Rockwall Yellowjackets senior quarterback Braedyn Locke (2021).
It's week seven of Texas High School Football and as if the season hasn't already been one to remember, the match-ups are starting to heat up! VYPE DFW has some of the top games for this Friday evening that you are not going to want to miss. Let's take a look:
Shana Willeford (VYPE Media)
Rockwall Yellowjackets vs. Tyler Legacy Raiders -- Friday, October 8 at 7 p.m.
After a BYE week, the big question is whether or not the Yellowjackets will begin to prove themselves yet again. Rockwall posted a strong 3-0 start to the season including a huge win over Austin Lake Travis. Despite such a great start, Rockwall soon fell to the likes of Highland Park and Rockwall-Heath. Both losses were still incredible games for the Yellowjackets, but were the losses detrimental enough to shake Rockwall up and derail them from their goal?
Quarterback Braedyn Locke has thrown for 1,851 yards and 16 touchdowns this season while also scoring two rushing touchdowns. Zach Hernandez has scored eight rushing touchdowns on over 1,000 rushing yards and Noble Johnson has scored seven touchdowns on 541 receiving yards. Rockwall's offense has the stats to put up against any team that they face.
The Raiders are coming into the game against Rockwall with an unblemished district record. Their only two losses on the season came in preseason play against tough Longview and Allen teams. Last week, they posted an outstanding 42-7 win over Dallas Skyline and will bring the same energy into Friday looking to prove the naysayers wrong.
The main weapon to watch on the Raiders' team is senior running back Bryson Donnell. Donnell has accounted for seven rushing touchdowns and 295 rushing yards on 47 carries. He's going to prove to be a threat to Rockwall's defense.
Fans can expect a strong game from Rockwall's defense. They want this win probably more than anybody wants a win this week. They want to prove that their amazing start to the season and their win over Austin Lake Travis wasn't just a happy accident. Expect Rockwall to come out ready to show off.
Cooper Phillips of Plano West
Plano West has established itself as one of the premier volleyball programs in North Texas, and expectations remain high after capturing the district championship and advancing to the third round of the UIL playoffs a season ago.
Head coach Cooper Phillips has built a culture that balances championship expectations with an environment where players genuinely enjoy competing. While the pressure to win is ever-present at Plano West, Phillips believes success comes from creating a team-first atmosphere where athletes can play with confidence, energy and enthusiasm.
His ability to keep the season fun while maintaining a relentless competitive standard has become one of the program's defining characteristics.
The Wolves enter the 2026 campaign facing a new challenge. Graduation claimed several key contributors from last year's district championship squad, meaning a new group of leaders must emerge. Rather than trying to replace individual stars, Phillips and his staff are focused on developing the next wave of talent and building a roster capable of sustaining the program's tradition of excellence.
VYPE caught up with Coach Phillips on the eve of the 2026 season.
John Towels of Hebron
Consistency is the word driving Hebron this offseason.
Head coach John Towels believes the Hawks have all the pieces to compete in one of the toughest districts in Texas, but the difference between a good season and a great one will come down to the little things.
"Our focus is consistency and attention to detail," Towels said. "If we do the little things right every day, we'll put ourselves in position to make a run in our new district and attack the playoffs."
Hebron returns an experienced leader at quarterback in Brady Brock, whose big-game experience gives the Hawks confidence entering the season. Brock has seen plenty of Friday night football and understands what it takes to lead the offense under pressure. His command of the offense and poise will be invaluable as Hebron navigates a challenging schedule.
On the outside, Jevonyae Broussard headlines the receiving corps. A dynamic athlete, Broussard is a dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands and also serves as one of the team's top defensive backs, making an impact on both sides of the football. Fellow receiver Landon Wallican gives Brock another dependable target, providing the Hawks with a balanced and explosive passing attack.
The secondary could become one of Hebron's biggest strengths. Randy Hemphill is a lockdown corner capable of matching up with an opponent's top receiver every week, while safety Joel Chang provides leadership and stability on the back end. Their ability to eliminate big plays will be critical against the high-powered offenses the Hawks will face.
While there are talented individuals across the roster, Towels believes the team's greatest strength is how those pieces are beginning to fit together.
That chemistry is rooted in what the program simply calls "The Hebron Way." It's a culture built on toughness, accountability and selflessness.
"We bring the wood," Towels said. "We're here for one another. We have a blue-collar work ethic."
That identity has long defined Hebron football. The Hawks pride themselves on playing a physical brand of football, embracing hard work and putting the team above individual accomplishments. Those values continue to shape the culture inside the locker room and set the standard for every player who wears the blue and silver.
VYPE recently traveled out to North Crowley high school for the VYPE DFW City-Wide football media day photoshoot, highlighting some of the top players across the city.
We caught up with North Crowley Head Football Coach Demarcus Harris as enters his first season as the head coach of the Panthers talking about the season and more, check out the interview below!
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