This could be the "Year of the 'Kats" as Klein has made a pair of threatening runs in the postseason.
In 2019, Klein finished in the Regional Finals. Last season, the Bearkats fell to Seven Lakes in an all Houston Class 6A State Final.
This season, Klein returns junior outside hitter Ariana Brown, who averaged a team-best 3.9 kills per set to go with 2.6 digs per set and 50 aces, and seniors Kierstyn McFall, a North Florida-commit who averaged 2.3 kills per set with a team-best 54 blocks, and Rice-commit Gabriela Mansfield, who averaged a team-best 6.3 digs per set.
Sophomore hitter Mikala Sampson is also someone to keep an eye on. Sampson had eight kills and a block in the State Title game.
Sophomore hitter Zoë Humphrey also figures to have a larger role in Klein's attack this season.
The Bearkats will have to find a setter after graduating their top two players in assists, which could be Alyna Jivraj. But there is plenty of ammo for coach Kate Zora's club to make another deep.
Ariana Brown
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Billed as the main event of the UIL soccer season, the 6A-Division I State Championship between Klein Cain and Alief Elsik delivered on every front.
Cain’s dramatic playoff run culminated in a 1-0 victory over Alief Elsik (24-2) on Saturday at Birkelbach Field, sealing the school’s first-ever state title in boys soccer — and its first championship of any kind since the school opened in 2017.
The Hurricanes (23-2-3) reached the final after a thrilling semifinal win over Plano West, advancing through a penalty shootout (7-6) following a hard-fought 1-1 draw. That victory extended Cain’s remarkable debut run in the State Tournament and set the stage for a tense showdown with Elsik.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Both teams struggled to break through during regulation, locked at 0-0 after 80 minutes. But with less than two minutes remaining in the first half of extra time, junior forward Parker Glenn delivered the moment of the match.
Finding space in the final third, Glenn buried the deciding goal to give Cain a 1-0 lead — and ultimately, a championship.
“It’s a feeling I can’t even begin to describe,” said Glenn, who was named the UIL 6A-Division I State MVP. “It’s unimaginable to know that this is the game that proved we’re the best team in the state of Texas — in the biggest division. I didn’t even dream of accomplishing something like this at the beginning of the season, and now we’re here.”
Junior Parker Glenn being presented with the 2025 UIL 6A-D1 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Cain’s championship wasn’t built on a single performance. Alongside Glenn, junior goalkeeper Donato Farina, senior forward Andre Popa, and junior defender Daniel Celis were named to the All-Tournament Team, representing the balance and strength throughout the Hurricanes' lineup.
Despite being a relatively young program, head coach Jerson Carrasco has built a standard rooted in discipline and belief — and this year’s squad brought that vision to life.
KC Head Coach Jerson CarrascoMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“The kids are the ones who put in the work,” Carrasco said. “The buy-in to the culture has been amazing from the start. Once I got here, I told them we’d consistently work on our craft and the results will come. Now, here we are as State Champs, and I just feel blessed to be with this program and to have these kinds of kids. It’s been awesome.”
With their championship secured and new precedent established, the Hurricanes now stand as a model of team culture can accomplish — earning their spot as the Whataburger Team of the Week.
The 6-foot-5, 300-plus pound offensive lineman from Klein High School has had a whirlwind month, welcoming a new head coach, committing to the University of Texas, and earning a prestigious Under Armour All-American Gameinvite—all in the span of 30 days.
After the hiring of former Fulshear coach Nick Codutti, who brings a blue-collar toughness and renewed energy to the Bearkat football program, Robertson’s path to the next level became even clearer.
"Nic is an extremely hard-working kid who I think hasn't even tapped into his potential yet," coach Nick Codutti said. "He is going to be a force to be reckoned with his senior year, and even more so going into college at the University of Texas."
“Coach Codutti brings a whole new vibe,” Robertson said. “I’m excited to play for him. I know he’s going to help us raise the bar.”
Shortly after the coaching transition, Robertson made a massive decision—committing to play for the Texas Longhorns.
“I really like the coaching staff,” he said. “Look, I want to be a National Champion and win the Outland Trophy. I think I can do that at Texas.”
His inspiration? Another Houston-area standout—Kelvin Banks of Summer Creek—who won the Outland Trophy at Texas and is projected as a top NFL Draft pick.
“To see a Houston guy like him do it? That’s crazy. That’s my goal.”
Robertson is slated to take his official visit to Austin in June, with other visits planned for Houston and USC.
Adding to the big month, Robertson earned an invite to the 2025 Under Armour All-American Game, marking a full-circle moment.
“I got an invite to play in the middle school All-American game back in eighth grade,” he said. “It’s really overwhelming to get this invite for my senior year. I’m really happy to represent Klein ISD.”
Now, with recruiting buzz behind him, Robertson is focused on finishing strong at Klein and helping the Bearkats return to the postseason.
“I’ve grown a little more and will be working on my footwork and keeping my pad level low,” he said. “I want to show everyone that I can play anywhere on the line.”
With size, strength, and serious motivation, Nicolas Robertson is one of Texas’ top trench warriors—and he’s just getting started.
Planet Ford Stadium played host to some of the best football talent in the state as Under Armour and ESPN rolled into Houston for their annual Under Armour Next Camp this past weekend.
Elite players from the Houston area and beyond showcased their skills, competing for MVP honors and coveted invites to the Under Armour All-American Game or the Future 50 showcase.
From the trenches to the perimeter, here are the standout performers from Sunday’s loaded camp.
IN THE TRENCHES: OL / DL
Starting in the trenches, 2026 Pasadena Memorial’s Devan Robison dominated in one-on-one reps and walked away with OL MVP honors. Robison has official visits coming up with TCU, Texas Tech, Stanford, Houston, and Baylor.
Another headliner was 2027 Kingwood OL Kennedy Brown, who earned his Under Armour All-American Game invite, following last week's Navy All-American Game selection. Joining him was Texas-commit Nicolas Robertson (Klein), who also earned an All-American invite after a strong day.
Other top OL standouts:
Jamarios Canton (2028, Center)
Noah Abebe (2026, Friendswood)
Avery Morcho (2026, Ridge Point, 4-star)
Jordan Burnett (2026, Ridge Point, TCU-commit)
Eddie Lartigue (Klein Collins)
On the defensive side, 2026 Allen DL Joshua Shaw was a force and claimed DL MVP.
2027 Jalen Brewster (Cedar Hill) earned a Future 50 invite, capping off a strong camp season.
Other top DLs included:
Jarvis Spires (2026, Cy Springs)
Isaiah Broughton (2026, Cypress Ridge)
Jaylen Stewart (2026, Pearland, Oklahoma State-commit)
Kaden McCarty (2027, Cy Falls)
Xavier Muhammad (2027, South Houston)
Amari Vickerson (2027, Cy Ranch)
BACKFIELD TALENT: RB / LB
CJ Chizer Jr. (2028, Dekaney) stole the spotlight in the running back group, earning RB MVP. Though young, the explosive back already holds three offers.
Jonathan Hatton Jr. (2026, Cibolo Steele, Texas A&M-commit) added to his résumé with an Under Armour All-American Game invite, while Myson Johnson-Cook (2027, DeSoto) earned a Future 50 invite.
Other standout RBs:
John Hebert (2026, Strake Jesuit)
Nicholas Trimble II (2026, Aldine Davis)
Edward Kelly Jr. (2026, Klein)
Cardae Mack (2026, Atascocita)
Tanner West (2026, Katy Jordan)
Tristan Willis (2027, Shadow Creek)
Micah Rhodes (2028, Klein Oak)
At linebacker, Davon Smith (2027, Westfield) was flying around during drills and one-on-ones which earned him LB MVP honors. Smith is a player who's recruitment should see movement in the coming months with more strong performances at camps.
Other top LBs:
Kosi Okpala (2026, Mayde Creek)
Reilarean Phillips (2026, Elsik)
Caleb Mooring (2026, Vandegrift)
Malcolm Graham (2026, Fort Bend Travis)
Preston Hall (2026, Ridge Point)
Preston Pitts (2026, Clear Falls)
Jordin Jones (2027, Westfield)
Jeremiah Smith (2027, Westfield)
Brayden Bonik (2028, Ridge Point)
AIR ATTACK: QBs / WRs / DBs
Jack Daulton (2026, The Woodlands, TCU-commit) put on a clinic and took home the QB MVP after a solid showing, adding to a hot run that included a strong Elite 11 performance.
Other notable QBs:
Kaleb Maryland (2026, North Shore)
Kyden Barker (2026, Clear Falls)
Corey Dailey (2026, Seguin)
Brady Barrier (2026, Barbers Hill)
Grant Smith (2026, Grand Oaks)
Carson White (2027, Iowa Colony)
Tammeron Anderson (2027, West Brook)
Braden Baker (2027, Cy Ranch)
Julian Navarrette (2027, Boerne Champion)
Donovan Warren (2028, Episcopal)
At wide receiver, Robert Haynes IV (2026, Ridge Point) earned WR MVP honors and is quickly rising in the rankings.
Jordan Clay (2026, Madison) lived up to his four-star billing, earning an All-American Game invite after a strong showing.
Other standout WRs:
James Scott (2026, Oak Ridge)
Juwaan Woodbury (2026, Galveston Ball)
Ty Sexton (2026, Bridgeland)
Mike Brown (2026, Legacy School of Sports, Texas A&M-commit)
Trey Giametta (2027, Fulshear TE)
Aden Starling (2027, Shadow Creek, Houston-commit)
Alvin Mosley (2027, Crawford)
In the secondary, Brandon Sherrad (2027, Shadow Creek) earned DB MVP, showing major upside for the Sharks.
Chace Calicut (2026, North Shore) impressed and left with an All-American Game invite, following a recent Texas visit.
Other DB standouts:
Isaiah McMillian (2026, Katy)
Zachary Taylor (2026, Katy Jordan)
Kingston Richard (2026, Summer Creek)
Caden Ward (2026, La Marque)
Kyle Sam (2027, Cy Falls)
Greedy James (2027, Manvel)
Mikhail McCreary (2027, Johnson)
Terrell Stinson (2028, Clear Lake)
Houston brought the heat, and the future of football in Texas looks bright with this group of elite prospects.
🎥 Don’t forget to check out the VYPE Recruiting Show for full analysis, breakdowns, and interviews from the camp!
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Junior Parker Glenn being presented with the 2025 UIL 6A-D1 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
KC Head Coach Jerson CarrascoMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
