HSFT Ruling No. 28: Houston

HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) — Houston plays in the state’s toughest division. Three of the final four teams in the northern half came from 4A Region 3, including back-to-back state champions Louisville.

Every regular-season game is a battle, but it prepares Houston for the playoffs.

“We’re ready for that challenge,” Baylor head coach Dampeer said. “If you can come out on top in this game, you’ve got a chance, they’re as good as any opponent you’re going to play.”

Over the past two years, Houston has lost just four games, including three to the defending champions. A narrow loss to Louisville put the team on the defensive.

“It gives you a lot of motivation, I’m not going to lie,” senior tackle Kale Armstrong said. “It hurts. Since I started playing for Houston, we’ve never beaten them and we really want to beat them this year.”

The Hilltoppers enter the season with 20 seniors, the largest group Dampeer has ever had. The Toppers will be counting on their veterans.

“We have a lot of guys coming back that have played in games and I think that will be enough to get us over the hump,” senior linebacker Kam Chandler said.

This senior class knows how vital it will be to the success of this season, but the leaders are taking it upon themselves to help teach the younger players what it takes to play at a championship level.

“I’m trying to help the other guys get ready for next season because it’s our last season, you know,” senior running back Chris Parker said.

The Hilltoppers don’t shy away from their ambitious goals. They work hard every day with their eyes set on a state title.

“A title is really what I’m looking forward to,” senior linebacker Wyatt Chavez said. “That’s what we all really want. That’s what everybody’s looking for, that’s what everybody’s working for and that’s what we’re motivated for.”

Houston begins its quest for the state title Aug. 30 on the road against Columbus.