The Sharpstown Apollos are turning heads this season after a rough few years, and at the center of their resurgence is senior running back Dylan Pardo.
“We’ve been working really hard and buying into the system and staying disciplined like coach (Earl) Westbrooks preaches,” said Pardo.
After finishing the 2023 season winless, Sharpstown has bounced back with a 2-0 record under a new coaching staff, and with Pardo at the forefront of their resurgence.
“He’s the leader,” Westbrooks said. “He’s the foundation of the program. The team follows him and we want this for him and the seniors. We are a young team. We have seven seniors, so with the rest of the team coming back next season we’re trying to build that foundation.”
At 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds, Pardo may be smaller than some of his opponents, but his determination on the field sets him apart. The Apollos will need all of Padro’s effort and determination if they hope to turn around last year’s 0-8 record.
Pardo has been with Sharpstown since his freshman year, watching the Apollos struggle in 5A competition. In his first year, the team finished 3-5, followed by a 2-6 season in his sophomore year. But the low point came during his junior season when the Apollos finished last in their district, scoring just 15 points all season while allowing a staggering 424.
“I want us to be successful,” said Pardo. “I want us to be the best. We were the last in district and in our city. I don’t want to be last. I want to do something this school has never done. That’s what I’m here for. I work my butt off and that’s what I want. I want to get my scholarship and go somewhere and be great.”
Despite the challenges, Pardo remains hopeful and dedicated to honing his skills. He is focused on enhancing his game by studying NFL running backs such as Raheem Mostert of the Miami Dolphins, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, and former Fort Bend Marshall standout De’Von Achane, who is now also with the Dolphins.
“I like the speed and the quickness they have as they run hard,” said Pardo.
So far, that hard work is paying off. Sharpstown kicked off the season with a 35-18 win over Kashmere in a non-district game, with Pardo scoring two touchdowns and adding an extra point conversion. The Apollos followed that up with a dominant 42-6 victory over Scarborough, where Pardo was even more impactful, accounting for three touchdowns and two two-point conversions.
Now heading into 5A-1 Region III District 10 play, Sharpstown is 2-0 for the first time in years. The players are buying into the vision laid out by their new coaching staff, and Pardo has been a central figure in that cultural shift.
“This 2-0 start fills me with joy. It shows that, we’ve been working hard,” he said. “Everybody around me has seen that and we’re taking it up from last place and we’re building. I love what we’re doing right now.”
The stakes are even higher than wins and losses for Pardo. As a senior, he aims to secure an athletic scholarship and continue his football career in college, a dream he hopes will ease his family’s financial burden of higher education.
“My mom deserves it,” said Pardo. “I want to go to college to better myself and provide for everyone around me. My mom always preaches financial stability and career options, so I’m doing all I can to help her pay for my schooling.”
As the season progresses, the Apollos’ turnaround story is one to watch, and Dylan Pardo is leading the way. With district play ahead, Sharpstown is ready to prove that last year’s struggles are firmly in the rearview mirror.
About Dylan Pardo:
Class: 2025
IG: @believeinpardo
Twitter: @BigPardo1
Position: Running back, linebacker
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 165 pounds
Players he studies: Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins), Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), Braelon Allen (New York Jets), De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins)
Favorite artist: Future
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Advanced Quantitative Reasoning
Shout Outs: Coach Westbrooks, Da’Andra Williams, Ladesmond Rhone, and my offensive linemen
