Select Football Gaining Momentum

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The Houston Select Football League

The Training Ground for Future Friday Night Superstars

By Matt Malatesta

The Houston Select Football League is continuing to produce area football players who are making their marks on the varsity gridiron.

Founded in 2007 by Lisa and Christopher Zook, the HSFL fills the void for middle school football players looking to complement their school season with a competitive select league.

“We try and expand the horizons of our athletes through technique and competition, while implementing programs that help them succeed in their school work, aid in the development of sound study skills and expose them to advanced educational opportunities and prospective careers,” co-founder Christopher Zook said. “Character is a big part of our program as well. We facilitate personal development such as manners, etiquette and respect for authority.”

While baseball has a showcase tournament season in the summer and basketball has the AAU circuit, football doesn’t have a program to hone their skills in the junior high offseason.

“We allow those boys who are serious about the game of football to develop their skills during the spring of their middle school years. Nearly every sport has a program for athletes to get better at their sport and get more game reps in the off season. Football does not. Seven-on-seven football is available at the high school level, but it is very different from tackle football. That’s the void the HSFL fills.”

There have been several HSFL alumni transitioning well under the “Friday Night Lights” this fall.

St. Pius has one of the most prolific offenses in the city with quarterback Kohl Stewart slinging the pigskin. His favorite target this season has been Damitri Morris, a 6-foot-2 receiver, who has averaged over 122 yards per game in receiving yards this season.

“He has very soft hands and gets in great position to catch the ball,” St. Pius coach Blake Ware said. “He runs great routes and is an excellent blocker on the edge. He looks like a pro out there and will be a college prospect next season.”

One of the hottest teams in Houston this fall has been Cy Falls High School, who finished second in a tough district. Junior back Bryce Peters has played a major role in the Eagles’ success, rushing for over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns with is slashing style.

“I remember my days playing for HSFL and how good the competition was,” he said. “I see a lot of those guys on the varsity fields now. As for Cy Falls, I was sort of surprised at how well our season has gone and my season individually. I’m only a junior, but I want to go on to play football in college and I feel like I’ve been prepared to do that.”

Right down the road from Cy Falls is Cy Ridge, where running back Renderick Childs has been racking up yards at an alarming rate. Childs rushed for over 1,500 yards and double-digit touchdowns as well in Rams’ offense.

“We are all performing well right now,” Peters said. “I keep up with how the HSFL guys are doing.”

For more information about the Houston Select Football League, go to www.hsfl.org.