By Pat Turner
Contributing Writer

The stars came out for Clark, Brandeis and TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas this past week.

And they brought a ton of highlights in producing victories.

Clark (5-0, 3-0) remained at the top of District 28-5A with O’Connor and Warren after pounding out a 45-0 win over Marshall. First-year school Brandeis turned in another historical moment, registering its first district victory in a 47-29 triumph over Holmes.

Away from 28-5A, TMI tuned up for TAPPS Division II District III with a 27-0 non-district win over Charlotte.

The Cougars took charge early in romping to a 31-0 halftime advantage. Clark had a number of offensive weapons. Jock Tilghman scored on touchdown runs of 77 and 35 yards during his 147-yard rushing show. Quarterback Hayden Greenbauer also struck for two touchdown runs, the biggest being a 68-yard sprint.

In addition, the Cougars got a 10-yard touchdown jaunt from Jerrard White and Webb Williams’ 37-yard field goal.

Clark’s defense drew equal billing in pitching its first shutout of the season. Much of the excitement began with Adair Campbell, who had two interceptions and five tackles with a fumble recovery.

Big plays also came from Gilbert Mata, Ethan Price, Stefano Chavez, Chris Byng, Joey Cammer and Kevin Ozment.

There are other reasons that made the shutout gratifying. Because of injuries and illness during the past two weeks, the Cougars have had to rely on younger players to fill the vacancies. The group has made the grade, including Jimmy Kueber, who moved to varsity from the JV for the Marshall contest.

“I’m really pleased with how well we’re playing,” defensive line coach Jeff Althoff said. “We had a lot of players to replace this year, but Coach (Lloyd) Alexander does a good job of getting our defense prepared. It still amazes me how much knowledge he has stored up there.

“This year we’re getting a lot of people in on tackles. Everyone is swarming the ball and that’s a big difference.”

Brandeis took another big step in its rookie season with the win over Holmes.

Speaking of steps, running back Noah Copeland picked up plenty while rushing for 359 yards and six touchdowns.

Copeland helped the Broncos to a 14-13 halftime lead, before turning up the speed in the second half with five touchdowns.

Brandeis has the week off, before playing Stevens the following week.

TMI put together a strong second half act after battling for a 7-0 halftime lead.

Sanford Roberts scored on touchdown runs of one and 19 yards, but another big play came from the defense with Austin Carr’s 55-yard interception touchdown return.

The Panthers have an open date, before opening league play the following week against Austin Hyde Park.

Clark’s girls also enjoyed a big moment in cross country as the Lady Cougars finished second to Steele in the Judson Meet this past Friday.

Brianna Tammari led the Lady Cougars with a second place time of 13:24.14 and Shantel Swift came in fourth with a 13:28.23. Toria Seifert was 10th with a 13:37.96.

“We’re running really well now,” Clark Coach Anne Ager said. “They’re very dedicated. Finishing second really helps their confidence. We want to keep improving and be ready for district.”

On the volleyball scene, Clark swept Taft and Holmes to remain a game behind O’Connor in the 28-5A standings.

The Lady Cougars continue to get a variety of big plays from Morgan Camp, Anna Drewry, Ashley Healy, Kayla Jarzombek, India Hartwell and Claire Webster.

Brandeis also remained in the playoff picture. The Broncos started the week with a 25-18, 25-7, 25-14 loss to O’Connor, but followed with a four-game victory over Warren.

In the Warren contest, Brandeis dropped a 25-23 decision in the opener, but caught fire and reeled off 25-18, 25-15 and 25-21 wins to seal the match.

Karlie Ortega turned in another solid performance up front with 14 kills. Brittany Sample played a big part in the victory by dealing 45 assists.