Practice makes perfect

Players from the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) varsity Bears team (pictured) practice during the summer 7-on-7 football league. Carter Foltz, Jake Arnold, Giancarlo Ortega, Will Arriaga, Chase Bob, Preston Pendley and Alex Granger (pictured, from left) ran a practice play while staying safe, under the direction of coach Giancarlo (John) Ortega. Athletes were grateful to have the opportunity to play, and SBMSA had a record number of kids registered. During “normal” seasons, SBMSA teams practice and play on fields owned by the Spring Branch Independent School District, through a partnership that is approaching 60 years together. This year, the teams found alternate locations and abided by the league’s Covid-19 policy to ensure everyone was able to participate in a safe manner. 

Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at [email protected]. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.