Football is back! Coach Kenny Harrison and the Bulldogs have been preparing since the season ended for a powerful start to the 2024 season. Who’s in front of them? The Shadow Creek Sharks. Previously in 2022 when the Creeks faced each other, there were players such as Lloyd Avant and Roriyon Richardson who helped Summer Creek come out on top 36-20. Although they would later lose to Katy 35-7, it gave Summer Creek the ability to say they are the “real” creek. Since 2022 tensions have risen and rosters have changed. Let’s give an update on both of these teams.
2024.
After Summer Creek’s internet-breaking state run, many things on their roster have changed. Players such as Lloyd Avant, Xavier Atkins, Kyran Duhon and a few more from the class of ’24 are gone. That leaves fans wondering, who’s going to step up? Senior Northwestern State Commit Brandon Jones is nowhere near new to this. He’s been on varsity since sophomore year making plays to earn himself a captain spot this 2024 season. Josiah “Tank” Pratt is also not new to this. From breaking many offseason records to playing a huge role in Summer Creek’s state run, he’s looking forward to finishing his years at Summer Creek strong. It’s a known fact that Coach Harrsion loves pushing kids to their max during the offseason to be more than game ready come Aug. 30. When “Tank” was asked how he felt about this year’s offseason went he said, “This offseason has been good. We all have become better as a team and individually. We are more than ready for the season and our respect. This is not an important game, I know what I can do and what the team is capable of. This is just one of the few obstacles in our way to get back to state.”
That is just a couple of Summer Creek’s leaders this time around. Shadow Creek roster has had a drastic change starting with their quarterback transfer Joseph “JoJo” Stewart, Jr. Stewart is nowhere near unfamiliar with Summer Creek after the last second loss to the Bulldogs in round 4, 35-31. It’s not always easy adjusting to a new team in a small time span but to Joseph, it came naturally. “It’s been really good getting to know all my teammates and having chemistry with my new wide receivers,” Stewart said. With the move from Hightower to Shadow Creek, JoJo has gained three major threats on offense. Three-star Rahim Hutchins, Jr. will be a great option for JoJo. Hutchins committed to Memphis July. The all around threat Jacorey Watson will not be playing quarterback this time around, he’ll be added to the weapons Stewart can use. The Baylor commit was on the same roster that lost to Summer Creek back in 2022. Last but not least, the 4-star Texas Longhorns commit Chris Stewart will be a huge factor to the Sharks offense. He’s been preparing all summer and feels he has a mindset like no other. “The goal is to win at the end of the day and to be disciplined,” Chris said when asked about his mindset.
August 30.
When you look past all the roster changes and sometimes seen staff changes, all you see is that date you’ve been preparing all offseason for. Some players will be seniors going through their first game nerves for the last time ever in high school. One of Summer Creek’s own Blake Thomas is now a senior and is fully aware that it’s his time to shine. When asked on his thoughts going into his senior year, Thomas said, “my motivation is it’s senior year and it’s my turn. I have to put my best foot forward.” You’ve heard it from the Bulldogs star quarterback himself. This will be an interesting game and we have everyone on the edge of their seat, from in person to media. Save the date for Aug. 30.
