DALLAS (Oct. 21, 2026) – Dallas Trinity FC announced today that it has signed 15-year-old midfielder and forward Kaiya Brewer to an academy contract. The academy contract allows Brewer to train and compete with Dallas Trinity FC in the Gainbridge Super League while preserving her collegiate eligibility.

Brewer joins Dallas Trinity FC after competing with Kansas City Current II in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The Kansas City, Kansas, native also played for Utah Royals U19 ECNL, where she earned ECNL Midwest All-Conference First Team honors.

“Kaiya is an exciting young player with the opportunity to take an important next step in her development here in Dallas,” said Brian Corcoran, sporting director for Dallas Trinity FC. “Our academy pathway gives players the chance to challenge themselves in a professional environment while keeping their college options open. We look forward to supporting Kaiya as she grows within our club.”

Brewer made her first appearance for Dallas Trinity FC on Oct. 17, opening the scoring in the club’s 3-2 win over Chivas Femenil in the 2026 State Fair Clásico at Cotton Bowl Stadium. The international friendly did not count toward official league statistics.

“Kaiya brings pace, vision and a willingness to put pressure on opponents,” said Lee Nguyễn, first team manager and technical director for Dallas Trinity FC. “The Clásico was a great opportunity for her to test herself, and it was encouraging to see her take that chance and score. We’re excited to help her build on that experience and keep developing her game.”

Brewer joins her older sister, Dallas Trinity FC defender Meila Brewer, who signed with the club in September and is representing the United States at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

PLAYER BIO

Name: Kaiya Brewer

Pronunciation: KAY-uh BROO-er

Position: Attacker

Height: 5-7

Jersey Number: #26

Date of Birth: December 6, 2010 (15)

Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas

Nationality: United States

Previous Club: Kansas City Current II (WPSL)

TRANSACTION: Dallas Trinity FC signs midfielder and forward Kaiya Brewer to an academy contract. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The post Dallas Trinity FC Signs Kaiya Brewer to Academy Contract appeared first on Dallas Weekly.

Based on reporting by The Dallas Weekly.

Dirk Nowitzki played 21 seasons for the Dallas Mavericks, becoming one of the most recognizable players in franchise history. However, some of the younger fans attending the team’s 2026 Community Tip-Off had a question for the Mavericks legend.

“I’m sure some of these kids didn’t know who I was because they asked,” Nowitzki said. “Some of them asked me, ‘Did you play for the Mavs?’ I think so, when your parents were around.”

It was one of many interactions that took place Monday afternoon as the Mavericks brought their 2026 Community Tip-Off directly to the people of Southern Dallas at Halperin Park in Oak Cliff.

Thousands of children had the opportunity to play basketball, enjoy festivities and spend time with their favorite Mavericks players and legends at the free community event, presented by Ticketmaster.

Mavericks president of business operations Ethan Casson spoke about the planning that went into bringing the celebration to Oak Cliff and the organization’s desire to create something different for the community.

“I think what we wanted to do for this season was really establish something that was about creating something more substantial, being very intentional with our efforts,” Casson said. “What if we showed up in a very grand way?”

That vision helped bring the Mavericks to Halperin Park, a bridge park constructed over Interstate 35E to reconnect Oak Cliff neighborhoods that had been separated by the highway for decades.

“We recognize what this park physically represents, which is connecting communities,” Casson said. “And when you’re able to visit, which we did with April and her team, the vision started to come to life.”

The park officially opened in May after years of planning, fundraising and community involvement. The Mavericks saw an opportunity to bring basketball and entertainment to a space created to strengthen relationships between neighborhoods.

April Allen, president and CEO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation, appreciated the organization choosing Oak Cliff for its season-opening celebration.

“For the Mavs to come here to Oak Cliff, to spend the time, energy and resources that you see here is really a testament to their commitment to community,” Allen said. “We’re so grateful and honored that they chose us for this experience.”

The Mavs Foundation also presented a $50,000 grant to Halperin Park during the celebration, providing additional financial support for the community space.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert attended the event and emphasized the importance of bringing celebrations and resources to Southern Dallas rather than leaving communities behind.

“We’ve got to continue to make sure that our community members are not left behind, and we’ve got to take things and be bold about going and being a part of community assets like Halperin Park,” Tolbert said.

The park represents an opportunity for neighborhoods to reconnect while creating a space where residents can gather and build relationships.

“I see that park as now a bridge that’s going to help us do that, even at a higher level,” Tolbert said.

Nowitzki also recognized the significance of the park and the investment that went into bringing the project to life.

“We all know what this park means to Dallas,” Nowitzki said. “Obviously, it’s been a project that’s been in the works for a long, long time.”

The Mavericks transformed Halperin Park into a gathering place filled with children playing basketball, visiting food vendors and interacting with players they had watched throughout the season.

Casson estimated approximately 3,000 children participated in the Community Tip-Off, including students from kindergarten through sixth-grade after-school programs.

Parents, teachers, local businesses and nonprofit organizations also attended, helping bring different parts of the Southern Dallas community together for the afternoon.

Approximately 200 Mavericks staff members helped organize the celebration, along with basketball operations personnel and corporate partners. Casson emphasized that bringing the entire organization together was an important part of making the event possible.

“When I say it was all hands on deck, it was all hands on deck,” Casson said. “It was really just one goal. How do we make it grand?”

Once the celebration began, the players had opportunities to interact with young fans and share messages about pursuing their dreams.

Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. was among those who took the opportunity to encourage children to believe in themselves and work toward their goals.

“I think it means a lot, you know, to give these kids a lot to look up to,” Johnson said.

Johnson also reflected on messages shared with the children by his teammates, including P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, about working hard and remaining focused on their dreams.

As one of the newer members of the Mavericks organization, Johnson appreciated the welcome he received and the chance to begin building relationships with the Dallas community.

“They welcomed me with open arms,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to get a chance to spend some time with these kids when I’m done with the interviews. I’m grateful to be here.”

For Casson, having players interact with children was one of the most meaningful parts of the celebration. He believes many athletes can relate to the experiences of young fans because of the coaches, teachers and mentors who helped shape their lives.

“To see your superheroes in person and know that those superheroes raised their hand and said they want to be here and be a part of it for this group is pretty special,” Casson said.

Nowitzki has experienced that relationship with Mavericks fans for more than two decades. Although some of the children were too young to remember his playing career, he appreciated the opportunity to connect with another generation.

“It’s cool to still get embraced by the city that I’ve played for for so long and now is my home,” Nowitzki said. “So definitely special. It means a lot.”

While the Community Tip-Off helped introduce the Mavericks to another generation of fans, the organization hopes to continue bringing similar celebrations to neighborhoods throughout Dallas.

Casson said the team plans to make the event an annual tradition, with future celebrations taking place in different communities.

“This is just the beginning,” Casson said. “This celebration we plan to bring to different communities, special communities throughout Dallas, year after year after year.”

The organization’s plans to visit other neighborhoods will not end its involvement in Southern Dallas. Casson emphasized that the Mavericks intend to continue supporting the community through additional programs, resources and investments.

Halperin Park was built to reconnect neighborhoods that had been separated for decades. On Monday, it also brought together generations of Mavericks fans, from those who watched Nowitzki throughout his career to children meeting him and the current team for the first time.

The Mavericks came to Oak Cliff to celebrate the beginning of the 2026-27 NBA season, but their goal extends beyond one afternoon of basketball and entertainment.

For Casson, the lasting impact of the celebration will depend on the organization’s willingness to continue showing up for the communities it serves.

“I think it’s important when you do any event, big or small, that it’s not a one-off,” Casson said. “This is about showing up again and again and again in different ways.”

The post Dallas Mavericks Unite Players, Legends and the Oak Cliff Community at 2026 Community Tip-Off appeared first on Dallas Weekly.

Based on reporting by The Dallas Weekly.

N.C. Central University snapped its three-game losing streak Friday, defeating Delaware State University 31-12.

After three consecutive losses, the Eagles entered Friday’s game determined to turn their season around. NCCU played with confidence, communicated effectively and showed greater consistency on both sides of the ball.

The Eagles’ offense struggled to maintain consistency early in the game but gradually found its rhythm, building momentum and moving the ball down the field. Despite allowing the Hornets to score an early touchdown, the Eagles remained focused and continued to fight.

Freshman running back Gino Addison recorded 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore running back Zion Dobson contributed 57 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore quarterback Cobey Thompkins also connected with fifth-year tight end Luke Bracey for a touchdown, adding to the Eagles’ offensive production.

Freshman specialist kicker Riley Daniels continued to deliver on extra-point attempts following touchdowns. Daniels also made an important tackle during a kickoff against the Hornets, contributing beyond his kicking duties.

The Eagles’ defense remained strong throughout the game, making it difficult for the Hornets to advance the ball and forcing them to punt multiple times.

Freshman defensive back Amari Sifford recorded two interceptions, while senior defensive lineman Zarion Walters contributed a sack to help limit Delaware State’s offensive opportunities.

The Eagles ability to maintain their composure and build momentum helped them secure the 31-12 victory over Delaware State University.

The Eagles enter next week with the record of 3-5.

NCCU will face Howard on October 31st against Howard at O’Kelly – Riddick Stadium streamed on ESPN+.

The post NCCU snap three – game losing streak with win over Delaware State University first appeared on Campus Echo Online.

Based on reporting by North Carolina Central University – Campus Echo.

DURHAM, N.C. – Virginia State University delivered a commanding performance against Shaw University on Saturday, October 17, defeating the Bears 76-13 in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) football matchup. A devastating 35-0 scoring run in the second quarter helped Virginia State take control of the contest, leaving Shaw struggling to regain momentum.

Shaw showed flashes of offensive potential early in the game, highlighted by a long touchdown reception from wide receiver Reggie King Jr. (2). King celebrated the score alongside teammate Ashton Williams (54), giving the Bears an early offensive highlight despite the eventual lopsided outcome.

Wide receiver Floyd Lyles (3) also contributed to Shaw’s offensive efforts, securing a first-down reception while being defended by Virginia State cornerback Jamontae Dance-Anderson (24). However, the Bears struggled to sustain drives as Virginia State’s defense and special teams continued to create problems.

Virginia State’s offense proved difficult to contain, with quarterback Rashaan Matthews Jr. (2) extending plays with his legs and picking up a first down against the Shaw defense. Running back TJ Mordecai (21) added to the Trojans’ physical offensive attack, delivering a powerful stiff-arm against Shaw linebacker Quadir McEachin (5) during a first-half run.

The Trojans also found success through the air. Wide receiver Kevin Gayles (0) made a first-down reception against Shaw defensive backs Sean McFadden (12) and Antonio Hardge (34). Later in the first half, Gayles hauled in a touchdown reception against Shaw cornerback Antonio Cotman (2), adding to Virginia State’s growing lead.

Special teams difficulties further complicated matters for the Bears. Virginia State’s Ian Wynn (18) blocked a punt attempt by Shaw punter Jethro Ommam (84) during the first half, providing another example of the Trojans’ ability to disrupt Shaw’s game plan.

The defining stretch came in the second quarter, when Virginia State erupted for 35 unanswered points. The scoring surge created a deficit Shaw could not overcome and demonstrated the Trojans’ ability to capitalize on opportunities on both sides of the ball.

Despite individual efforts from King, Lyles and several defensive players, Shaw was unable to slow Virginia State’s offensive production. The Trojans continued to build their advantage, ultimately securing a decisive 76-13 victory.

The loss highlighted the challenges facing Shaw as the Bears continue their CIAA schedule, particularly in limiting explosive plays, protecting the football on special teams and maintaining offensive consistency.

For Virginia State, the victory showcased an explosive offensive attack and a defense capable of disrupting opposing teams, reinforcing the Trojans’ competitive presence in CIAA football.

Based on reporting by The Carolinian.

The Jalen Hurts saga hurts

The disturbing reports surrounding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Houston-born Jalen Hurts, raise a troubling question: How much is a Black athlete’s life worth when winning is on the line? According to reports, the Eagles knew Hurts had a blood clot after he was hospitalized until 4 a.m. before the team’s Week 5 game against Jacksonville in London. Nevertheless, he played the entire game and endured international flights before doctors discovered the clot had progressed to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. He was placed on blood thinners and injured reserve (out for the season). Sports medicine physician Jesse Morse warned that migrating clots could cause a fatal pulmonary blockage, heart attack, or stroke. Pulmonologist Matthew Gordon acknowledged that blood clots can be catastrophic or fatal. Beyond the medical questions, this episode reflects a disturbing American tradition: Treating Black bodies as expendable commodities. From slavery to exploitative labor practices and generations of dangerous sports, Black people have repeatedly been expected to sacrifice their well-being for others’ profits. The NFL’s predominantly Black workforce is literally “fieldhands” making their wealthy “owners” wealthier, giving serious plantation vibes. What’s crazy is, Hurts could have died. And if he had, the Eagles would have simply put another Black body to work and kept it moving.

Blind by choice

Recently, a Black woman conservative social media influencer was physically removed from a Ken Paxton voter event. And as she fought back tears, after being “dog-walked” out of the building, she kept asking, “Why?” She told her followers that she has been a faithful supporter of Donald Trump and the entire Republican ticket. She said she not only voted for Trump and crew, but also organized and volunteered for them on various campaigns. Before she got to the event, she went live on social media, bubbling with excitement about supporting Paxton, which is crazy, because no one is excited about supporting Paxton. But her MAGA-fest was abruptly ended as her live-stream followers saw her suddenly teary-eyed, being led out of the event space. “And there’s no one I can talk to about this,” she asked her exit escort, dumbfounded. She then shared with her MAGA followers, “Someone just came up to me and said Ken Paxton’s campaign manager wanted me to leave… I drove two hours to get here, and I have done nothing but support everyone on the Republican side. And this is how I get treated? I cannot believe the disrespect that I was just given.” Blackfolk in the comments section couldn’t believe that soul sister couldn’t understand what was happening. But you, if she’s been willing to play blind and support one of the most anti-Black regimes in history, and organize for a party that has gone out of its way to disrespect every ounce of Black existence, then I can understand why she couldn’t see their disrespect of her Blackness. But since she’s already given her soul to anti-Blackness, you best believe she’s still voting for Paxton. In fact, she literally said so.

Mecklenburg racist police competitions

It’s old news by now that several Charlotte-Mecklenburg cops sent text messages to each other, degrading Black people with the N-word and racist jokes, celebrating their open competition to see which racist-ass officer could pull over, harass, and even inflict the most bodily harm on Black motorists. Their Klan-ish fun and games had zero to do with Black people breaking the law. It was just white cops making a sport out of terrorizing Black people, using the authority of the state and their literal license to kill to torture Black people emotionally and physically. And they used Flock cameras to help them with their fun and games. But what’s older news is the fact that these are the very actions Blackfolk have been pointing out from cops for centuries. These six cops got caught via text messages. But police in every city and state routinely take this same approach to law enforcement.

Based on reporting by Houston Defender.

Bethune-Cookman stuns No. 24 Jackson State on late touchdown pass

Tyler Jefferson’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Rickie Shaw II with 40 seconds left gave Bethune-Cookman a 24-21 upset of Jackson State on Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla. The win moved the Wildcats into a tie for first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Facing third-and-11, Jefferson rolled left, doubled back to the right and found Shaw along the right sideline in the end zone for the go-ahead score.

Bethune-Cookman (5-3, 3-1) shares the lead with Alabama A&M, which beat the Wildcats 51-17 on Oct. 10. Jackson State (6-2, 3-2) entered ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform Top 25. The Tigers have lost two of their past three games after winning their first five.

Jackson State had taken its first lead at 21-17 on Li’Darious Pryor’s 1-yard run with 2:56 remaining. Jared Lockhart had put the Tigers back in the game with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Jones about seven minutes into the second half.

Jefferson completed 8 of 13 passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 68 yards on 19 carries. Deanwar Johnson added 81 yards on nine carries.

Howard stuns Morgan State with overtime pick-six

Howard overcame a 20-6 deficit early in the fourth quarter to beat Morgan State 26-20 in overtime in its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener at Hughes Stadium. The Bison scored 20 straight points, and Ben Chandler IV sealed the victory with an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown in overtime.

The finish mirrored last year’s game at Howard, when the Bison also beat their nearby rivals in overtime.

White, who earned the first MEAC victory of his career, said the team never wavered, even after falling behind by two scores in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina State tops Norfolk State in conference opener

South Carolina State built an early lead and beat Norfolk State 22-7 on Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Mason Pickett-Hicks ran for two touchdowns, and Jett Jackson kicked three field goals for the Bulldogs.

Pickett-Hicks scored on runs of 7 and 21 yards in the first half to help build a 16-0 lead. Jackson connected from 28 and 46 yards before halftime and from 34 yards in the fourth quarter. South Carolina State gained 321 yards and kept Norfolk State out of the end zone on offense. Pickett-Hicks finished with 52 rushing yards and 86 all-purpose yards, and Keely Watson completed 21 of 38 passes for 215 yards.

Norfolk State’s only touchdown came on a 47-yard punt return by Jason Wonodi in the third quarter, which made it 19-7. DaJean Golmond completed 17 of 35 passes for 162 yards, and the Spartans totaled 279 yards. Brevin Caldwell caught six passes for 80 yards, and Jalyn Daniels rushed for 51 yards.

Freshman Addison runs for 214 yards as NC Central beats Delaware State

Freshman running back Gino Addison carried 31 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns Friday night, leading North Carolina Central to a 31-12 victory over Delaware State in its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener at Alumni Stadium.

The Eagles (3-5, 1-0) ended a four-game losing streak. They rushed for 272 yards as a team, their third 200-yard rushing game this season.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff spoils Florida A&M’s homecoming

Arkansas-Pine Bluff beat Florida A&M 31-28 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. It was the Rattlers’ first homecoming loss in nine years and ended a seven-game homecoming winning streak. Their previous one came in 2017, a 31-20 defeat against North Carolina A&T.

The Golden Lions (4-3, 2-2 SWAC) outrushed Florida A&M by 136 yards, finishing with 211 yards and three touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. The Rattlers (2-6, 1-3) managed only 75 rushing yards.

Jalen Williams led the ground game with 66 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Za’Marion Webber added 60 yards and a score. Quarterback Jack Schierholz completed 8 of 12 passes (66.7 percent), and Demetric Whitlock Jr. caught four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Next up

South Carolina State plays at Morgan State in Baltimore on Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, Howard, unbeaten in MEAC play, visits North Carolina Central in Durham, N.C., at 2 p.m. The MEAC’s marquee matchup pits Delaware State, coached by DeSean Jackson, against Norfolk State, coached by Michael Vick, at 3 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, home of the NFL’s Eagles.

In the SWAC, Alcorn State visits Mississippi Valley State, Bethune-Cookman plays at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Southern visits Florida A&M in Tallahassee. All three kick off at 3 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. Plus, Alabama State and Alabama A&M meet in the Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (2:30 p.m. Central). Saturday night, Grambling State and Texas Southern close the slate in Houston at 7:30 p.m. Central.