Bellville Brahmas
Sealy Tigers
Madisonville Mustangs
La Grange Leopards
Giddings Buffaloes
Caldwell Hornets
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
...VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Kane Killough, Sealy
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kendrick Turner, Bellville
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jadon Hernandez, Sealy
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Carmelo Gilbert, Madisonville
ON THE CUSP: La Grange Leopards
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Sealy Tigers
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Bellville isn’t interested in moral victories. Despite an 8-4 finish and a fourth consecutive undefeated district title in 2024, the Brahmas were left with a bitter taste after a surprising Area Round playoff loss to Silsbee. Now, with a veteran-heavy roster and the memory of a 2023 State Title game appearance still fresh, expectations remain sky-high under head coach Grady Rowe. The offense returns a punishing ground game led by senior backs Kendrick Turner and Izak Hranicky. Turner, a first-team, all-district selection, powered his way to nearly 900 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while Hranicky found the end zone 13 times and earned second-team honors. Tight end Layne Grawunder, paired with linemen Jakorey Lewis and Jones Krampitz bring stability and strength up front. Defensively, Bellville is equally equipped. All-district performers Brogan Stoner (DT), Adarius Hutchinson (LB), and Davin Sodolak (LB) headline a seasoned front seven. In the secondary, senior Will Grebe and junior Don Gillum offer both speed and experience. With proven leadership and a chip on their shoulder, the Brahmas are built not just to dominate district play again—but to make another run towards State.
A year ago, few predicted Sealy would be one of the last teams standing in Region III. But after a 10-4 campaign capped by a four-round playoff run, the Tigers approach their newest campaign with confidence, continuity, and a target on their back. Now in his third year at the helm, head coach Clint Finley has helped establish a winning identity built on toughness and playmaking. Leading the charge is senior signal-caller Kane Killough, an Air Force-commit who threw for 2,326 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for 879 yards and 15 more scores en route to second-team, all-district honors. He’ll again be complemented by senior ATH Elijah Sanders – the District Utility Player of the Year – who delivered over 1,100 all-purpose yards and 12 total TDs. Meanwhile, anchoring the trenches are first-team linemen Trevor Hrachovy and Erik Sanchez. On the other side of the chains, senior linebacker Jadon Hernandez (91 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 FF) returns as the tone-setter, with help from Isaiah Dukes-Self, Kane Stone, Colton Gilbert, and Javien Grant – each all-district selections. Sealy won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time. But, something indicates that they’ll be ready for that.
Change is part of the game, and for Madisonville, the 2025 season brings plenty of it. After a second-place district run and 6-5 conclusion last fall, the Mustangs must regroup following the graduation of key offensive leaders like first-team QB Ty Williams and RB Phillip Green. But there’s no shortage of talent ready to step up. Senior WR/DB Tristan Whaley headlines the returning group after a breakout season in which he totaled over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. A first-team, all-district selection, Whaley’s impact will be felt on both sides of the ball. On defense, senior defensive back Ver’renzo Childress returns as a steady presence, while junior athlete Carmelo Gilbert – last season’s District 11-4A-DII Newcomer of the Year—brings versatility and upside. With several proven playmakers still in the mix, Madisonville won’t be starting from scratch. If the Mustangs can find answers at quarterback and running back, another postseason appearance is well within reach.
After finishing 6-5 in 2024 and earning a playoff berth, the La Grange Leopards face a season of transition. Head coach Kyle Cooper’s squad finished fourth in district before falling to eventual state finalist La Vega in the Bi-District round. However, the departure of District Offensive MVP Clayton Cooper and much of the offensive line leaves gaps to fill. The Leopards will lean heavily on senior running back Davon Giscome, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 14 touchdowns last season. Junior wideouts Dillan Johnson and Dwodney Thompson provide playmaking ability – Johnson as a first-team all-district pick and Thompson also earning second-team honors and recognition as a top return specialist. Defensively, senior defensive end Oliver Gunn returns with second-team all-district accolades, anchoring a unit aiming to maintain its competitiveness.
The Giddings Buffaloes turn the page this fall with Luke Hobbs taking over as head coach, bringing experience and a fresh outlook after his tenure at Schulenburg. Following a 2-8 season, Hobbs inherits a roster with a few notable athletes ready to spark a turnaround. Senior Bryson McDaniel leads the ground game after rushing for over 1,000 yards and five touchdowns. He’s joined by junior Corbin Medack, a two-way contributor with 544 rushing yards. Senior Gunnar Fromme adds versatility, tallying 552 offensive yards and six scores. There might be some bumps along the way, but it seems that the team’s reset could be cause for optimism.
Following steady improvement in 2024, Caldwell will look to continue building momentum under head coach Sean Witherwax. While a 2-8 record and another winless district slate may not stand out, last season marked the program’s first victories since 2021 – a clear step in the right direction. Senior quarterback Coy Becka returns to lead the offense, and Dylan Carter, a first-team, all-district pick, will play a major role on both sides of the ball. Furthermore, Zane Brown and Korbin Burns add experience to a hopeful senior core.
