Making Moves
Pearland QB, JD Head continues making strong 1st impression
Dennis Silva II
Sep 19, 2018, 5:00 am
Originally Appeared on Vype
Don Clayton knows a thing or two about quarterbacks.
The only head coach Cinco Ranch has known played quarterback at the University of Wyoming and got his Katy ISD career started by coaching the position at Katy High under Mike Johnston in the mid 1990s.
When Clayton speaks about signal-callers, he knows what he’s talking about. So when the veteran coach spoke effusively Saturday night of Pearland junior JD Head, after Head torched Clayton’s Cougars for 351 yards and six touchdowns on 20-for-32 passing in a win at Legacy Stadium, it meant something.
“I thought he was very smooth,” Clayton said. “I told him after the ballgame, ‘I enjoy watching you from one perspective, as a person who’s coached quarterbacks before, but I didn’t like you on this field tonight.’ He did a good job, even with some wind in his face in the first half. It just seemed nothing fazed him.”
That poise, Clayton said, is what makes Head special.
“He didn’t force the ball, and he looked like he had a plan every time he took the snap,” Clayton said. “That’s what I try to teach our quarterbacks — have a plan every time. Unfortunately tonight, we didn’t have the plan we needed. We forced the ball, and that leads to turnovers.”
The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Head is a summer transfer from Jones High in Oklahoma. As a sophomore last season, he completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,085 yards, 44 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in helping lead Jones to the state semifinals.
Head’s family moved to Houston in July when his dad, who had retired, got a job offer that was “too good to pass up.”
More here
The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).
Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.
While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.
Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.
The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.
With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
A big test awaits
It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.
The Astros are listed as TBA for tomorrow. Blubaugh last pitched on April 23. Connect the dots. https://t.co/AqPtmMtESd
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 29, 2025
Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.
AJ Blubaugh will start tomorrow’s game against the Tigers. It will be his major-league debut.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2025
Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.
*ChatGPT assisted.
___________________________
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!