LACE'EM UP. It's time to hit the open courses again this fall as cross country season is under way. The best of the best if Goose Creek CISD ran their way to the 2021 VYPE Fall GCCISD Media Day. Let's hit the trail!
Alief Taylor's Dillian Whiteside
Yet, last season tested the Lions in ways they hadn’t anticipated. Their debut year in the competitive District 20-6A brought fresh challenges and unfamiliar opponents like Fulshear, Foster, and George Ranch—programs that ultimately pushed Taylor to a last-place finish.
But to Whiteside, these setbacks aren’t going to be seen as roadblocks; they’ll be used as reference points.
2025-25 Alief Taylor FootballJamey Wright (VYPE)
“We’re going to need more team chemistry,” he said. “There were a lot of close games that came down to the wire and just didn’t go our way. The talent is there for us, but we can’t get to the point where one mistake could ruin our chances.”
That kind of insight doesn’t come overnight. For Whiteside, perspective has been his biggest area of growth.
“As a freshman, you assume you have all the time in the world,” he reflected. “But it passes by so much quicker than you’d think. I’ve become more mature, more vocal as a leader, and just have a stronger mindset on who I want to be.”
That mindset has already begun to open doors. Whiteside holds an offer from Lamar University, with others likely on the way if he continues his upward trajectory. His steady development, he says, stems from relentless dedication and self-awareness.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“Nothing comes for free,” he said. “It’s taken plenty of training and dedication to get me where I want to be. Size has never been an issue for me, so the mindset has always been to keep my head down and stick to the craft.”
Whiteside models his game after NFL greats like Joe Thomas and Zack Martin. If he had his pick of NIL sponsorships, he says it’d be Nike—a fitting choice, given their partnership with Alief Taylor. Off the field, he carries an artistic streak: he plays trumpet, a passion few might expect from someone who spends his Fridays moving defenders against their will.
As Taylor aims to flip the script this season, Whiteside’s presence gives the Lions more than just a fighting chance. He gives them an anchor.
Nimitz Sr. QB Albert "AJ" Brown Jr.
The reigning District 14-6A Offensive MVP threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 26 touchdowns last year, while also rushing for six scores — a dual-threat force that helped guide Nimitz to a 7-4 record and a hard-earned playoff berth.
Though their postseason run ended early with a first-round loss to The Woodlands, Brown’s impact was undeniable.
Now, with another year under his belt and the fall season well underway, Brown’s mindset is sharp.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Brown said. “The main goal is to win; ‘W-I-N’. That means showing up everyday, controlling everything that’s within our reach before Friday night – whether that’s in practice, the weight room, film study – all of it. In order to get up front on people we need to capture and maintain that victory mindset.”
2025-26 Aldine Nimitz FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Cougars, led by head coach Cornelius Harmon, have carved out a reputation as a playoff-caliber program — a reputation Brown is determined to uphold and elevate.
For him, it’s not just about stats or highlight plays; it’s about execution.
That growth has come not only physically but mentally. As Brown reflects on his evolution under center, he emphasizes how much the signal-caller role demands beyond athleticism.
“Being a quarterback requires more than just knowing the play-call,” he explained. “You have to be able to analyze and control the flow of the offense to generate the best outcome in games. Football is a game of inches, so there’s a level of situational awareness and comprehension that’s needed to put us in the best position.”
Despite not having made a college commitment yet, Brown remains a hot name in recruiting circles. As of July, he holds an offer from Grambling State — as tarting point that likely won’t be the end of his recruiting journey. Coaches across the state have taken notice of his complete skill set and mature approach.
When asked about the future, Brown’s response speaks volumes about his values.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Of course, I’m going to lean towards education first,” he said. “As a man, you always have to be planning for the future and be sure to have options to support yourself and your family. Secondly, I’ll just be grateful for an opportunity to surround myself with guys who know what it’s like to compete at the next level, and be able to show why I belong.”
Brown models his game after NFL stars like Cam Ward, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts — admiring Hurts most for his physicality and ability to elevate the players around him. It’s a fitting parallel. Brown isn’t trying to be flashy — he’s trying to be effective, to lead, and to earn everything in front of him.
Whether it leads to more offers or deeper playoff runs, AJ Brown Jr.’s presence under center already means something at Nimitz. And as the 2025 season unfolds, it’s that steady presence that might end up being his greatest weapon.
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