Bottom Line

Bill Houston taught Deshai Houston quite a bit about life - and

everything that the Ocean View High quarterback knows about football.

The younger Houston, a senior at Ocean View, is putting all the

knowledge he has gained from his father into what has turned out to be,

so far, a spectacular season for both Deshai Houston and the Seahawks.

In just four games this season - all Ocean View victories - Deshai

Houston has thrown for 1,025 yards and 17 touchdowns in this, his first

and only full season as the Seahawk quarterback.

Both marks are tops in Orange County.

In addition, Houston, who also starts at defensive back, is tied

for the team lead in interceptions with two.

But, sadly, Deshai Houston has enjoyed his success without his

father, who passed away suddenly last November 12 while attending the

Junior All-American Football practice of his younger brother, Wade.

The very next day, Ocean View played Golden West League foe

Saddleback, and the younger Houston got the start at quarterback.

‘I just knew my dad would want me to go out and play,’ Houston

said of his father, who coached football at Ocean View for three years.

‘I just had a lot of mixed emotions that night, but my dad always

taught me to strive to be the best person I could be, and give it my all

on the field. He really stressed academics, and taught me so, so much

about the game of football.’

Deshai Houston said that it’s mind boggling to think that he’s

passed for more than 1,000 yards in just four games, but he knows he’s

not the only one responsible for his success.

‘No, I have some great receivers, and our linemen have just done a

great job of giving me a lot of protection,’ he said.

After each game in a season that he has personally dedicated to

his late father, Houston, taking a knee, goes through a ritual that has

become part of his postgame celebration.

‘First, I thank the Lord for being with me and keeping me healthy,

then I say a prayer to my dad, and thank him for everything he’s taught

me,’ he said. ‘I know he’s watching me, and the prayers complete my

game.’