The Return
Déjà vu for Seven Lakes? If so, Spartans have a lot to look forward to
Dennis Silva II
Sep 7, 2018, 5:00 am
Things are looking up again for Seven Lakes at just the right time Vype
Originally Appeared on Vype
It’s practically déjà vu for Seven Lakes.
During the preseason non-district slate last year, the Spartans went 11-5. It was a respectable mark, but one that belied the plethora of talent on the roster. Injuries and the lengthy absence of coach Amy Cataline, then on maternity leave, had significant influence; however, Seven Lakes went 17-3 the rest of the way before falling to Hebron in the Class 6A state final.
This year is falling in line similarly.
Heading into the start of District 19-6A play Friday with a showdown against Tompkins, Seven Lakes is 15-12. Injuries and the lengthy absence of sophomore star hitter Ally Batenhorst have contributed; the Spartans have played just one set at full health in 27 matches.
So Seven Lakes is relishing a fresh start, now that the games mean something, and with that comes a full lineup. Batenhorst returned to the Spartans on Tuesday after helping the USA Girls Youth National Team to the gold medal in the NORCECA Girls’ U18 Continental Championships in Honduras. Program stalwarts Natalie Winter and Morgan Janda are fully recovered from nagging injuries.
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The Houston Texans have a big challenge in store as they look to start the season with a win against the Colts this Sunday. When these two teams met in Week 2 last year, the Colts dominated the Texans, despite losing their QB Anthony Richardson to a concussion after the first quarter.
Keeping Richardson contained on Sunday will go a long way in increasing the Texans' chances of coming home with a win. The Texans defense will have their hands full containing the Colts backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Scoring touchdowns with their wide receivers could prove difficult, as the Texans allowed the second-fewest TDs (10) to the receiver position in 2023.
Limiting running back Jonathan Taylor will also be a top priority. While the Texans had an elite defense against the run last season, they struggled with Taylor in Week 18 as he almost rushed for 200 yards.
Houston's D allowed only four carries to running backs in 2023 that went for 20 or more yards. Two of which were to Taylor in the final game of the regular season.
Finally, DeMeco Ryans and company have to find a way to get pressure on the QB. They only had one QB hit and zero sacks on Richardson and Garner Minshew the first time they faced off last year.
On offense, the Texans have two big x-factors to watch for on Sunday. The offensive line that suited up to play the Colts in Week 2 last season is completely different from this year.
The o-line was ravaged with injuries to start the 2023 campaign, so we expect a big jump in productivity in the trenches this year.
Another big addition in 2024 is the presence of running back Joe Mixon. The running game only produced 2 yards per rush in Week 2 against Indy last year, so there's clearly room for improvement.
Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview of Texans-Colts!
And catch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) live on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel following every game this season!