While Shadow Creek first opened its doors as a new school almost three years ago, the Sharks’ football program went through its first two seasons of existence playing an independent schedule rather than diving head first into a full varsity season. 

This year, coach Brad Butler and his program began the season aligned in a district for the first time and the Sharks got to experience the full Friday night lights’ experience in the team’s home opener against Summer Creek to start the season two weeks ago. 

“It’s been something we’ve all been looking forward to,” Butler said. “The first home game was really the first time we had the band, cheerleaders and drill team all out there together with us. We had a great crowd and it was exciting. It’s different finally playing with each week mattering. 

“There is definitely a different pep in our step around here.”

The excitement carried over to the field beginning in Week 1 as the Sharks dominated Summer Creek 43-7 before cruising past Magnolia 49-27 in Week 2 and Alief Elsik 60-0 a week ago. The Sharks, who went 12-5 in two years as an independent program, are one of four unbeaten teams in District 10-5A Division I.

The district, which features Friendswood, Angleton and Richmond Foster, is likely the toughest in Region III. 

“We were so excited to finally see what the future was going to hold in the spring and as we started reading through the names, we got a little wide-eyed,” Butler said. “We know we’re in a tough, tough district and every week is going to be a challenge. It’ll be a test to see how we respond each week, good or bad, and stay on track.”

While the Sharks have a bye this week, the team will begin the tough district gauntlet against Angleton next week. The Wildcats are 2-0 on the season with wins over Kingwood Park and Clear Brook, and advanced to the Class 5A Division I semifinals last year. 

“They’re an extremely aggressive and hard-nosed football team,” Butler said. “They’ve enjoyed a bunch of success, so they’ve been there and done it. The biggest thing for us is staying focused and not getting star eyed. We need to remember the hard work and unselfishness that’s gotten us to this point.” 

The team-first approach has centered around a desire to produce a successful campaign for the Shadow Creek seniors, who will finish their high school career with just one full varsity season and a single chance at advancing into the playoffs.  

Quarterback Jamarion George (706 yards, 7 TDs) is a key senior weapon on the offensive side of the ball, as is starting running back Marquez Huland (290 yards, 6 TDs). Seniors Kealon Jackson (10 catches, 208 yards, 1 TD) and Ashton O’Conner (three catches, 134 yards, 2 TDs) have been important in the passing game while sophomore Carlton Guidry (19 catches, 199 yards, 2 TDs) has stepped up as an underclassman as well. 

The defense is led by defensive end Alec Bryant, who is one of the top recruits in the state, while secondary players including Kaymen St. Junious (2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery), Xavion Alford (1 INT, 4 pass deflections), North Texas commit Jevin Murray and Houston commit Ron Nunnery Jr. have been important locking down the back end. 

“Those seniors were sophomore when we opened here and throughout our program, everybody realizes how important it is to put any selfishness aside to give those guys the best senior year possible,” Butler said. “I’m excited for them and we’re off to a good start. We have a good mix of older guys and younger guys stepping up.

“Going into this season, we didn’t know exactly how we’d match up. Every week we’re trying to get a little bit better and eliminate mistakes and stay together as a team. Hopefully that will lead us in the right direction.”