBride and bis Clint Baty, Brett's father. Baty, who looks as if teammates stay close "He knew he'd have a he's spent as much time enough for a final run battle. He fought bard, in the weight room as despite a Lake Travis and, really, the whole the batting cage, showed lead that ballooned to 14 team fought hard. little rust from his year points with 2 minutes and "It's tough when you away from basketball 7 seconds left in the third have a big man like (Baker) while posting game-highs quarter? to defend, because you in both points (19) and "We got a little frus have to defend him and rebounds (nine). trated, but we stayed block him out. You don't, Westlake remains the together," be said. "We and he'll just tip it in. The largest - and perhaps chipped away point by first half, they found the only - hurdle between point." cutters and we made the Lake Travis and its first More like three by adjustment. Then they district title since the three. Westlake made found the shooters." 2014-15 season. 11 of 22 three-pointers The Cavs, despite play The Cavs' nine-game against a Lake Travis ing without injured big losing streak to their defense intent on slowing man D.J. Thorpe, raced Hill Country neighbors down Chap senior Will out to a 19-7 edge in the includes playoff losses Baker, a 6-foot-11 blue first quarter and didn't in 2016 and 2018. In that chipper who signed with relinquish that lead until same span, Lake Travis is Texas last month. Seven the final minute. Thorpe, a combined 21-1 against of those long-distance a 6-8 forward who signed the other teams in District bombs came after half a letter of intent last 25-6A, including Bowie, time, including two from month with Cal, is one Lehman, Austin High, Jackson Arnette during if the few players in the Akins, Anderson, Hays an 11-2 Westlake run that Austin area with the size and Del Valle. Lake Travis fans cheer for their team against Westlake during a District 25•6A high school basketball game at Lake Travis High School Dec. 11. HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL: FAB FIVES AND PLAYER OF THE WEEK FABFIVES Class6A 1. Westk.lft... 14-2 2. - ~"'- l, c.,u 16•1 3. Hendrickson 12-3 4. Round Rock 11-4 5. Cedar Ridge 10-5 Class SA 1. LBJ 7-2 2. Connally 10-5 3. Cedar Park 12-3 4. Reagan 11-2 5. Lockhart 12-5 Class 4A and others 1. Liberty Hill 15-3 2. Thorndale 11-4 3. Taylor 12-2 4. Regents 11-4 5. Blanco 12-5 AREA ROUNDUP A family tradition: Brent Murphy, a former stand out at Pflugerville, is carrying on a family tra dition by leading Round Rock into district title contention early in the District 13-6A slate. He Cedar Park's Josh Baker (blocking out connally's Eddie played for his father, Burgess in a game last season) scored 21 points to lead Mike Murphy, the long the Timberwolves to a district-opening win over Glenn time Pflugerville coach last week. [JAMIE HARM~OR STATESMAN] who retired in 2013 after more than 30 years of 25-6A contest, and No. Florence in its District coaching prep basketball. 7 !..~-- ':-.; , . · rebounded 25- JA opener Tuesday. The Dragons are off to an from its lone loss of the ... Thorndale, No. 16 in 11-4 start, their best since season to West--. on the latest Class 2A poll, the 2014-15 team went Dec. 11 with a nondistrict throttled rival Thrall 19-11. Not coinciden win over Edna .... LBJ, 74-32 Tuesday. tally, that season brought No. 9 in Class 5A, did not Other notable scores: the Dragons' last playoff play Friday, and No. 11 Taylor suffered just its appearance. Round Rock, Connally beat crosstown second loss of the season 3-0 in district play, faces rival Pflugerville 44-36 to visiting Mccallum last a tough road test Friday at behind 15 points from Friday 56-52. Norman Leander. guard Kylin Robinson and Boyd led the Knights with How ranked local teams nearly a double-double 26 points .... In a game fared: Most teams ranked from post Eddie Burgess, that should have play in the latest Texas who had nine points and off implications later in Association of Basketball 10 rebounds .... Liberty the season, Austin High Coaches poll t ook Hill, No. 9 in Class 4A, had knocked off Anderson Tuesday off because of a strong week by beating 73-63 in a District 25-6A end-of-semester testing, St. Michael's 58-38 and contest. Maroon guard but many either resumed Robinson83-52 .... Blanco calvin Williams (30 points) or started district play made its first appearance outdueled Anderson guard last Friday. In Class 6A, in the Class 3A poll at No. Max Smith (29 points) . ... No. 6 Wes ._ __ ~~ raced 25 after a 74-69 win over Dylan Grubb (12 points) led past a game Del Valle New Braunfels Christian a balanced McNeil attack team 84-71 in a District and an 80-50 win over as the Mavs improved to 2-1inDistrict13-6A with a 48-37winoverWestwood last Friday.... Lanier con tinued to struggle in the post-Davion Buster era with a 49-34 nondistrict loss to Georgetown. Buster, a guard who became the Austin school distTict's all-time leading scorer last season, led the VJ.kings to a share of the District 25-5A title last season. With Buster now playing at Lamar University in Beaumont, Lanier is 2-9 enteringtheDistrict25-5A opener against Dripping Springs on Friday. ... Josiyah Thorn scored 22 points to lead Reagan to an 85-41 win over Brentwood Christian, which gave the Raiders their ninth con secutive win. PLAYER OF THE WEEK Jo sh Bake r, senior, Cedar Park. The 6-foot-7 forward helped t he Timberwolves win their District I 7-5A opener against Glenn by scoring a game-high 21 points duringa59-45 victory. GAMES TO WATCH Friday Hendrickson at Cedar Ridge, 7 p.m.: First place in District I 3-6A is on the line when stellar point guard Caleb Golden and Cedar Ridge host a loaded Hendrickson team led by big man Dylan Disu. Rouse at Connally, 7 p.m.: Coach Shane Krause has Rouse playing well, but a tough road trip to district favorite Connally is a true test. Please send scores, sta tistics, information and player ofthe week nomi nees to Thomas Jones at [email protected]. West 1l~t girls fend off Cavaliers' rally Chaps remain perfect Bennett, the Chaps junior and hitting that got us going In District 25-6A point guard, found herself again .... In that moment, I basketball open beyond the three-point had full confidence taJcing line as W est....ce' s 28-1 o half- that shot." By Colby Gordon time lead against rival A - Bennett, who led all scor Alllerican•Stalesman :- 1""1J inaDistrict25-6Acon ers with 15 points, also bad Correspondent test had dissolved to 38-33. several key steals down the Bennett calmly swished the stretch that led to passes With what looked like a game's crucial basket, which to Shay Holle for transition blowout win for West,:~ helped trigger a second-half baskets. about to potentially turn into a Westlttu:. run that sealed a "Presley got hurt the first one-possession game, Chaps 51-34 win at Westl...... ! High week of the season and is coach Katie Hensle turned to School. The bucket ended a just now getting back to her her assistant coaches midway 23-8 second-half run by the self," Hensle said. "I thought through the fourth quar Cavs and starting a Chaps tonight she gave us what we ter and said, "I really hope 13-1 spurt. typically woulc!l expect of her. Presley (Bennett) is about to "It felt good," Bennett said. You could just see tonight she ~ is Cavaliers guard Shelby Devin (20) dribbles the baU as shootit." "Coach had warned us they'd had her swagger back." Wesu R. Chaparrals guard Kaylee Cunningham (10) defends during Moments later, Hensle got go on a run. We had tried to the first period at the District 25•6A girls basketball game on Dec. 11 her wish. prevent that from happening, See GIRLS , Aq at Wes1 '. ~ High School. [JOHN GIJTIERREZ / fOR AMERICAN - STATESMAN) or24." GIRLS Boswell poured in 12 points, and Cilliers tallied FromPageAB 10 to pace Lake Travis. Holle finished with 14 to mark the third Westlake Westlake (12-5, 4-0 player in double figures. District 2 5-6A) had plenty The Chaps have now of swagger in the first half won 14 in a row against as it built its 18-point the Cavs, dating back to lead. 2ou, but Hensle down Bailee Chynoweth tal- played the significance lied 10 of her 13 points, of a single win during the and Holle hit two three season. pointers as the Chaps Westlake Chaparral.s "It's obviously a big ended the half on a 21-3 guard Bailee Chynoweth rivalry, but for us it's run and kept Lake Travis (3) attempts to pry the about being the best we (n-6, 2-3) scoreless for ball away from Lake Travis can be every single night," the final six minutes of cavaliers guard Raeven she said. "For us, district the second quarter. Boswell (14) during the games are most important "The key in the first half Dec. 11 game. because that's what sets was defense," Chynoweth you up for a successful said. "If we can get con - "We're a whole lot playoff run and hopefully stant stops, then we can better team when we a shot at a district title. score in transition and get make shots," Cavs coach All district games mean quick baskets when they Kevin Bussinger said. the same amount." aren't in position to set up "We can't do what we did With a healthy - and a defense." the second quarter and confident- Bennett back The Cavs rallied in only score three points. in the fold, Westlake's the second half behind We didn't play poorly, best days may lie in front Jackie Cilliers and Raeven we just didn't score. But ofit. Boswell, who combined you can't come here and "We still haven't for 20 points after the expect to beat them when reached our full poten break. you have a quarter like tial," Chynoweth said. Cilliers' three-pointer that. The second half, "That's kind of annoy Lake Travis cavaliers guard Jackie Jochum (12) sets to shoot against the Westlake brought Lake Travis that's where we want to ing, but it's also exciting Chaparrals during the fourth period at the District 25•6A girts basketball game on Dec. 11 within five before be. But it has to be a full knowing what we can do at Westlake High School. [PHOTOS BY JOHN GUllE.RREZ / fOR AMERICAN - STATESMAN) Bennett's key shot. 32 minutes of that, not 16 in the future." CAVALETTES OF THE WEEK The cavalette Squad of the Week for Dec. 8 was Kendall's Squad. In the front row from left are Lauren Blossman, Abby Richter and Bella Gordon. In the back row from left are Anapaula Barron, Jr. Lt Kendall Harvey, forme.r cavalette Jackie Fowler and manager Emiley Arnold. [COURTESY PHOTOS) The Cavalette of the Week The Spirit Cavalette of the The High Kick of the Week is Reagan Wilbanks. Week is Caroline Ausley. is Victoria Mata. Lawsuit challenges state ban on Israel boycott Pflugerville school contractor clalms her free-speech rights were vlolated By Asher Price and Melissa n. Taboada [email protected] [email protected] For nine years, speech pathologist Bahia Amawi, who speaks English and Arabic, has helped assess Arabic speaking students for the Pflugerville school district. But in September, as part of her annual contract renewal, the district asked her to sign a contract addendum, man dated by a state law that took effect last year, that she does not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract. District officials informed her they would not renew her contract if she did not initial the addendum. She refused - as it happens, she supports the Israel boycott, refusing to buy certain brands of hummus, for example, that are made in Israel. Now, in a case pitting free speech rights against a move ment by legislatures in Texas and other states to thwart boycotts of Israel, Amawi, a Palestinian-American, has filed suit in federal court in Austin against the Pflugerville school district and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. "Texas's ban on contract ing with any boycotter of Israel constitutes viewpoint discrimination that chills constitutionally-protected political advocacy in support of Palestine," says the suit. "This lawsuit is about an American woman's right to See LAWSUIT, A4 LAWSUIT 1' rom Page AI protest in the way she wants to," said Gadeir Abbas, attor ney with the Cou ncil on BahiaAmawi, American-Islamic Relations, middle, an which is representing her. He elementary said the school district had school speech unconstitutionally "condi pathologist tioned her ability to work for from Round the school district" based onher Rock,and views of the Israeli occupation. her attorney The 2017 Texas law prohib John Floyd, its governmental entities from right, arrive contracting with and invest fora news ing in companies that boycott conference Israel, Texas' fourth biggest at the Austin trading partn.er. office of the The law is a response to Council on the Boycott, Divestment and American Sanctions movement that Islamic seeks to change Israeli policy Relations toward Palestinians. on Monday. A St atesman su rvey of [JAY JANNER/ other school districts around AMERICAN· Central Texas - includ STATESMAN] ing .,. s, Round Rock, Dripping Springs and Austin - has found similar This is "almost certainly a Paxton spo!kesman Marc are against companies that R-Weatherford, a nthor ofthe language in their agreements flagrant violation of the First Rylander, however, said his operate in the occupied West anti-boycott legislation, said with contracts. The city of Amendment," Larry Sager, a office stood by the law. Bank. Organizers say they the law "does not infringe on Austin, too, asks the ques University ofTexas law school "Private citizens and com were inspired by the South any individual or company's tion in some of its contracts, professor and co-author of panies have every right to African anti-apartheid move right to express anti-Israel including in its grants with "Religious Freedom and the express their views on any ment to call for boycotts as a views or to boycott Israel. arts organizations. Constitution." issue they wish by boycotting form of nonviolent pressure However, that doesn't mean Pflugerville district spokes "Public contractors have companies and citizens," he on Israel. our taxpayer dollars will be woman Tamra Spence said limited but very impor said. "They do not, however, "Economic boycotts for allowed to subsidize dis the district is committed to tant free speech rights. Just have a right to use money they the purposes of bringing crimination by companies educating all students to be because you are employed by obtain from government con about political change are that boycott Israel. Our "productive members of a the government and contract tracts to make tthat statement. entrenched in American his state law narrowly regu diverse community," but like with the government, you The taxpayers of Texas do tory, beginning with colonial lates against state and local all governmental entities, is don't park your fundamental not want their money used to boycotts on British tea," says government involvement in bound by state law to include First Amendment rights at the marginalize and attack a key Amawi's suit. discriminatory commercial the contract language. door," Sager said. ally and trading partner of activity. It does so in order "Unfortunately, Pflugerville He continued: "In its most Texas, and they have said so subsidized to defend hundreds of mil ISO and all Texas school dis dilute form, there's a kind at the ballot box. They, too, discrimination? lions of dollars in exports tricts are at the mercy of the of balance of the needs of an have the right to express their and employment interests state and the regulations employer and your need to views." Supporters of the law had that depend upon trade with printed into law," she said. take a position in matters of The Israeli-Palestinian mixed reaction on Monday to Israel." "In situations such as this, we public interest" - the U.S. conflict dates to before the the claims in the suit. Suggesting something are forced to spend time on secretary of state can be fired creation of Israel in 1948 and "My take on the whole thing about the depth of political state political issues and not for publicly criticizing the centers on disputed land and is Israel is being threatened support for Israel's policies, on our core mission, which is president's foreign policy, for holy sites in the Middle East. globally with terrorism and politicians of both parties educating students. Although example. "Heretheemployer Despite stated goals to has always been an ally of supported King's 2017 law. Pflugerville ISO is the focus of has virtually no interest, and create two states - an inde the U.S. and is a great trad The state Senate approved the lawsuit, this is a state issue the speaker has tremendous pendent Palestine alongside ing partner with Texas," said the bill 26-5, and no House that affects all Texas public interest in her views." Israel, as envisioned in a series Ann Hettinger, legislative member voted against the bill. school districts and should be Forapublicentitytoreqnire of accords- Palestinian ter director of the Center for the Abbas said at least 20 other addressed at the state level." an oath of this sort "is so ritory remains under Israeli Preservation of American states have enacted rules like deeply anathema to our ideas control, leading to claims of Ideals, who said she was Texas'. 'Anathema to ... of free speech and individual rights violations. unsympathetic to the suit. "f But they're facing some free speech' hberty," hesaid. "This person The Palestinian BOS don't believe it affects her in pushback in the courts, with is minding her own business National Committee calls for a a personal way and doesn't federal judges in Kansas and Legal experts said the clause and is asked to declare her boycott ofall Israeli products, violate her in any way." Arizona issuing injunctions is ripe for a challenge. position." though its major campaigns State Rep. Phil King, against similar laws. Jan. 16 L.T , 'i Community Chamber of Commerce luncheon: 11 am. to 1 p.m. at Flintrock Falls, 401 Jack Nicklaus Drive, l way. The luncheon will include the ...__._, 1-..;'5 economic forecast featur ing L ""1 _ school Superintendent Brad Lancaster, City Manager Steve Jones and Doug Land, broker at Kuper Sothebys International Realty. The cost is $40 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers. Registration •s required at Mayfield's TD pass lifts Browns over Broncos By Arnle Slaplelon n,e Associated Press DENVER - Whether it was "The Fumble" or "The Drive" in the playoffs in the 1980s or the 11 consecutive times Denver had dumped Cleveland, the Broncos always were the Browns' biggest bugaboo. But with John Elway watch ing from his suite at Mile High Stadium, Baker Mayfield capi talized on Denver's depleted comerback corps and dubious coaching decisions to lead the Browns past the Broncos 17-16 Saturday night. Mayfield's 2-yard touch down pass to Antonio Callaway with just under 12 minutes left provided the win ning margin for the Browns (6-7-1)1 who kept alive their slim hopes ofending the NFL's longest playoff drought. The Browns still have a shot at their first winning season since 2007 and even their first playoff berth since 2002, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws on the run against the thanks to their first win over Broncos. IR1CK SCIITEllVTHEASSOCIIITEO PRESS) Denver(6-8) since 1990. "I think the tough environ ment, winning on the road's fourth down. 2-yard loss by Adam Gotsis. the most important thing," Jabrill Peppers, for one, was "We came up here to win a said Mayfield, the former surprised the Broncos didn't ballgame," Williams said. "I • High School star try for the first down or the don't think anybody's worried and Heisman winner from end zone. about me not being aggres - Oklahoma. "If we don't talce "Absolutely. Absolutely. sive, and we came up here to care of business tonight, and But, hey, it worked out in our win it. Offensively, we were obviously we have to move on favor," Peppers said. "We'd going to win it right there. If and take care of business next been stopping them all day, not, defensively we're going week, none of that matters. and they didn't want to come to come back and do it. Pretty "So being able to win on the away with nothing." similar going all-out blitz road is something we've got to Exactly. the last several plays. That's take pride in." "I wanted points there," the aggressive nature of the Combined with their win Joseph explained. "We had team." at Cincinnati last month, the about 4:35 left. We had one The Broncos got the ball Browns have multiple road timeout and the two-minute back with 1:49 remaining victories for the first time warning. I trust our defense to and reached the so-yard line since 2014. get a stop there." with 52 seconds left. But a Callaway's touchdown It didn't happen, at least not spike, two incompletions and made it 17- 13 and came with right away. Peppers' sack of Case Keenum safety Justin Simmons in cov Nick Chubb reeled off a all but ended Denver's playoff erage because the Broncos 40-yard run on the first play. hopes. were down five comerbacks. "Wecan'tlet that happen," Keenum said he wanted the The Broncos responded said former Texas A&M star Broncos to go for it on fourth with a 13-play drive that Von Miller, who broke Simon down at the Cleveland 6 but ate up more than seven Fletcher's franchise record of added that ultimately Joseph's minutes, but ofter Phillip 103 sacks, including playoffs. decision worked out, despite Lindsay was stuffed for no But the Broncos came up the loss. gain on third-and-1 from the with a big stop on fourth "I can't complain," Keenum Cleveland 6, Broncos coach and-1 at the Denver 10 when said, "because I've got the Vance Joseph sent in kicker Cleveland interim coach ball back in my hands with a Brandon McManus for a field Gregg Williams went for it chance to win the game. So goal instead of going for it on and Chubb was dropped for a that's all I can ask for."