Manvel's Karnell "Greedy" James (LSU commit)
“My journey started when I was five playing flag football and then in little league,” James said. “It’s been a really great journey, and I’ve learned how to work and adjust to playing different positions like linebacker, running back and now defensive back.
Fast forward to today, James has emerged as one of the state’s premier talents, ranked as the No. 10 player in Texas. While much of his focus remains on refining his craft and preparing for the upcoming season, he continues to prioritize the routines that help him stay centered away from the game.
Past the intensity of preparation, James finds clarity in the quieter moments.
“I really just hang out with friends and go fishing,” he said. “Fishing, you get out there for a nice long time and it takes your mind off things. You can put the football stuff to the side and zone out, which is good to balance out your mental health.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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James’ rise has also brought a new level of attention to his recruitment. This offseason, he made a pivotal decision, changing his commitment from Texas to LSU.
Ultimately, the decision came down to more than a recruiting process — it was about finding the place that felt right.
“What made me flip was just the natural feeling I had when I was there and the connection I built with Coach (Corey) Raymond, knowing the opportunities he can bring to me,” James said. “They’ve sent a lot of guys to the league, and it just felt like home.”
Though Baton Rouge awaits, James understands there is still work to be done in Manvel. Wearing the Mavericks uniform one final time is a responsibility he does not take lightly.
The standard he hopes to leave behind is simple.
“I want people to say I was the best to ever do it at Manvel,” James said. “I want to leave no doubt on the field this year.”
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 La Marque Cougars football team.
Bellville Brahmas
La Grange Leopards
Hitchcock Bulldogs
Brazosport Explorers
Katy Harmony Wildcats
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Aaron Walker, La Marque
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Travis Turner, Bellville
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Anthony James, La Marque
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Eli Gillum, La Grange
ON THE CUSP: Hitchcock Bulldogs
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Dana Strange (VYPE)
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La Marque is coming off a 10-3 campaign, which ended in the Regional Semifinals in 2025. This was the Cougars best season since winning 11 games in 2014. Wade Oliphant enters his fifth season at the helm of the Cougars and returns 11 starters including reigning District Newcomer of the Year in QB Aaron Walker II. Last season, Walker passed for 2,743 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushed for another 517 yards and 10 scores. Additionally, second-team all-district RB Dameon Smith returns after rushing for 342 yards and six scores and registering 262 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Cougars also return first-team all-district inside linebacker and Illinois commit Anthony James, who led the team with 134 tackles, averaging 12.2 tackles per game, and racking up 24 tackles for loss. Other key defensive returners include second-team all-district selections Karter Dozier (Safety — 97 tackles), Kyan Keaton (DL — 39 tackles, 11 TFL), Jah’Quan McAfee (Corner — 21 tackles) and Malcolm McNair (OLB — 2 INTs). McAfee possesses speed after winning the 100 and 200-meter Class 4A State Championship in 2026.
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The Bellville Brahmas are coming off back-to-back eight-win seasons. Last year, Bellville reached the Bi-District round but it wasn’t that long ago that they were playing for a State Championship (reached title game in 2023). Grady Rowe (146-44) is back at the helm of the program this year, which returns seven starters, four on offense, as they seek a sixth straight district championship. Rowe believes their strength on offense will be the running game, which starts with senior back Travis Turner. Last year, Turner rushed for 1,202 yards and was named second-team all-district. His running mate will be junior running back Rody Luera, who averaged 6.4 yards per carry and 552 total yards in 2025. Other key offensive returners include QB Knox Bauerschlag (889 yards passing, 11 TDs) and OL Jason Guerrero, who will anchor the front as a three-year starter. Leading tackler Carlos Aponte (112 tackles) is back at linebacker and will lead the defensive unit. Other names to remember include DB/WR Don Gillum, FS Wyatt Stallings, DE/TE Layne Grawunder, DT Ryan Nunez, RB/LB Hayden Toole, OL Jack Fleming, OL Wyatt Wilson and RB/LB Gavin Supak.
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La Grange is coming off a year where they went 5-6 overall and made the playoffs. This marks a fifth straight trip to the playoffs. Unanimous first-team all-district QB Eli Gillum is back for his senior year after passing for 1,388 yards and rushing for another 1,106 yards. Gillum finished with a combined 27 touchdowns for La Grange. Another key returner is Dwodney Thompson, who plays all over the field for the Leopards. Thompson earned first-team all-district honors as a wide receiver and defensive back and a second-team nod as a return specialist. Thompson led the team with 561 yards receiving and three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Running back Dillan Johnson is back for his senior year after earning second-team all-district honors after rushing for 756 yards and 13 scores. Other key returners include second-team all-district linebackers Cason Conrad (67 tackles, 2 INTs) and Chris Supak (62 tackles), defensive back Trey Broussard (3 INTs) and center Jahir Lopez Ocon.
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Hitchcock is coming off a 7-5 season, which saw them go 2-2 in distinct play and reach the Area Round of the playoffs after beating Little River Academy in the opener. This year Hitchcock makes the jump up from Class 3A Division I to Class 4A Division II. A new classification and a whole new district. The Bulldogs will have some talent to replace but have plenty back for 2026 to make some noise. First-team all-district selections D.J. Turner (ATH), Eli Walker (DB), Jordan Shannon (QB), Elijah Brown (LB), Cedric Brown (RB) and Cam’ron Taylor (RB) are all set to return. Second-teamers Ryan Caldwell (LB), Tedrick Charles (WR), Devyn Evans (DB) and Jaydin Freeman (LB) are also set to be key contributors.
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Brazosport posted a 2-8 overall record in 2025 and went 1-4 in district play. First-year coach Justin Velasquez takes over the program and he brings back 12 starters. Defensively, first-team all-district inside linebacker Isaiah Calhoun is set to return along with second-team all-district defensive tackle Jason Arrendondo. Calhoun finished last year with a team-leading 110 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks. Calhoun averaged 11 tackles per game for the Exporters. On offense, watch for QB Cameron Hinton – who has four offers, including UTEP – and was a dual-threat QB last season passing for 514 yards and four scores and rushing for another 479 yards and nine touchdowns. Other players to watch include OT/DE Javion Donley, WR/S Caleb Kucera, WR/CB Isaiah Leija, OLB Dieon Jackson and WR/DB La’Marrio Kersee.
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The Katy Harmony School of Innovation went 1-9 last year with its only victory coming as a forfeit. The Wildcats scored one time against the Harmony School of Innovation out of Sugar Land. The rest of their games were shutout losses in 2025. The 2026 campaign will be the program’s third overall and they hold a 2-18 record.
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