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

Jackson Posey

Jackson Posey, Sports Director

Jackson Posey is a sinner saved by grace. He's in his fourth year on the journalism staff, and has won several state- and national-level awards along the way. He began his professional writing career as a freelance writer for the NBA blog Fadeaway World at age 13, and created Ranger Recruiting to help Smithson Valley athletes gain recruiting exposure. He's also an award-winning actor and a janitor at his church.

Follow him on Twitter, @ByJacksonPosey, for stats and insights regarding Ranger athletics.

All content by Jackson Posey
Team hype man Colton Thomasson (right) comforts starting pitcher Zach Gingrich after baseballs season-ending loss to Reagan. The Rangers finished the year 28-7, winning a district title and two playoff series along the way.

End of the road

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
May 21, 2022
Tim Arguello hurls a pitch in a playoff game against Austin Westlake. On Thursday, Arguello started the Rangers Game 1 loss to Reagan, striking out four batters and allowed no earned runs.

Clear eyes, Fuller hearts

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
May 20, 2022
Swinging for the fences, Ethan Gonzalez knocks a home run over the left-center field fence on Friday against Austin Westlake. That third-innings home run tied the game at four-all, and helped set the stage for the dozen-inning marathon that was to come.

Another Chap-ter

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
May 14, 2022
Sophomore pitcher MJ Espinoza winds up against Madison on March 4. Espinoza pitched 4.1 scoreless innings across two appearances against Churchill.

Samplesize me

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
May 11, 2022
Sage Benca (left) and Selena Sifuentes Shaffer celebrate after the Vista Ridge Invitational tournament. Benca and Sifuentes Shaffer, team captains and best friends, have made a significant impact on the Ranger wrestling program.

Pin it to win it

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
April 29, 2022
Playing the role of George Gibbs in Our Town, then-freshman Jackson Posey (left) weeps at his wifes grave during a performance in Oct. 2018. Posey has performed in nine shows for Smithson Valley, including his current role as Barnabas in The Castle.

Life’s a stage

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
March 30, 2022
Sabrina Taber corrals a pass in a 10-0 win over MacArthur on Jan. 6. The UILs latest round of realignment placed the Rangers and Brahmas in the same Class 5A football district.

Oh, how the turntables

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
February 3, 2022
Setting up just outside the arc, Gabby Elliott prepares for an inbounds pass on Dec. 10 against Laredo United South. Elliott, a St. Marys commit, holds four school records and is closing in on 1,000 career rebounds.

All Gabs, no breaks

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
December 14, 2021
Jaxson Maynard (No. 25) comforts senior Kolton Scheppler after footballs season-ending loss to Austin Bowie. The loss marked the end of Sports Director Jackson Poseys four-year run covering the team.

All good things

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
November 20, 2021
Derek Mata warms up his arm before playing Madison. Mata, a senior, passed for over 150 yards in footballs season-ending loss to Bowie.

Game of inches

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
November 19, 2021
Travis McCracken runs for a first down against Madison in the Rangers Bi-District playoff game. McCracken leads the team with 868 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.

Oh, Bowie

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
November 18, 2021
Zack McDonald speeds through the end zone for a touchdown against Judson. McDonald caught four passes for 95 yards in Fridays loss to Steele.

The end is Knight

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
November 5, 2021
Stiff-arming a defender, Zack McDonald fights for yardage against South San on Oct. 15. McDonald caught a 37-yard pass late in the fourth quarter on Friday to set the Rangers up for a go-ahead touchdown.

Down to the wire

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
October 22, 2021
Working upfield, returner Brayden Bafidis goes skyward against South San on Oct. 15. Bafidis special teams acumen has been integral to the Rangers success this season.

Making a Rocket

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
October 22, 2021
Behind the defense, Dylan Domel runs for a 57-yard gain against New Braunfels on Sept. 23. Domel caught three passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns on Friday against Clemens.

Rangers flex on Buffaloes

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
October 8, 2021
Travis McCracken races for a first down on Thursday against New Braunfels. McCrackens scored three touchdowns in the Rangers 41-24 victory.

Call in the Uni-coroner

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 23, 2021
Brayden Bafidis (center) charges past the Warren defense for a punt return touchdown against Warren on Aug. 27. That game saw the Rangers first uniform change in two decades.

Pigment of the imagination

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 23, 2021
Malachi Lane rumbles into the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown on Friday against Wagner. Lane also blocked a punt a recovered a fumble, which he returned for another score, in footballs 42-14 win over the Thunderbirds.

A clear Lane to victory

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 17, 2021
Senior Jackson Posey pets an alpaca at a local petting zoo exhibition. Posey promised to shave his controversial mustache upon raising $1,000 for hurricane relief.

How to shave a life

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 17, 2021
Travis McCracken fights upfield on Sept. 10 against El Paso Eastwood. McCracken, a running back, leads all Rangers with 336 yards from scrimmage.

Column: Turmoil at the top

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 16, 2021
Travis McCracken sprints for a first down against Madison on Sept. 3. McCracken rushed for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns on Friday against El Paso Eastwood.

Release the McCracken

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 10, 2021
Zack McDonald tracks a deep ball from Chase Senelick on Sept. 3 against Madison. McDonald could play a key role on Friday, as the Rangers try to keep pace with El Paso Eastwoods high-octane offense.

Coming home again

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 10, 2021
Travis McCracken cuts upfield against Warren. McCracken, a senior, led the Rangers in rushing yards in Friday nights 28-0 win over Madison.

Football outmatches Mavericks

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 3, 2021
Brayden Bafidis outruns the Warren defense en route to the end zone. Bafidis led the Rangers dynamic kick return unit, which could play a big role in this weeks showdown with Madison.

DĂ©jĂ  vu all over again

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
September 3, 2021
Malachi Lane rumbles up the middle against Warren. Lane, who rushed 10 times for 117 times, also captained the defense as a linebacker.

Wearin’ out Warren

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
August 28, 2021
Football prepares to lead a cheer during media day. The Rangers will kick off their season on Friday at Warren.

Back in the saddle

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
August 27, 2021
Looking for a signal, Ethan Gonzalez crouches behind home plate. Gonzalez, a sophomore, hit a walk-off single in extra innings on Saturday to take down No. 1 Reagan.

Snake, rattle and roll

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
May 27, 2021
Toe-tapping in the back of the end zone, Trevon Moehrig tips an interception to himself. Moehrig, a Smithson Valley alum, is widely expected to be selected in the first round of this weekends NFL draft.

Tre’s anatomy

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
April 29, 2021
Kasen Wells rears back to swing against Harlan. Itll be a lot easier for Wells to zone in if he takes our walk-up song advice.

Walk and roll

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
April 6, 2021
After adjusting his gloves, Kasen Wells steps into the batters box. Wells, a junior, leads the team in OPS and stolen bases.

Depth perception

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
March 16, 2021
Comal ISD announced Tuesday night that it would no longer require masks in its schools. The move drew backlash for both its result and process.

District rolls back mask mandate

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
March 10, 2021
Cody Garcia celebrates after leading the Rangers to a win over South San on Jan. 8. Garcias experience proved key in leading the team to a play-in game.

Step 3: Handling winning

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
March 8, 2021
Eyeing the rim, Tristan Ortiz attacks on a fastbreak against Wagner on Jan. 22. Ortizs 11.4 points per game have put boys basketball in position to push for a playoff berth.

Crown on the line

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
February 12, 2021
Tevijon Williams skies in for a transition layup over South Sans Jonas Carlisle. Williams leads the Rangers with 2.1 steals per game.

Talk about playoffs?

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
January 22, 2021
Trevon Moehrig won the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, a first for TCU and Smithson Valley.

Safety in numbers

Jackson Posey, Sports Director
January 10, 2021
Zayden High pulls up for a jump shot. High, a junior, averaged 21 points per game this season.

Hoop dreams

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
December 30, 2020
The offense runs the ball during a preseason scrimmage against San Marcos. This season, the Rangers ran for 1,895 yards and 31 touchdowns.

A numbers game

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
December 22, 2020
Defensive linemen Diego Hamilton (left) and Trey Moore (right) discuss tactics on the sideline. The defense will have their hands full Friday against a Westlake team averaging 54.9 points per game.

Hello, young Chaps

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
December 18, 2020
Jalen Nutt weaves through the San Marcos defense. Nutt has compiled 1,661 total yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season as a varsity quarterback.

To be or Nutt to be

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
December 17, 2020
Noah Flores prepares for a snap. Flores made plenty of key contributions to Fridays 24-20 win, including an interception and long punt return.

Football rattles Rattlers

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
December 13, 2020
Linebacker Darlington Frasch rests on the sideline. Frasch will be critical in the Rangers quest to slow down Rattler running back Carson Green.

A snake in their cleats

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
December 11, 2020
Luke Seminaro (96) celebrates a sack with his teammates. The defense will have their hands full this week against Judsons dynamic offense.

Rocket around the Christmas tree

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
December 4, 2020
Wyatt Hayden prepares to pun the ball against Wagner. Hayden punted three times for a net average of 42 yards on Friday.

Close but no cigar

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 27, 2020
Gabe Hoskins sprints to the edge against Wagner. Hoskins has rushed for 345 yards and 6 touchdowns on 69 carries this season.

Steele eyes, full hearts

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 26, 2020
Jalen Nutt avoids a tackler against San Marcos. Nutt compiled 166 total yards and a touchdown in Fridays win over East Central.

Buzz off

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 22, 2020
Coach Larry Hill speaks to his team during a timeout. Hill and his team have a labyrinthine road to traverse to close out this season.

A fork in the road

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 20, 2020
David DeHoyos brings down a Wagner running back. DeHoyos, a safety, will have his hands full against a talented East Central receiving corps.

Disturb the nest

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 20, 2020
Football charges the field before a loss to Wagner. Theyll have an impromptu bye this week after contact tracing at Judson forced this Fridays game to be postponed.

A delayed launch

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 9, 2020
The cover to rapper Eshon Burgundys latest album, Joppa. In it, Burgundy takes a deep dive into his walk with the Lord.

Free of charge

Jackson Posey, Sports editor
November 9, 2020
Travis McCracken totes the rock against Wagner. McCracken ran for 50 yards this week in relief of injured starter Gabe Hoskins.

Unicorn hunting

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 7, 2020
Defensive tackles Luke Seminaro (left) and Jordan Thompson warm up before a game. The defensive line will have its hands full on Thursday against New Braunfels and running back Ryker Purdy (580 yards, 8 touchdowns).

Round two

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
November 5, 2020
Travis McCracken evades tacklers against Wagner. McCracken rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns Thursday night against South San.

Pretty good

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 30, 2020
Jalen Nutt winds up for a deep pass. Nutts receiving corps will get a big boost this week from Will Strachan, who is slated to return from an offseason injury.

Coming home

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 29, 2020
Coach Larry Hill rallies the troops during their last game. Tonights showdown against New Braunfels was cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

Until a later date

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 16, 2020
Jalen Nutt launches a pass against Wagner. Nutt will be key to winning Fridays rivalry matchup with New Braunfels.

Fight night

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 15, 2020
Jakob Cernohous drops back during a preseason scrimmage. Cernohous played well in relief of the injured Jalen Nutt.

A war of extension

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 10, 2020
The offensive line sets up against Harker Heights. Football will kick off district play this Friday at Wagner.

A thunder(bird)ous opener

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 9, 2020
Ryan Benca lays a block on a defensive lineman. Benca and his teammates will kick off district play Friday at Wagner.

Previewing the ‘Little SEC’

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 8, 2020
Travis McCracken walks the sideline during the opener against Harker Heights. McCracken scored his first varsity touchdown this week against Madison.

Consistent attack topples Madison

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 3, 2020
Trey Moore jumps on a fumble against Harker Heights. Moore will play a key role on Friday in flustering Madisons first-time quarterback, Royal Kyle.

Take your Madison

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
October 1, 2020
Jalen Nutt and Colton Thomasson celebrate a touchdown during footballs preseason scrimmage. Nutt racked up 210 yard and two touchdowns on Friday en route to a 45-27 win over Harker Heights.

The Hark(er) Knights fall

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
September 26, 2020
Jalen Nutt evades tacklers during last weeks scrimmage against San Marcos. Nutt and Co. will put the teams new offense on display on Friday against Harker Heights.

Back to business

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
September 25, 2020
Running back Justin Avery totes the rock against San Marcos. Avery and the rest of the offense clicked Thursday, scoring eight touchdowns.

Tread on them

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
September 18, 2020
Protesters flood the streets of Minneapolis after the murder of George Floyd. The incident sparked riots across the nation.

He couldn’t breathe

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
May 30, 2020
Senior Joaquin Rodriguez signs his letter of intent to play at Texas Lutheran University. Rodriguez hopes to kick and punt for the Bulldogs.

Bulldog mentality

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
April 28, 2020
With a pandemic sweeping the globe and unemployment through the roof, the question naturally arises: why?

Why does God allow suffering?

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
April 28, 2020
Seneca Anthony hurls a pitch. Anthony, a sophomore, has already played her last game this season.

No time for goodbyes

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
April 18, 2020
Devante Mount fights for a layup against New Braunfels. Mount was a key starter on basketballs first playoff team in a half-decade.

King of the mountain

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
March 26, 2020
Senior Shea Walker throws a strike during a tournament win over Fort Bend Clements. Thanks to coronavirus, the game may have been one of Walkers last as a high schooler.

Coronaball

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
March 18, 2020
Ask anyone, and theyll tell you theyre spooked by the COVID-19 outbreak. That is, unless you ask a Christian.

Window pain

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
March 14, 2020
Pete Gint, played by Caleb Mosley, fights against the mysterious Bresh during last years bi-district championship run. If the UIL cancels One-Act Play competitions, the company wont get another crack at the road to state.

Let the kids play

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
March 12, 2020
https://soundcloud.com/fieldhouserock/episode-2-girls-playoff-three-peat
Armel Talla drives for a layup against New Braunfels. Talla, a senior, averaged 5.6 PPG this season.

A basketball renaissance

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
February 27, 2020
Kylen Morton (left), Jalen Nutt and Michael Freitas celebrate a big play during a loss to New Braunfels. The Bench Mafia has been at the forefront of the teams culture shift this season.

Bench Mafia gangs up on opponents

Jackson Posey, Sports Editor
February 25, 2020
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