Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 29

Less than 30 days remain, now. Before you know it, Opening Night will be upon us.

First up in the 20s is number 29.

Ryan Hernandez, a safety in 2009, was the first Wildcat to wear 29. He had 2 interceptions against Jersey Village that year and also played baseball at Cy Woods. His stepbrother, Ryan Bruce, and his biological brother, Brent, also played football for the Wildcats. Ryan Bruce was a cornerback in 2009, while Brent played as a defensive end in 2012. Brent also followed him by playing baseball at Cy Woods.

Ryan Hernandez, 2009

The next Wildcat to wear 29 was Justin Gallegos, a cornerback in 2010.

Justin Gallegos (tackling low), 2010

Xavier Banks, a safety, wore #29 when he was called up in 2011, his junior year. He switched to #7 in 2012.

Xavier Banks, 2011-12; wore #7 in 2012

Sam Dobbs, a cornerback, wore #29 against Cy Creek when he was called up for that game in 2012. He switched to 22 afterwards.

Sam Dobbs, 2012-13; wore #29 for 1 game

Elijah Kinnison originally wore #29 to begin the 2013 season, but switched to #47 about halfway through the year.

Elijah Kinnison, 2013-14; changed to #47 midway through 2013

Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 30

Tyler Cole, a backup wide receiver in 2008, was the first player to wear 30.

Tyler Cole, 2008

Will Glover, a linebacker, made the varsity in 2010, his junior year. In his two seasons on the varsity, he was mainly a special teams player and one of the primary backups at outside linebacker. Will earned the nickname "Iron Mike" (another Coach Zachos nickname, in homage to Mike Tyson) because of his short, stocky build, and he usually had a scowl on his face. He didn't really resemble Mike Tyson. Will definitely came off as a person who was not to be messed with, but he was a very friendly guy.

Will Glover, 2010-11

Ryan Yharte, a backup safety, wore 30 in 2012.

Matt Johnson was a backup linebacker who wore 30 in 2013.

Matt Johnson, 2013

Stephen Standley, a linebacker in his second stint with the Wildcats, wore 30 as a senior in 2014. He wore 39 when he was called up as a sophomore in 2012.

Stephen Standley, 2012 and 2014; wore #39 in 2012, did not play in 2013

Trent Bird, a linebacker, made the varsity in 2015, his junior year, and was primarily a special teams player. He was a backup in his two seasons. Trent also competed as a pole vaulter for the Wildcat track and field team, and at the Will Taylor Relays at Memorial High School in February 2017, he tied a school record by clearing 14 feet, which has since been broken by his brother, Mac.

Trent's younger siblings are also Wildcat athletes; brother Maclaren played as linebacker and also competed in the pole vault. His sister, Cameron, played basketball, runs the 300m hurdles, and is also... you guessed it, a pole vaulter. Trent is currently in Stockholm on his mission, in accordance with the Mormon faith.

Rudy "Tre" Mejía III, an A-back, made the varsity in 2018, his junior year, and was mainly a backup. He became a starter in 2019 and switched to #7.

Photo by Tom Dendy

Rudy Mejía, 2018-19; wore #7 in 2019

Casey Cogdill, a quarterback/A-back, was called up midway through the 2019 season, his junior year. His sister, Callie, plays volleyball for the Wildcats.

Photo courtesy: Phlox Photography

Casey Cogdill, 2019-present

Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 31

Dominique Robertson, an outside linebacker, made the inaugural varsity team as a junior in 2008. He was known either as Diamond (by us) or The Freak (by the coaches). He even lined up as a defensive end on several occasions, and the results were devastatingly effective. Dominique was just an outstanding athlete and as a defensive end, it was simply unfair. He was selected to serve as a team captain as a senior in 2009 and was a 1st-team All-District 15-5A selection. During track season, he competed in the high jump and ran the 100 and 4x100 relays. His 6'6" mark in the high jump is a school record. After Cy Woods, Dominique signed with Tulane and played all four years of his college career there. He is now an assistant football and track coach at Cy Falls.

Dominique was a bit of a clown at times, but I remember him as being one of the most passionate competitors on the field. He would do whatever it took in order to get the win, and he absolutely abhorred the thought of losing. He was definitely a guy who you would have loved to have on your side in a battle.

Dominique Robertson, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2008-09

Photo uploaded by him to his Facebook page.

Dominique Robertson, Tulane Green Wave, 2010-13

Marin Dokara was a backup in 2010. Apparently, he also wore #39 that season. That was because both 31 jerseys were torn up, according to him.

Jacob McMichael was a linebacker in 2011.

The next player to wear #31 was Wade Carson. Wade, who made the varsity in 2013, his junior year, was a two-year starter at linebacker for the Wildcats. He played with great energy and enthusiasm and seemed to possess some sort of magnetic attraction to the ball. His half-brother, Bryce Callahan, is probably the best player from the early era of Cy Woods football. Wade didn't let that faze him, however; he successfully stepped out of the massive shadow that Bryce cast and became a fine player in his own right.

Up until 2015, his father, Don, had attended virtually every varsity game (going back to the first season) and sub-varsity home game to shoot pictures.

Wade Carson, 2013-14

Tim Reed, a linebacker, wore #31 in 2015. 

Deontae Cook, a defensive back, was called up in 2016, his junior season. He switched to #8 in 2017.

Derrick Brooks came to Cy Woods from Georgia. He first competed in varsity athletics for Cy Woods in track and field in 2016, his junior year. He became a starting cornerback in 2017. Derrick also ran the 4x200 meter relay and the 4x400 relay for the Wildcats.

Derrick Brooks, 2017

Gustavo Olmedo (he also went by Gustavo Leal) was the kicker in 2018, where he earned first-team District 14-6A honors. Gustavo provided one of the top moments of the 2018 season when he hit a game-winning 47-yard field goal as time expired against Langham Creek. I'm highly sure that Gustavo set a school record for field goals attempted and made, both in a single season and a career, in his one year as the kicker. He also played soccer for Cy Woods.

Well, since Cy Woods scored touchdowns almost all the time in the early years, the only kicks I remember are usually extra points.

Photo by Tom Dendy

Gustavo Olmedo, 2018

Fielding Craft III, also known as Trey, is a quarterback who spent most of 2019, his sophomore year, on the JV before he was called up because the Wildcats suddenly didn't have any quarterbacks. He also spent some time as an A-back at the varsity level. Trey is also a guard on the Cy Woods basketball team.

Photo courtesy: Phlox Photography

Trey Craft, 2019-present

Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 32

32 is another number that has been worn exclusively by defensive players at Cy Woods.

Braden Hendrickson, a linebacker in 2008, was the first Wildcat to wear #32.

Braden Hendrickson, 2008

Julius Russell came to Cy Woods in 2007, during our sophomore year. He moved in from Elgin, Illinois, which is one of the northern suburbs of Chicago. Julius started out as a cornerback, but he didn't have the footwork required of a secondary player. So, he switched positions and the move paid off. He was a starting outside linebacker in 2009. Julius also played a little baseball, although he didn't play that at Cy Woods.

After Cy Woods, Julius played at Bethany College, an NAIA school in Kansas.

Julius Russell, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2009

Photo uploaded to Facebook by his aunt.

Julius Russell, Bethany Swedes, 2010-13

Marshall Frye, a starting middle linebacker, served as a team captain in 2010, his senior year. He switched to 32 after wearing 46 following his promotion to the varsity in 2009. 

Marshall Frye, 2009-10; wore #46 in 2009

The next Wildcat to wear 32 was Blake Bennett, a starting defensive end in 2011. He was part of a outstanding defensive line with Cody Small and Dominic Wilson et al. and was a solid performer on the best defense in Cy Woods history. 

Blake Bennett, 2011

Brent Hernandez, another defensive end, wore 32 in 2012. His older brother, Ryan, and his stepbrother, Ryan Bruce (I wish I was making this up, but it's true), are both old teammates of mine; Ryan Hernandez was a safety, while Ryan Bruce was a cornerback. 

Brent originally went to Cy Ranch, but he transferred to Cy Woods in his junior year. He told me at some point during his senior year that he wanted to wear #29 like his blood brother (Ryan Hernandez) did, but the coaches couldn't find one of the 29 jerseys. Like his brother, Brent also played baseball for the Wildcats.

Brent is currently living in Nashville, looking to carve out a music career.

Brent Hernandez, 2012

The Outlaw, Shane Lawless, was the next Wildcat to wear #32. "Outlaw" was a nickname that Coach Zachos bestowed upon him after learning that his last name was Lawless. Shane was a linebacker who made the varsity in 2013, his junior year, and eventually became a 2-year starter, playing both inside and outside. He served as a team captain and was a 2nd-team All-District 17-6A selection in 2014.

Shane also starred as a third baseman and a pitcher for the Wildcat baseball team. On the football field, he seemed to have that tendency to make a big play from out of absolutely nowhere. For example, against Cy Ranch in 2013, he intercepted a pass with one hand and proceeded to return it for a touchdown while he was apparently concussed.

Shane Lawless, 2013-14

Jonathan Davenport, a cornerback, wore #32 in 2015. Micheal Young was a starting cornerback in 2016.

Darion Morgan, a B-back, made the varsity in 2017, his junior year, and began that season as the backup before taking the starting job after Bobby Dodson went down with an injury. Darion earned first-team District 14-6A honors as a senior in 2018. He will continue his football career at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton.

Darion Morgan, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2017-18

Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders, 2019

Ethan Bryan started the 2019 season as a wide receiver and finished it as a defensive back.

Photo courtesy: Phlox Photography

Ethan Bryant, 2019

Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 33

Continuing on with #33...

Michael Bush, a safety in 2008, was the first player to wear 33. The bulk of his playing time came with the kickoff team.

Michael Bush, 2008

Nick Matthews, a backup linebacker in 2009, was the next player to wear 33. He was the middle brother; Andre, his older brother, was an offensive lineman in 2008, and his younger brother, Chris, was a receiver in 2011.

Nick Matthews (looking away from camera), 2009

Jeffrey Bogan, a running back, was called up to the varsity for the playoffs as a sophomore in 2009 and scored a touchdown against Westwood. He became a full-time varsity player in 2010 and served as Fredrick Anderson's backup. In 2011, his senior year, Jeff formed a three-headed monster with Trent Holmes and Samuel Stewart. In his two seasons, Jeff established himself as a legitimate dual threat out of the backfield; his 12 receiving touchdowns is tied for 2nd in Cy Woods history alongside Sam Stewart.

Jeff was one of the fastest kids I've seen, and he reached top speed almost effortlessly. He could make opposing tacklers look pretty silly in the open field. Other times, he just outran everyone. A 2nd-team All-District selection in 2011 after averaging seven yards per carry and compiling 930 yards of total offense, Jeff also competed in track for the Wildcats as a sprinter, running the 100, 200, 4x100, and 4x200.

Jeff Bogan, 2010-11

Dimitri Smith, a linebacker, wore 33 in 2012. He was one of the primary backups that season.

Dimitri Smith, 2012

Ryan Chalmers, another linebacker, wore 33 in 2013. His younger brother, Hayden, played as a linebacker for the Wildcats.

Ryan Chalmers, 2013

Davion Owens, a cornerback in 2014, was the next Wildcat to wear #33. After Davion, Chase Taulton, a safety, took this number in 2015. Cory Rogers, a cornerback, wore #33 in 2016.

Tevis Adams, a cornerback, made the varsity in 2017, his sophomore year, and was one of the Wildcats' primary kick returners in his first season. He switched to #3 in 2018.

Tevis Adams, 2017-19; wore #3 in 2018 and 2019

Cole Gerletti was the backup punter in 2018.

Photo by Tom Dendy

Cole Gerletti, 2018

Keeton Cox was a linebacker in 2019.

Photo courtesy: Phlox Photography

Keeton Cox, 2019

Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 34

The number 34 holds a special place in Houston sports lore. Three of the greatest athletes in their respective sports, Hakeem Olajuwon, Nolan Ryan, and Earl Campbell, wore 34 during their illustrious careers, and all three of them played in Houston.

Now, let's take a look at all the Wildcat football players who have worn #34.

Patrick West was a starting linebacker and team captain in 2008. Pat, who also played baseball at Cy Woods, originally committed to Angelo State for football. Later, he successfully walked on at the University of Houston during the Kevin Sumlin era, although he did not appear in a game.

Patrick West, 2008

Cody Small, a defensive end, was promoted in 2009, midway through his sophomore season. As that season progressed, Cody played a more prominent role on the defense, especially during the playoffs. He eventually became a three-year letterman for the Cats, serving as a team captain in 2011, his senior season. Cody started out that year as a receiver, but when that move didn't pan out, he returned to the defensive line and strengthened an already formidable defense. In addition, he also served as the long snapper as a junior and a senior. Cody was also a thrower during track season for the Wildcats.

Cody Small went on to play college football as a tight end at Kansas State.

Cody Small, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2009-11

Photo from his Facebook page.

Cody Small, Kansas State Wildcats, 2012-16

James Allen was the next player to wear #34. He was a backup linebacker in 2012.

James Allen, 2012

Another backup linebacker, Julian Murray, wore 34 in 2013.

Kason Franklin, a safety, made the varsity in 2014, his sophomore year, and was a three-year starter. He switched to 22 in 2015.

Photo by Cameron Brooks.

Kason Franklin, 2014-16; wore #22 in 2015 and 2016

Collin Joyce, an outside linebacker, wore #34 in 2016. He was thrust into a starting role late in the season due to injuries. I think he also swam or played water polo for the Wildcats.

Dylan Cormier, a quarterback, was given this number when he was called up in 2018, his sophomore year. He had to wear #34 because the new jersey set doesn't have #16, #18, or #19. Dylan switched to #17 in 2019.

Photo by Tom Dendy

Dylan Cormier, 2018-present; currently wears #17

Bryce Gehlbach, a safety, wore #34 in 2019. He was a backup who saw most of his playing time come on special teams. His younger brother, Blake, is an A-back and a defensive back.

Photo courtesy: Phlox Photography

Bryce Gehlbach, 2019

Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 35

Stephen Burns, a backup safety in 2009, was the first Wildcat to wear #35. He participated in the ROTC program at Cy Woods before joining the team.

Stephen Burns, 2009

Harley Burke, an outside linebacker, made the varsity in 2010, his junior year. He also competed in the pole vault and the 110/300 hurdles during track season. He did not play football as a senior.

How can I write this next part.... I seriously debated with myself on whether I should have even written this in the first place. It's just a sad, sad story all around.

In November 2013, Texas EquuSearch members came across his body while they were searching for another missing individual. His death was ruled a homicide and attracted a fair amount of media attention.

I didn't interact with Harley very much, but I knew him through Cy Woods athletics. Those who knew him better than I did can most likely reminisce on their days spent with him much better than I can. While Harley always seemed to be a bit wild, I remember that he was always friendly and was an absolute joy to be around. On the football field, he carried that wild streak with him... he was fearless. His younger brother, John Christian, is a junior offensive lineman.

Harley Burke (1993-2013), 2010

Samuel Stewart wore #35 in 2011, his sophomore season. As a running back/wide receiver that year, he was absolutely electrifying and provided Wildcat fans a sign of things to come. Sam wore #24 in his final two seasons. More on him once I get to #24.

Samuel Stewart, 2011-13; wore #24 in 2012 and 2013

Caleb Smith wore #35 against Cy Lakes in 2013, which was the only game in which he saw action as a varsity player that season. He wore #46 in 2014, his first full season as a varsity player. Jake Jones, a cornerback, was assigned #35 when he was called up later in 2013 and switched to #10 for his senior year.

Caleb Smith and Jake Jones, 2013; Caleb wore #46 in 2015, while Jake wore #10 in 2014.

Myles Wilson, a safety, made the varsity as a sophomore in 2014. His mother, Mrs. Lagard, is the associate principal at Cypress Springs High School; she had been an assistant principal at Cy Woods and had served the school in that capacity since its inception. I remember Myles being at just about every Woods game before he ever stepped foot inside the school as a student. He was a ball boy back then, and he got a chance to play for a team that he grew up watching.

Myles served as a team captain in 2016 and played for two seasons at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin.

Photo by Cameron Brooks.

Myles Wilson, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2014-16

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs, 2017-19

Victor Benavides was a running back in 2019. 

Photo courtesy: Phlox Photography

Victor Benavides, 2019

Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 36

The countdown continues with #36.

John Pham, a running back in 2008, was the first player to wear this number.

John Pham, 2008

An Tran, another running back, wore #36 in 2009.

An Tran, 2009

Casem Noureddin wore #36 as a senior in 2011 after wearing #40 as a junior. In addition to contributing on special teams, he reprised his role as one of the primary backup linebackers during his senior season.

Casem Noureddin, 2010-11; wore #40 in 2010

Esteban Padilla, a backup cornerback, wore 36 in 2012.

Esteban Padilla, 2012

Darren Bashinski was a wide receiver in 2013. His older brother, Alex, was in my graduating class.

Darren Bashinski, 2013

Zach Thornton, a cornerback, wore 36 in 2014. His twin brother, Cale, played baseball for the Wildcats.

Zach Thornton, 2014

Arshdeep Bala, a linebacker, wore #36 in 2016. His older brother, Shaan, was a defensive end for the Wildcats.

Maclaren "Mac" Bird, a linebacker, made the varsity in 2017, his junior year. He racked up 51 tackles in just four games before he had a serious health scare that stemmed from clearing debris from Hurricane Harvey. His older brother, Trent, was a linebacker and a pole vaulter at Cy Woods. Their sister, Cameron, plays basketball and also pole vaults. If I remember correctly, their father, Scott, competed collegiately as a pole vaulter and he ended up passing it down to his kids. Mac currently holds Cy Woods' record clearance in the pole vault.

Maclaren Bird, 2017-18

Ethan Shook, a cat-backer (outside linebacker), made the varsity in 2019, his junior year. He was mainly a special teams player in his first season.

Photo courtesy: Phlox Photography

Ethan Shook, 2019-present