County stars still shine with postseason honors

LEAGUE CITY — Less than a month after the seasons ended for Galveston County football and volleyball teams, the awards and acknowledgments already are starting to roll in for several area high school athletes.

On the gridiron, two football players have been named as top 10 finalists for the Touchdown Club’s Greater Houston Offensive Player of the Year.

Clear Springs receiver Marcus Johnson and La Marque running back Tim Wright will be honored at the 32nd annual High School Awards Dinner at 7 p.m. today at the JW Marriott Liberty Hall in Houston.

The players were nominated by a panel of area coaches, and the coaching finalists were named by a panel of athletic directors.

Tickets are $5 apiece and can be obtained by contacting Neal Farmer, houtdclub(at)att.net or 713-849-9860.

Johnson, who has committed to the University of Texas, led District 24-5A with 1,159 receiving yards on 63 catches and 11 touchdowns.

Wright also was named to the U.S. Marine Corps All-American Bowl to be played Jan. 3.

On the volleyball court, Friendswood senior middle blocker Annie Mitchem and Clear Creek’s senior libero Natalie Piznar both were named to the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association All-Star teams. The game will be played Feb. 4 at Pearland High School.

Piznar is only the fourth Lady Wildcat named to the team in Clear Creek’s rich volleyball history.

Mitchem, Piznar, Clear Creek junior outside hitter Ashley Smith and Friends-wood junior outside hitter Jill Bergeson also were named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State teams.

Clear Creek’s season ended in the Class 5A Region III quarterfinals with a loss to Deer Park, while Friendswood fell to Foster in the Class 4A Region III finals.

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At A Glance

WHAT: Touchdown Club of Houston’s high school awards dinner

WHEN: 7 p.m. today

WHERE: JW Marriott Liberty Hall, 5150 Westheimer, in Houston

INFO: Clear Springs receiver Marcus Johnson and La Marque running back Tim Wright are finalists for the Greater Houston Offensive Player of the Year award.