Seniors Mia Sauers (3.4 digs per set) and Daisy Mitchell (2.1 digs per set) are no strangers to floor burns. Mitchell also runs an efficient offense (5.2 assists per set).
Junior Melody Herrin could emerge as a force in the middle.
There is plenty of prowess in the cupboard for coach Scott Simonds despite graduating 10 seniors.
Channelview Falcons
Deer Park Deer
Dobie Longhorns
Memorial Mavericks
Sam Rayburn Texans
South Houston Trojans
Pasadena Eagles
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Marques Neal, Channelview
OFFENSIVE MVP:Moe Canales, Deer Park
DEFENSIVE MVP:Miguel Ceja, Channelview
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR:Esteban Nava, Sam Rayburn
SLEEPER TEAM:Pasadena Memorial
CHANNELVIEW FALCONS
The Falcons finished third in district play last season but have what it takes to make a serious run at the district title. Fourteen starters (7/7) are back from a 6-5 team. The star of the bunch is senior WR/ CB Marques Neal (832 yards, 13 TDs receiving; 156 yards, TD rushing; 2 kickoff return TDs). Senior WR Darreon Williams (393 yards, 4 TDs) will also be key. Keep an eye on junior Darius Clark-James as he takes over at QB. Defensively, Channelview has some nice talent in senior LB Miguel Ceja (88 tackles, 3 sacks), senior LB Malachi Martin (46 total tackles) and senior S Jimmy Guzman (64 total tackles). Coach Averion Hurts said offensive experience and linebacker play will be strengths this year. Overall team depth is a concern. “I hope we remember selfinflicted mistakes that cost us (last year),” Hurts said.
DEER PARK DEER
The Deer are defending 22-6A champs but are in a bit of a reloading mode this season. Ten starters are back from last year’s 8-3 Bi-District finalist, seven of those on defense. The offensive line and quarterback are positions of concern, but there is potential stardom in senior RB Moe Canales (743 yards, 14 TDs) and junior WR Hayden Smith (446 yards, 4 TDs). The question is who is going to block for them and get them the ball. Senior 6-foot-3, 275-pound center Wiley Sills has the chops to steady the front. Otherwise, sophomore OL Roberto Rodriguez, sophomore WR Trey Martinez and junior WR King Phillips will be counted on to assume significant roles. The defense is the strength, no doubt. There are playmakers galore in junior 6-foot-3, 255-pound DL Caleb Dilley (18 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) and 6-foot-3, 280-pound Luke Webb (15.5 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks), senior S Tudi Gustave (2 INTs) and senior LB Dino Demetriou.
DOBIE LONGHORNS
A new boss is in town—kind of—as Demond Stafford makes the short drive from Rayburn to take over Dobie. Nine starters (5 defense) return from an 8-3 Bi-District finalist. The Longhorns have a plethora of talent for their vaunted Wing-T attack in senior RBs Jalen Baldwin (509 yards, 5 TDs) and Raynard Hall Jr. (725 yards, 9 TDs), and sophomore RB Cameron Mathews (344 yards, 4 TDs). The offensive line is young. Dobie will also have a young defensive secondary, but it’s got some firepower elsewhere in senior 6-foot, 215-pound LB Nigel Hill (32 tackles, INT) and senior 6-foot-1, 195-pound DE Anforny Lee. Lee is a three-year starter. Keep an eye on junior DT Roderick Drumgo and junior DB Charles Richard. Stafford expects to have a strong rushing attack this season. He said inexperience is a concern.
MEMORIAL MAVERICKS
Memorial started 11 sophomores and four others saw significant varsity time as the Mavs went through a trying season in 2021, finishing 3-7. Twelve starters return from that team, seven on defense. Coach Jamie Crocker is hoping experience will be a strength this time around and not an adversary. The Mavs will have a potent 1-2 punch on offense in senior 6-foot-1, 185-pound QB Hayden Stallings (1,050 yards, 9 TDs) and junior RB Jaylon Bell (911 yards, 8 TDs). The defense will be the cornerstone of this team, particularly early on, behind the talents of senior LB Everett Epps (50 tackles) and junior DB Jamal Robinson (61 tackles). The offensive line and cornerback depth are points of concern.
SAM RAYBURN TEXANS
Sergio Gonzalez takes over the Texans after leading Houston Chavez last year. Rayburn had a breakthrough year of sorts in 2021, going 5-5 after winning a total of three games in the previous eight seasons combined. Fifteen starters (9 offense) are back to ease Gonzalez’s transition. The offense has some standout pieces in senior QB Esteban Nava (1,017 yards, 10 TDs passing; 442 yards, 2 TDs rushing), senior WR Jesus Mendoza (529 yards, 7 TDs) and senior OL Ramiro Torres, a steady veteran presence. Defensively, the Texans will lean on junior DB Jermaine Calvin (2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery) and senior LB Joseph Duron (110 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, INT, sack).
SOUTH HOUSTON TROJANS
Coach Patrick Longstreet said skill players, linebackers and defensive backs are the strengths of his team this season. Ten starters (5/5) return from a 4-7 team that finished as a Bi-District finalist. Headliners are junior 6-foot, 295-pound QB Kam Webb (considered one of the top athletes in the district), junior 6-foot-3, 190-pound WR Jacob SheppardRubio, junior RB Christian Epps, senior 6-foot-2, 175-pound LB Jeremiah Sheppard (3-year starter who led the team in tackles and sacks last year), senior DB Jason Hampton (3-year starter), senior 6-foot-2, 220-pound LB Mi’Jai Mickles (2-year starter) and junior ATH Abraham Escareno, who plays on both sides of the ball. Sophomores Braden Mayberry and Angel Rodriguez will be asked to steady the O-line, a group Longstreet said is a point of concern. Longstreet is also hoping for a faster start after the team had to rally from a 2-4 start in 2021 to make the playoffs.
PASADENA EAGLES
The bad news for Pasadena is it has just four wins since 2016. The good news is the Eagles have a solid shot of snapping an ugly 19-game losing skid as 18 starters are back, nine on each side of the ball. Experience is a strength. Senior RB Ruben Lara (845 yards, 2 TDs) will be the Eagles’ workhorse back. Junior 6-foot-1, 165-pound QB Cameron Murray (374 yards, 3 TDs passing; 224 yards, TD rushing) is due for a breakout year. Senior 6-foot-1, 245-pound OL Humberto Baez and junior OL Fernando Villegas are rocks up front. Sophomore DB Richard Solis (45 tackles) has quickly emerged as a leader following an impressive freshman campaign.
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Kaleb Bailey, North Shore
OFFENSIVE MVP: Zion Brown, Atascocita
DEFENSIVE MVP: Jayven Anderson, North Shore
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Darein Hargrove, Summer Creek
SLEEPER TEAM: Humble Wildcats
Preseason Rankings
North Shore Mustangs
Atascocita Eagles
Summer Creek Bulldogs
C.E. King Panthers
Beaumont West Brook Bruins
Humble Wildcats
Kingwood Mustangs
Beaumont United Timberwolves
NORTH SHORE MUSTANGS
Winners of three of the last four State Championships at the UIL’s highest classification and beating DFW-power Duncanville in all three has solidified the “Eastside Dynasty”. They put that on their newest ring, which is No. 5 in program history. Kaleb Bailey, who started at QB as a freshman and was named the 6A DI State Championship Game Offensive MVP, is back with a full offseason under his belt with OC Willie Gaston. Bailey was dangerous last year, he will be even more so in 2022. David Amador will be his top target as the UTSA-commit eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving a year ago and had the state-title-clinching touchdown reception in the 17-10 win over Duncanville. The backfield will be loaded with talent as Rashaad Johnson is back to anchor that group with sophomore Dre Hardeman (who has a UTSA offer) getting his first real varsity action. Hardeman is the son of North Shore great Tiki Hardeman, who went on to Texas A&M. Other names on offense include Omarion Dudley (OL), Terrence Guillory II (WR) and Christopher Barnes (WR). Defensively, Jacoby Davis, Evan Jackson, Jayven Anderson and Devin Sanchez will lockdown opponents passing games for the Mustangs. Also, watch out for Jaylon Joseph rushing off the end as well and Marlon Germany at linebacker. The defense got better with the addition of Elijah Fields from Spring, and on offense, Deion Deblanc will be a weapon over from Eisenhower.
ATASCOCITA EAGLES
Craig Stump enters year 11 leading Atascocita and for the last nine, the Eagles have finished either first or second in district play. Then, for the past seven seasons, Atascocita has turned that into at least a thirdround playoff run. Last year, they fell in the State Quarterfinals to North Shore. QB Zion Brown, who was named the District 21-6A Newcomer of the Year last season, was thrown into the fire a bit as a sophomore but played well. Brown passed for north of 2,000 yards and rushed for nearly 700 more and has gotten even better this offseason. Expect Tory Blaylock to tote the rock more this season, after blazing through college camps this summer running 4.4 40-yard dashes and piling up the offers. Nate Kibble will be looked to lead an offensive line that has now produced two NFL Draft picks, while Texas A&M-commit Samu Taumanupepe will anchor the defensive line. Also, watch out for Jadon Ducos at linebacker and Braylon Conley at defensive back for the Eagles as offense stoppers. Other names to take note include TC Lee (WR) and Pharrell Gordon (DL).
SUMMER CREEK BULLDOGS
Summer Creek was on the brink of a program-defining win in the playoffs a year ago as they nearly beat Katy in the State Quarterfinals, which is the deepest playoff run in program history. This team has a bunch of talent coming back. It starts with second-team, all-district quarterback Jahrik Jones (1,465 yards, 5 TDs) running the offense and Lloyd Avant, a first teamer from last year, running out of the backfield. Avant rushed for 1,794 yards and 27 scores last season. First-team, all-district receiver Corey Nichols and second teamers Maxwell Huisintveld (TE), Roriyon Richardson (WR) and Christian Crockett (OL) and honorable-mention picks Kordell Rodgers (TE) and Viliami Salakielu (OL) are all set to return. Defensively, first teamers Paul Singleton (LB – 42 tackles) and Darein Hargrove (CB – 5 INTs) are back along with honorable-mention picks Darien Riley (DL – 5 sacks) and Kyran Duhon (DL). Other names to take note of include Jaylen Mays (DT), Mati Tomas (ATH), Chad Woodfork (DE), Melvin Nichols (WR) and Jeyden Coleman (DT).
C.E. KING PANTHERS
Think about this. In 2016, C.E. King went 1-9. Then the switch flipped. In comes Derek Fitzhenry as the head coach, they improve and all of a sudden, the Panthers have now made the playoffs for four-straight seasons. In 2021, C.E. King posted its first 10-win season since 2014. Fitzhenry has now changed positions to just be the Athletic Director, while defensive coordinator George Young moves into the big chair. Starting on the defense, Utah-commit Jo’laison Landry will be solid at defensive end, joined by Colorado-commit Kam’Ron Bizor, who moves in from Jack Yates. Lavonte Johnson has athleticism running through his blood as his father played ball at LSU. Other key returners include second-team receiver Elias Dejean and second-team defensive lineman K’mard Kimble (44 tackles). Jo’Laison Landry, Zaylon Davis and Texas-commit Dylan Spencer (8 sacks) were all named honorable-mention picks off the line as well. Will Hicks (73 tackles) was an honorable-mention selection at safety. Other names to remember include Logan Mackey (SS/CB), Wyndell Mitchell Jr. (QB), Denim Johnson (QB) and Anthony Bates (OL).
BEAUMONT WEST BROOK BRUINS
It wasn’t that long ago that Beaumont West Brook was playing for the big trophy in AT&T Stadium. Now, inside the state’s toughest district, the Bruins are trying to find their way back. Coming off a 5-5 season, coach Chuck Langston returns four starters on offense and three on defense. The lone all-district selection from a year ago who returns is honorable-mention pick Braxton Chambers on the defensive line. Jayvon Sorrell will play both ways for Beaumont West Brook at receiver and corner. Christian Spencer and Jeremiah Jordan return to the offensive line, while defensively Chambers (DL) and John Hardin (LB) will be the leaders of their position groups. Also, watch out for John Hardin (LB), Terrell Smith (ATH), Rae’G Dailey (WR) and Jabarous Broussard (DL) as players to watch.
HUMBLE WILDCATS
The Wildcats in their first year under Marcus Schulz, who came over from Splendora, went 2-8 overall. Now, in year two, Humble looks to get back into the playoff picture, which they reached in 2019 with a magical 10-win season. Texas Tech-commit TJ West is the star of the show. West was a second-team, all-district receiver a year ago and will be the big target for Tristen Bernard, who passed for more than 1,500 yards a year ago. Defensively, Jacory Johnson will quarterback the defense at linebacker after piling up nearly 120 tackles a year ago, followed by Jetavin James, who had 88. Johnson was a second-team, all-district linebacker in 2021. James was an honorable-mention pick along with defensive lineman Isiah Quezada. Also, watch out for junior Ayden Alvarez on the offensive line for the Wildcats.
KINGWOOD MUSTANGS
Third-year coach Cale Melton heads into the season hoping to find some wins after going 2-8 (2020) and 1-9 (2021) in his first two seasons at the helm of the Mustangs. Kingwood does return second-team, alldistrict receiver Ty Boatright and on defense Josh Pelfrey (72 tackles) at outside linebacker. Pelfrey was a second-team, all-district pick as a junior. Boatright led the team in receiving with 264 yards in catching 30 passes mostly from Trey Reese, who had 849 yards passing with four scores in 2021. Defensively, Cameron Burkes will be the returning leading tackler after notching 79 a year ago along with four sacks. Josh Gil also returns at punter for Kingwood.
BEAUMONT UNITED TIMBERWOLVES
The Timberwolves have seen ultra-success on the basketball court, winning back-to-back 5A State Championships. Now, can they athletic success carry over to the football field and into Class 6A as Beaumont United makes the move up? Jonathan Martin will guide the offense at quarterback, while Christian Gladney will anchor the defense on the line. This jump will be tough for United, especially in such a football power district. Other names to take note of include Weston Davis (OL), Jacob Green (OL/DL), Gatieus Coleman (RB) and Anthony Hawkins (LB).
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