The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Montgomery Bears football team.
Kingwood Park Panthers
Huntsville Hornets
Lake Creek Lions
West Fork Gators
Spring Woods Tigers
Porter Spartans
Splendora Wildcats
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Keldric Ben, Montgomery
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jon Pavlatos, Kingwood Park
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nolan Carpenter, Montgomery
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zay Adolphe, Huntsville
ON THE CUSP: Spring Woods Tigers
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Kingwood Park Panthers
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
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It may ultimately come down to quarterback play, but Montgomery enters 2026 as the team to beat. Head coach Grant Cooper has one of the state's premier running backs in Oklahoma commit Keldric Ben, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Ben has the vision, burst and power to take over games, while Josh Warren gives the Bears another quality option out of the backfield to keep defenses honest. The passing game has plenty of weapons. Army commit Luke Piro is one of the district's most polished route runners, and Ryelin Johnson consistently finds ways to get open. The key is quarterback Bryce Miles, who doesn't have to force the issue. If he makes smart decisions, completes high-percentage throws and keeps the offense on schedule, Montgomery has all the pieces to make another deep postseason run. Veteran center Aaron Caro will handle the protection calls and anchor a physical offensive line. Defensively, the Bears are equally impressive. UTSA commit Nolan Carpenter brings speed and physicality off the edge, while linebackers Lance Ehlers and Keagan Gilbert patrol the middle. Bryson Havard and Elijah Davila headline an experienced secondary capable of creating turnovers. The biggest obstacle to another district title may be Huntsville, but Montgomery has the talent and experience to remain a serious postseason threat.
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The move from Class 5A Division I to Division II could be exactly what Kingwood Park needed. The Panthers narrowly missed the playoffs last season but return enough talent to emerge as one of the district favorites. Junior quarterback Jon Pavlatos accounted for more than 2,600 yards of offense and 27 touchdowns in 2025 and should take another major step forward with a full year of experience. Skill players Amaree Ware, Jonas Washington and Bennett Jones surround him with plenty of firepower, while linemen Maverick Grubbe, Ayden Britton and Cameron Frasier provide a solid foundation up front. Defensively, linebackers Owen Park, Abel Villareal and Elliott Warren give the Panthers one of the district's best second levels, while Connor Maple patrols the secondary. Don't be surprised if Kingwood Park is playing meaningful football well into November.
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Huntsville is closing the gap. Head coach Todd Moebes guided the Hornets to the second round of the playoffs in his first season, and expectations are even higher entering Year Two as his culture continues to take hold. Everything begins with dynamic quarterback Zay Adolphe, one of the area's most dangerous dual-threat playmakers. His ability to extend plays and create offense with both his arm and legs makes Huntsville difficult to defend. Running back Ja'Khavien Birks provides balance, while receivers Landon Fisher and KJ Betts give Adolphe reliable targets on the perimeter. On defense, linebacker Jarmiah Peterson is a relentless, downhill playmaker, while coach's son Kadon Moebes anchors the secondary with leadership and football IQ.
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There is renewed energy at Lake Creek. Former Kingwood head coach Cale Melton inherits a program many believe is a sleeping giant. With Lake Creek's athletic department enjoying championship success across multiple sports, expectations are high that football can follow suit. The biggest storyline entering fall camp is the quarterback competition between Asher Ryan, Wyatt Hoffart and Alfonso Lopez. Whoever earns the starting job will inherit an impressive collection of targets, including Juan Gonzalez, who surpassed 600 receiving yards last season, along with Chance Miller and Dane Doty. Tight ends Dakota Clarke and Logan Woods both possess Division I size and athleticism, giving the offense unique matchup advantages. Running back Canon Davis returns after rushing for more than 500 yards, while Lincoln Montecino and Ace Clarke anchor the offensive line. Defensively, Brock Busby and Carter Thibodeaux lead the defensive front. Linebackers Jaxson Smith, Nate Newton and Anson Melton headline the second level in the Lions' 3-4 scheme, while Jackson Bose and Haak Bean provide stability in the secondary.
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A new chapter also begins at West Fork, where head coach Brian Cope takes over with an infectious energy and optimism. The Gators return 10 starters but will rely heavily on several young players. Quarterback Tyler Gillam must grow up quickly, throwing to athletic receivers DeJuan Kizzie and Jordyn Vaughn. Running back Mason Evans-Pickens leads the ground attack behind an inexperienced offensive line anchored by Jamarick Fontenot. The defense should keep West Fork competitive. Safeties Javen Nededog and Jayden Whitelow direct the unit, while sophomore defensive end Greg Rogers has all the physical tools to become one of the district's breakout stars. Kizzie and Vaughn will also contribute in the secondary.
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Spring Woods returns 15 starters from a 5-5 team that narrowly missed the playoffs and now enters a new district with renewed optimism. Head coach Andrew Rohrs welcomes back quarterback Daniel Morales, who threw for more than 1,800 yards, and running back Emmanuel Quiroz, who eclipsed 1,200 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns. The biggest challenge remains the line of scrimmage. If Nick Gonzales, Anderson Hernandez and the offensive line can provide consistency, the Tigers have enough skill talent to surprise people. Defensively, Trevor Caylor leads an aggressive unit alongside defensive backs Victor Hamilton and Julian Robles.
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Porter also returns the majority of its roster after a 4-6 campaign. The Spartans bring back nine defensive starters, giving them one of the district's most experienced units. Linebackers Braylin Benson and Garrett Lawson headline a defense capable of keeping Porter in games every Friday night. The offense, however, remains the biggest question. Finding a quarterback and developing more explosive playmakers will determine whether the Spartans can break through into the playoff picture.
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At Splendora, quarterback Braydin Hinton returns as one of the district's most productive offensive players after accounting for nearly 1,800 total yards last season. Head coach Robbie Deheck also welcomes back bruising running back Aiden Washington, while tight end Kairee Williams may be the Wildcats' most versatile athlete. The defense quietly has the pieces to become one of the better units in the district. Defensive backs De'Merion Anderson and Ki'Juan Redmond headline a group that could make Splendora one of the league's toughest outs.
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Shanks' signature "Too Cold" poseBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
