DISTRICT 11-5A-DI: La Porte, Angleton expect to flex; KPHS, Friendswood equipped to challenge
The stars of 2025-26 La Porte Football
DISTRICT 11-5A-D1
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
La Porte Bulldogs
Angleton Wildcats
Kingwood Park Panthers
Friendswood Mustangs
Crosby Cougars
Porter Spartans
Fort Bend Kempner Cougars
Pasadena Eagles
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
...VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Sean Simon, La Porte
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryce Duron, Angleton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ashton Ruffin, La Porte
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Troy DeGar II, Fort Bend Kempner
ON THE CUSP: Crosby Cougars
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With back-to-back district titles and a 10-win campaign in 2024, the La Porte Bulldogs have firmly reestablished themselves as a force in Class 5A football. Head coach Kevin Berneathy enters his fourth season at the helm with momentum and a roster brimming with returning talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Bulldogs were a juggernaut last year, averaging over 38 points per game – and much of that firepower returns. Sophomore RB Sean Simon is set to once again be the focal point. After rushing for more than 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman, Simon earned District Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors and has already drawn college offers from TCU, Tennessee, and Houston, among others. He’ll run behind senior lineman Jake Hayman, the reigning 11-5A-DI Offensive Lineman of the Year, and work alongside experienced playmakers like tight end Ryker Reynolds (first-team, all-district) and senior QB Aiden Saenz. On the defensive side, La Porte held opponents to a modest 20 points per game, anchored by a physical front and disciplined secondary. First-team performers Luke Mora (Sr. NG), Ashton Ruffin (Sr. LB), and Blake Stout (Sr. S) headline a unit that blends experience and athleticism. Edge pressure from second-teamers like David Campos (Sr. DE) and Caden Watson (Jr. OLB) adds versatility to the mix. Special teams also remain steady, with kicker Oswaldo Lopez returning after a second-team selection. Following a narrow 24-21 fourth-round playoff loss to district rival Angleton, La Porte enters 2025 hungry, focused, and poised for another deep postseason push.
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After a thrilling 13-2 performance last fall that culminated in a narrow 21-14 loss to eventual state champion Smithson Valley in the 5A Division I State Semifinals, Angleton enters the new season with a proven formula and unfinished business. Coach Jason Brittain’s squad brings back numerous proven playmakers, especially on offense, where the Wildcats averaged just under 38 points per game. Leading the charge is senior signal-caller Bryce Duron, a dual-threat standout who garnered himself a first-team, all-district nod after passing for nearly 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, while adding over 300 rushing yards and 8 more scores on the ground. Duron will benefit from an experienced offensive line anchored by first-team center Charles Jones and second-team tackle Gavin Hebert. Angleton’s versatility on offense is further boosted by senior Kaleb Jammer, a dynamic athlete who lines up primarily at receiver but is also capable of contributing on the defensive side when needed. Senior TE/DE Jackson DeAtley adds size and two-way physicality to the mix. Defensively, the Wildcats were one of the stingiest units in the district, allowing just 16 points per game. While the front seven will feature several new faces, the secondary returns talent and leadership. Junior cornerback Kasen Jammer, the reigning District Newcomer of the Year, headlines the unit alongside senior safety TraeVonne Latimer, a steady presence with second-team all-district recognition. While some challenges remain, it wouldn’t be a stretch to believe this group has what it takes to reach the State Final for the first time since 1958.
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Kingwood Park may have missed out the postseason a year ago, but with a strong group of veterans returning, the Panthers are in position to shift the narrative this fall. The Panthers return to the turf with a more seasoned roster and a renewed sense of direction. When it comes to their attack, the foundation starts up front with senior lineman Dakoda Dement, a first-team, all-district selection who will anchor the unit. Running back Cooper Wolocko is expected to step into a larger role in the backfield, while wide receiver Dane Solomon and tight end Luke Elliot return to round out a capable group of skill players.On defense, senior Landon Jones brings physicality and flexibility as a hybrid edge rusher, capable of making plays both at defensive end and outside linebacker. Though they compete in a relentless district, leave it up to coach Clayton Maple and his staff to optimize the pieces he’s provided with.
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While the depth chart might feature some newer faces, Friendswood will be leaning on the experience the team does have returning to spark a deeper run this time around. After finishing 5–6 last fall and exiting in the first round of the playoffs, the culture should be established enough for a potentially stronger push under third-year head coach Jordan Johnson. Junior quarterback Josh Brister will look to lead the offense after gaining valuable reps last season. On the defensive side, the Mustangs will once again rely on a powerful front led by senior tackle Jacob Molina, a first-team, all-district selection, and edge rusher Jordyn Crites — a Tulane-commit and three-star prospect who earned second-team honors in 2024.
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The Crosby Cougars embark on a new journey in 2025, aiming to reload after the graduation of two of the district’s top playmakers. Losing District MVP Wesley Yarbrough (Arizona) and Defensive MVP Copelin Windfont (UTEP) leaves significant gaps on both sides of the ball—but the next wave of talent is ready to emerge. Now in his third year as head coach, Joe Willis brings back a fairly capable group that helped Crosby go 5–6 last season and claim the No. 3 spot in 11-5A-DI before falling to College Station in the Bi-District round. Junior QB Lott Robison will take over full-time duties behind center, with junior Joshua Jackson—a first-team,all-district utility player—expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. On defense, senior nose guard Jeffery Curette anchors the line after earning Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year honors.
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Led by coach Billy Russell, Porter is looking to bounce back from a challenging 3-7 season in 2024. Stone Singletary (Sr. QB), a second-team, all-district selection, is expected to bring poise and composure in the backfield as the team aims to turn experience into success this year. On defense, senior DB Jalen Richard – also a second-team, all-district honoree – will serve as a cornerstone in the secondary. With these two anchoring both sides of the ball, Porter looks prepared to improve its standing and compete more effectively in district play this fall.
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Big-play potential on offense and veteran presence on defense give Kempner reasons to believe heading into the 2025 season. After going 4–6 overall a year ago, which included just one victory against their district counterparts, head coach Troy DeGar and the Cougars bring back a handful of weapons who are primed to raise the standard. Senior running back Makai Jenkins, who totaled over 600 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns, returns as the offensive focal point. Meanwhile, Troy DeGar II (Jr. QB) is expected to step into the starting role, joined by senior wideout Ayomide Afolabi. Defensively, the Cougars will lean on senior CB Samuel Menka, LB Roman Morales, and junior DL Deante Williams to set the tone.
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Pasadena enters 2025 in rebuilding mode under second-year head coach Ron Jones. Coming off a 1–9 campaign and winless district slate, the program is shifting its focus to development and building a new foundation after graduating most of its key contributors. One bright spot could be senior linebacker Allen Garcia, who returns as a leader on defense. With limited returning experience, though, the Eagles will rely on emerging talent as it looks to take gradual steps forward this fall.