Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we approach the District portion of the Fall season.
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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.
