By Bradley Collier
By Bradley Collier
Shadow Creek Sr. S Carter Stewart (Utah-commit)
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we approach the District portion of the Fall season.
...
Ashton Ruffin -- La Porte Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Through two weeks, La Porte’s offense hasn’t just been productive — it’s been unpredictable. At the heart of that versatility is Ashton Ruffin, whose role has expanded well beyond the defensive reputation he built last season.
Primarily known as a linebacker — and a first-team all-district selection in 2024 — Ruffin has brought a downhill edge to the Bulldogs’ backfield, pairing with sophomore Sean Simon to form a punishing one-two combination. Their contrast in styles has evoked comparisons to the NFL’s “Sonic and Knuckles” duo, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery (Detroit Lions).
As it stands, the senior has already posted 293 rushing yards, 68 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns, giving La Porte a physical spark on offense while continuing to anchor the defense.
The Bulldogs are 2–0 after tight wins over Class 6A opponents Deer Park (35–31) and Kingwood (34–28). Furthermore, with Port Neches-Groves visiting this Friday, this dual-threat approach may once again be the key to capping off La Porte non-district schedule with even more momentum — and a perfect record.
Carter Stewart -- Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
In a Shadow Creek program known for churning out Division I talent, senior safety Carter Stewart still manages to carve out distinction.
The three-star Utah-commit doesn’t just affect the game with his speed and athleticism; it’s his instincts and split-second timing that make him the defensive centerpiece for the Sharks.
That football IQ has helped Stewart rise in a locker room loaded with next-level players, including his brother, standout wide receiver Chris Stewart, who’s committed to Texas. But Carter’s impact lies in disruption — breaking up plays before they develop and setting a tone from the secondary.
After dropping a hard-fought 37–32 season opener to 6A-D2 State Semifinalist Summer Creek, Shadow Creek bounced back with a commanding 39–0 shutout over Clear Creek.
With district play set to begin Friday against Alvin, Stewart and the Sharks aim to carry that same edge into the heart of their schedule — and assert themselves as contenders once again.
Haley Patton -- Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood’s 23-7 start is no fluke — and Haley Patton is a major reason why. The senior libero and reigning District 20-5A Defensive MVP has been nothing short of reliable, already surpassing 250 digs as the Mustangs roll through their schedule.
Patton, a North Dakota-commit, continues to elevate a team already loaded with talent. Her poise and control in the back row have set the tone for a Friendswood squad that hasn’t just lived up to expectations — it’s raised them. Ranked No. 1 in the area, the Mustangs have emerged as one of Houston’s most credible threats to reach the 5A State Tournament.
While individual accolades follow her, Patton’s game remains rooted in consistency and team-first instincts — exactly what Friendswood will need as the stakes rise.
Lorenzo Aguirre -- Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
On a roster where star power is nothing new, junior quarterback Lorenzo Aguirre is making an early case to join the list of Dickinson greats.
While senior running back Malachi Gamble — the reigning Co-District 24-6A MVP — remains the focal point for opposing defenses, it’s Aguirre’s emergence under center that has added a new dimension to the Gators’ attack.
Entering Week 3, Aguirre has thrown for nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing poise, arm talent, and command well beyond his years.
His production has been central to Dickinson’s 2–0 start, which includes a 34–21 statement win over perennial powerhouse Katy, followed by a 47–40 shootout victory against C.E. King. The Gators’ balance on offense — powered by Gamble’s explosiveness and Aguirre’s efficiency — has made them one of the more dangerous units in the region heading into Week 3.
If Aguirre continues to ascend, Dickinson’s ceiling may prove even higher than expected.
Sophia Green -- Clear Falls Volleyball
VYPE Graphics
As Clear Falls (14-13) gears up for its District 24-6A campaign, senior libero Sophia Green is hitting her stride at just the right time. With over 300 digs already this season, Green’s consistency has anchored the Knights’ back row. But it was during last Tuesday’s exhibition against Crosby that she etched her name into the program’s history books—surpassing 1,000 career digs.
Long regarded as one of the district’s steadiest defenders, Green earned second-team all-district honors last season and seems poised to raise that bar in her final year. Her impact, however, goes beyond accolades. A vocal leader and relentless presence on the court, she will be central to Clear Falls’ playoff push in the coming weeks.
Set to continue her career at Blinn College after graduation, Green leaves little doubt about her next step. For now, though, she remains laser-focused on helping the Knights make a statement in district play.
Alief Elsik's Kaden Mendenhall
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Now entering his final year, Mendenhall stands as the catalyst for a rising Rams program with plenty to prove and even more to gain.
His breakout 2024 season—where he threw for more than 2,500 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing for 343 yards and five more scores—earned him first-team, all-district honors and helped guide Elsik to its first playoff appearance under a new 20-6A district slate.
Yet for Mendenhall, last year was just the beginning.
2025-26 Alief Elsik FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“This year is going to be about execution,” he said. “There were several games last season where we were right there with the other sideline, but we just didn’t seal the deal. Finishing games will be a focal point for us.”
Elsik finished fourth in district play and fell in the first round of the postseason to perennial powerhouse Katy—a program with a long standing tradition of deep playoff runs. That loss sharpened the focus for what’s ahead. With a talented core returning on both sides of the ball, expectations within the locker room are growing—and Mendenhall is leading the charge.
“From my perspective, the biggest thing will be to continue striving to be the best leader I possibly can,” he added. “That relates to body language, and making sure that my actions speak louder than my words.”
Part of Mendenhall’s growth as a quarterback has come from learning how to impact the game beyond his arm. Once more of a pocket passer, he’s added a dangerous element with his legs—something he credits to both personal development and studying the playing styles of dual-threat quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Jayden Daniels.
“I wasn’t too active with my legs early on, and making that change adds another level to the offense,” he said. “It also allows me to be a little more evasive in the pocket and be able to distribute the ball better.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
This summer, Mendenhall took that growth a step further by training alongside recently drafted NFL quarterbacks Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans) and Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns). The experience gave him a window into the demands of the next level—and what it takes to reach it.
“I got to see their work ethic, their leadership qualities, and how they carry themselves when the cameras aren’t around,” he said. “It was incredible to work out with guys who have reached the level I’m hoping to achieve.”
A product of Alief ISD schools since elementary, Mendenhall’s journey has been built in the same environment he now represents under center.
“Being around for the early days all the way to this point, I’ve gotten to see plenty of older guys and role models, and learn from their successes and failures,” he said. “So many people comeback to this community for a reason—and I can see myself doing the same thing further down the road.”
For now, his focus remains locked on the present. And as the 2025 season looms, Mendenhall and the Rams aren’t just hoping for more—they’re preparing to earn it.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE ALIEF ISD 2025 FALL MAGAZINE
TRENDING
GAMES
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
FROM THE WEB
