Santiago Castillo (Sr. CAM) of Alief Hastings Soccer
Matt Powell (VYPE)
“I enjoy all the sports and all the friends that I meet along the way,” he said. “But, soccer has always been the one that carries the most weight to me, since it was my first and the one I focus on more.”
Individually, Castillo’s growth has been steady and deliberate, emerging as one of the more consistent players on the roster from the CAM (center attacking midfielder) position.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
“I think I’ve been able to fine-tune my technical ability and finishing above other traits,” he said. “Literally growing and putting in the work to get stronger and faster has also helped me in that regard, since I used to be much smaller as a freshman. All that kind of plays off each other to make me a more complete asset on offense.”
Similar to his ideal athlete – Brazilian superstar Neymar Júnior – Castillo hopes to bring a sense of finesse and creativity to Hastings’ attack.
“Neymar has been my idol since Day 1”, said Castillo. “I’ve always seen him as a role model because of his playstyle. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest players of all time in my opinion.”
The Bears posted a 6-11-3 record in 2025, placing fifth in the district standings and just missing out of the playoff picture. However, Castillo sees the path forward clearly.
The stars of 2025-26 Alief Hastings SoccerMatt Powell (VYPE)
“I don’t think there’s any team-sport that requires more trust than soccer,” he said. “So, that’s exactly what it’s going to take for us to unlock our full potential, and finish the year with our best production.”
For Castillo, the experience isn’t just about skill or statistics — it’s about leadership and building trust within the team.
Competing against the likes of Elsik, Fulshear, Strake Jesuit, and Foster is easier said than done. But with a more defined sense of determination and a unified front led by Castillo, it’s entirely possible that Hastings will emerge as a club on the rise.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE 2025-26 ALIEF ISD WINTER MAGAZINE
WHERE: AT&T Stadium -- Arlington, TX
...
CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL OF THE UIL FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
...
LONE STAR RANGERS
Perfection has been the standard for Lone Star all season, and now the Rangers are one win away from capping a historic run. At 15–0, head coach Jeff Rayburn’s squad is headed to its first UIL State Championship appearance since 2015 — just the program’s second trip overall — after delivering one of the most dramatic victories in recent Texas high school football memory.
Lone Star punched its ticket with a stunning fourth-quarter comeback against perennial powerhouse Aledo, flipping a 52–35 deficit into a raucous 56–52 victory. The performance was emblematic of a team that flourishes in spite of all the noise.
Offensively, the Rangers are headlined by senior wideout Davian Groce, the four-star Florida signee who produced a night for the ages with 15 receptions, 310 yards, and four touchdowns in the semifinal. While Groce remains the focal point, sophomore quarterback Trey Wright announced himself on the big stage, showcasing his dual-threat ability by accounting for eight total touchdowns — five through the air and three on the ground.
Junior athlete Karece Hoyt adds another dimension. Last season’s district MVP at quarterback, the Baylor commit has embraced a multi-faceted role in 2025, becoming a centerpiece of the rushing attack while remaining a dangerous receiving option. Hoyt’s team-leading 22 touchdowns only tell part of the story, as he also paces the defense with five interceptions.
That defensive unit is anchored by senior safety Jordan Deck, a Michigan-signee who fills the stat sheet, and a ferocious pass rush led by Marcel Dominguez and Christopher Nauls Jr., who have combined for more than 34 sacks. With Nico Viveros patrolling the middle, Lone Star flexes considerable balance entering the title game.
However, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.
...
Smithson Valley following their title acquisition in 2024 (Jackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
SMITHSON VALLEY RANGERS
For Smithson Valley, December football has become familiar territory. The Rangers return to the UIL State Championship stage once again, marking a third consecutive title-game appearance under head coach Larry Hill — and doing so with the clear intent of defending last season’s inaugural crown.
At 14–1, Smithson Valley’s résumé reflects both consistency and resilience. Aside from a narrow early-season loss to Brennan, the Rangers have embodied the cohesion and physicality expected of a reigning champion. That identity was on full display last week, when SV rallied past Port Arthur Memorial with a 31–28 semifinal victory. Trailing by 11, the Rangers flipped the script in the second half, outscoring the Titans 21–7 to secure another trip to Arlington.
Defense remains the calling card. Smithson Valley has limited opponents to roughly 10 points per game, anchored by a front seven that thrives on disruption.
Senior outside linebacker Hudson Woods, a three-star SMU signee and reigning 5A-Division I State Defensive MVP, headlines the unit as a true edge presence capable of changing a game on his own. Inside, UTEP-bound defensive tackle Justin Roberts and senior Caden Lieck provide equal effectiveness against both the run and the pass, while Phillip Smith’s versatility allows him to float between linebacker and safety roles.
The Rangers also feature a dynamic two-way contributor in junior Hunter Haug, whose impact begins at cornerback and carries over as a reliable receiving option.
On offense, junior quarterback Ty Knutson has quietly directed the operation with poise. The three-star signal-caller, who holds offers from Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and TCU, has proven capable of managing tempo and capitalizing when opportunities arise.
...
When these two well-rounded, battle-tested programs collide, fans can expect a classic. Lone Star brings an explosive, high-flying attack and a suffocating defense, while Smithson Valley counters with championship experience and a relentless, disciplined approach.
On Friday, one team will leave Arlington with state glory — and the other with a bitter reminder that perfection and pedigree sometimes meet an equal match.
CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL OF THE UIL FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
TRENDING
GAMES
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
FROM THE WEB
