There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar. VYPE traveled out to the Bridge City ISD for their 2022-2023 Winter/Spring Media Day.
Check out the video and photo gallery below!
VYPE takes a look at the top players from the Greater Houston-area to watch for in the game and the full list of Houston natives.
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Conner Weigman (Bridgeland) has been a major catalyst in No. 21 Houston’s resurgence during year two under Willie Fritz, helping lead the Cougars to a 9–3 record and their first bowl appearance since 2022.
The dynamic quarterback has put together a standout season, throwing for 2,475 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding another dimension on the ground with 644 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Weigman’s dual-threat ability has powered Houston’s rise back into the national spotlight.
Before becoming a star at LSU, Harold Perkins was a two-way superstar at Cypress Park High School, leading the Tigers to a district championship in 2021.
Now in his junior season at LSU, Perkins continues to make his presence felt at the college level, totaling 55 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions — showcasing the same impact ability that made him one of the most dominant players in Greater Houston during his high school days.
AJ Haulcy (FB Marshall) has put together an impressive collegiate career, beginning at the University of Houston before transferring to LSU this spring.
The standout defensive back earned All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors after a stellar season, finishing with 88 tackles, one forced fumble, four pass breakups, and three interceptions — solidifying himself as one of the top defenders in the conference.
Houston offensive lineman Matthew Wykoff (Magnolia High School) proved to be a major addition through the transfer portal this offseason, helping solidify the Cougars’ front five.
Wykoff has appeared in all 12 games this season, providing valuable versatility by playing both guard and tackle as Houston’s offensive line took a big step forward.
LSU offensive lineman Coen Echols emerged as a starter for the first time in his collegiate career this season, earning seven starts at guard while also appearing in the Tigers’ other five games.
Echols and the LSU offensive line will face a stiff challenge in the bowl matchup, going up against a talented and physical Houston defensive front that has been one of the Cougars’ strengths all season.
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Full List Of Kinders Texas Bowl Greater-Houston Area Participants
HOUSTON COUGARS
Houston QB Conner Weigman - Bridgeland HS
Houston QB Austin Carlisle - Ridge Point HS
Houston QB Jake Sock - Pearland HS
Houston RB Zane Smith - Fulshear HS
Houston RB Steve Polk - Manvel HS
Houston WR Marquis Shoulders - Tompkins HS
Houston WR Dylan Caddle - Cy Ranch HS
Houston WR Hunter Teichman - Lutheran South Academy
Houston WR Zaylen Cormier - Heights HS
Houston TE Kaleb Thomas - North Shore HS
Houston TE Wyatt Herbel - Cy Fair HS
Houston TE Jacory Thurman - Worthing HS
Houston OL Ricardo Cordova - Pasadena Memorial HS
Houston OL Sean Terrell - Klein Oak HS
Houston OL RJ Lee - Second Baptist School
Houston OL Jason Brooks Jr. - Dobie HS
Houston OL Matthew Wykoff - Magnolia HS
Houston OL Dalton Merryman - Montgomery HS
Houston OL Cedric Melton - Klein Cain HS
Houston DL Carmello Brooks - Paetow HS
Houston DL Chance Bryant - Fulshear HS
Houston DL Hunter Jones - Stratford HS
Houston Jack Sheldon Rice - Fulshear HS
Houston Jack Cavan Tuley - Tomball HS
Houston LB Christian Brathwaite - Cy Ranch HS
Houston LB Zion Taylor - Shadow Creek HS
Houston DB Blake Thompson - Elkins HS
Houston DB Kentrell Webb - Paetow HS
Houston DB Elijah Young - Klein Cain HS
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LSU TIGERS
LSU WR Nic Anderson - Katy HS
LSU LB Harold Perkins JR. - Cy Park HS
LSU DB AJ Haulcy - FB Marshall HS
LSU LB Charles Ross II - North Shore HS
LSU TE Donovan Green - Dickinson HS
LSU DB Justin Echols - Katy HS
LSU OL Coen Echols - Katy HS
Alief Taylor's Emily Chavez (Sr. GK)
Being a keeper naturally comes with intense pressure and responsibility, and Chavez has shown a steady aptitude for both.
When speaking with her, Chavez discusses how she approaches her role and maintains focus through the changes that Taylor hopes to bring about on the field – giving a glimpse into the mindset that has made her such a dependable figure for ATHS.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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VYPE: When did you first start playing soccer? Who or what got you involved, and what motivates you to compete?
CHAVEZ: “I was six years old when I initially got into soccer. It wasn’t long after that when I began to really understand that it was the game for me. From there, I became the goalie and I’ve just loved being in that spot since.”
VYPE: That’s a tough spot to be in, right? I say that from experience.
CHAVEZ: “Definitely. There’s plenty of pressure on a keeper during games. But, you learn how to respond to those situations and find ways to love those moments, then it gets easier.”
VYPE: What goes through your mind when you’re faced with that kind of challenge?
CHAVEZ: “I focus on the end – the way we can eventually win or what we can accomplish in the next game. You’ve got to stay positive and look on the bright side at times.”
VYPE: How has it been for you and the team to start working with a new coach? What’s been the impression so far?
CHAVEZ: “Meeting Coach (El-Bjeirmi) for the first time, I think we could all see that she brought a good vibe. We have more confidence going into the season, and there’s a better sense of how we can match up against teams in the district and go farther.”
Some of the stars of 2025-26 Alief Taylor Girls SoccerMatt Powell (VYPE)
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