The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana

The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana

The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana

Hudson Woods throws his arms out after a play before getting into position
Hudson Woods climbs to new heights after standout sophomore season
Jonathan Jones, Sports Writer • May 18, 2024
Joshua Velasquez committed to serving his country in the U.S. Army.
Beyond basic
Margaret Edmonson, Adviser • May 17, 2024
Sydney Rakowitz will study education and training and music at the University of Incarnate Word.
Seniors sign to continue athletic, non-athletic careers
Valley Ventana, Staff • May 16, 2024
Boy Scouts of America announced on May 7 the organizations name will change to Scouting America on the organizations 115th birthday Feb. 8, 2025. Photo by JV via unsplash.com
Boy Scouts changing name after 115 years
Grayson Cook, Staff writer • May 15, 2024
The top 15 students in the senior class receive special recognition at graduation on May 22 due to their hard work throughout high school. 
Graphic by Alex Whelchel via Canva
Profile: Top 15 seniors
Alex Whelchel, Managing Editor • May 13, 2024

Still room for improvement

Football needs one more win to claim district title
Nicholas+Dudzikowski+and+Zack+Gingrich+celebrate+a+defensive+touchdown+against+Boerne+Champion+Oct.+20.
Danny Grant
Nicholas Dudzikowski and Zack Gingrich celebrate a defensive touchdown against Boerne Champion Oct. 20.

Football fans might be happy about the team’s perfect district record, but for head coach Larry Hill, the work is not done.

“We’re getting better,” he said. “We’re not the finished product yet.”

After the 49-14 win over Boerne Champion on Oct. 20, Hill said he saw improvement in the defense and the offensive passing game. 

By shutting down the high-scoring Chargers and causing five turnovers, the defense halted the offense from scoring after the first quarter.

Takeaways in 2023
Interceptions

Senior LB Nicholas Dudzikowski - 3 (2 touchdowns)

Senior CB Zach Gingrich - 3, 1 touchdown

Junior S Diego Davila - 3

Senior DE Owen Hack - 1

Senior LB Tyler McGinnis - 1

Fumble recoveries

Senior LB Nicholas Dudzikowski - 4

Junior S P.K. Moeller - 1

Junior ATH Cade Spradling - 1

Senior LB Braxton Alexander - 1

Junior RB Daniel De Hoyos - 1

Senior LB Jaxson Maynard - 1

Senior LB Kannon Day - 1

Sophomore DE Hudson Woods - 1

Junior DT Caleb Sosa - 1

Sophomore DT Justin Roberts - 1

“Anytime you can get big takeaways from the other team, it increases your chance to win,” Hill said.

Senior quarterback Ryland Walker had one of his best games, throwing for 203 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s played well all year but I really thought he stepped it up the other night,” Hill said. “We were able to spread the wealth on offense, which makes you look tougher to defend.”

Seniors cornerback Zach Gingrich, defensive end Owen Hack, linebacker Nicholas Dudzikowski and junior safety Diego Davila all had interceptions, while junior running back Daniel De Hoyos had a forced fumble and senior linebacker Kannon Day recovered a fumble.

The Rangers will play their next game at home on Friday against the Hays Hawks (3-5) at 7 p.m.

“We have two more games in the regular season, and if we win either one of them, we’ll be district champions and so obviously that’s the clear good goal for this Friday,” Hill said. “Let’s win and go ahead and clinch it.”

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