College Park's Camden Hughes (Cincinnati commit)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
"We were down 21-7 at the half against The Woodlands," Hughes recalled. "We came in at halftime to talk over the second half. The speeches before we went back on that field… I'm getting chill bumps talking about it right now. I will never forget that moment."
The Cavaliers stormed back to win in double overtime, a signature victory that propelled College Park to its first district championship and a historic run to the third round of the playoffs.
Now, Hughes hopes that magical season was only the beginning.
The offseason brought plenty of change. Longtime head coach Kyle Coats departed for Atascocita, opening the door for first-year head coach Michael Burro, who arrived from San Antonio Johnson to lead the program into its next chapter.
For Hughes, the transition has been seamless.
"My knowledge on the field has really improved over the past year," he said. "I'm really excited about the new coaching staff, and me and our offensive coordinator have really clicked."
That comfort level has College Park believing another championship run is within reach.
"We have so much talent in this locker room," Hughes said. "We have all the weapons we need on offense and defense. Yes, we made school history winning district and going three rounds deep in the playoffs, but we're going to take it to the next level this year."
Doug Brown (VYPE)
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Hughes' confidence isn't rooted in bravado. It's built on preparation, poise and an unwavering belief in the players around him.
Despite playing the game's most visible position, Hughes doesn't see himself as the loudest voice in the huddle.
"I'm not a huge vocal leader," he admitted. "I let other guys in the locker room do a lot of the talking. When I need to speak up, I do. It's about keeping everyone on point and keeping everyone calm."
That calm demeanor has become one of his greatest strengths.
"I stay cool," he said. “When the guys get heated, I bring them down a little. ‘Remember, let’s execute. Don’t fold under pressure. Let the game take you where it’s going to take you.’”
That mindset has also caught the attention of college recruiters, culminating in his commitment to the University of Cincinnati—a program with a rich history of developing quarterbacks.
As Hughes prepares for his senior season, he models his game after one of the NFL's premier signal callers.
"My idol is Josh Allen," Hughes said. "The way he leads on the field and what he represents off the field really tells what kind of person he is. I want to be like him."
With a district title already on his résumé, a college commitment secured and a talented roster returning around him, Hughes enters the season with lofty expectations.
If his cool demeanor and championship experience are any indication, the Cavaliers' quarterback believes the best moments of his career are still waiting to be made.
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Cypress Ranch's Braden Baker (Houston commit)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
“It’s something I’ve been waiting for,” Baker said of his upcoming senior season. “I’m really excited for my senior year and I think it’s going to be a big season.”
In 2025, Cy Ranch reached the Regional Semifinals for the first time since 2014, the year the Mustangs advanced to the State Championship game. For Baker, the upcoming campaign is about ushering Cypress Ranch back toward those heights.
“I want to lead my team to State,” he said. “From a recognition standpoint, I want to earn all-district honors or even District MVP and really solidify my legacy at Cy Ranch.”
Baker’s commitment to the local Houston Cougars this offseason added another layer of motivation heading into the 2026 campaign — the opportunity to represent his hometown on an even bigger stage.
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“It means the world to me being able to show out in front of my city,” Baker said. “I’m definitely going to show Houston fans what they’re getting next year.”
While Baker’s motivation heading into his senior season stems from several different factors, perhaps the biggest driving force is his desire to prove consistency. He understands the spotlight that comes with his success and knows the question surrounding him: was last season a breakthrough, or the beginning of something bigger?
“I’m trying to prove that I’m supposed to be where I am right now,” he said. “I want to show people that last year wasn’t just a one-time deal and that I’m going to keep improving my senior year.”
With a championship pursuit ahead and a new chapter waiting at Houston, Baker enters 2026 determined to show that his rise was only the beginning.
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