Cole Francis, Thompkins
It's a tough spot but he understands his role. With a 4.2 GPA, Francis keeps his head up and stays ready. Football can be a funny game and you never know when an opportunity will present itself.
VYPE caught up with Francis at a workout with his QB coach Mike Quinn, who starred at Stephen F. Austin before playing professionally for 10 seasons in the NFL and CFL.
Some of the featured standouts of the 2026–27 La Porte Bulldogs football team.
Lufkin Panthers
Port Arthur Memorial Titans
Beaumont West Brook Bruins
Beaumont United Timberwolves
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
Baytown Sterling Rangers
New Caney Eagles
Galveston Ball Golden Tornadoes
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Sean Simon, La Porte
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Amari Alexander, Lufkin
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ja’Marquis Hudson, Port Arthur Memorial
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Payton Lopez, New Caney
ON THE CUSP: Baytown Sterling Rangers
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Doug Brown (VYPE)
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The La Porte Bulldogs come into the season moving into a new district after finishing as the undefeated district champions in District 11-5A DI a season ago, finishing with a 9-2 record overall and making the playoffs before falling in the Bi-District round. District Offensive MVP junior running back Sean Simon is back to lead the Bulldogs offense after rushing for 2,191 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025. Junior quarterback Joshua Wells will step in as the starter after appearing in eight games last fall and he will look to get the ball to some big-time playmakers in junior wide receiver Peyton Smith (first-team) and senior tight end Ryker Reynolds (first-team). Anchoring the offensive line will be senior Timothy Giddens and senior Fransico Guzman, who was a first-team all-district selection. On the defensive side of the ball, senior lineman Jacob Berneathy (second-team) will look to shut down opponents’ run game while defensive backs Jim Gonzales (sophomore) and Kylen Carter (junior) control the airways. Coach Kevin Berneathy has another promising team and with 12 starters returning for the Bulldogs this fall, they look to be a team primed for a deeper playoff run in 2026.
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Lufkin entered a new era in 2025 as coach Carl Absek took over, leading the Panthers to a 8-4 overall record and Area Round playoff appearance in his first season. Going into 2026, Coach Absek returns 10 starters from a year ago as the Panthers look for a deeper playoff run this fall. Offensively, the Panthers will have a new signal-caller in junior Sam Fitzgerald who will lead the passing attack, getting the ball to sophomore athlete Mason Mark out on the perimeter. Junior running backs Robert Taylor and Amari Alexander will help open up the passing game on the ground with both players seeing playing time a year ago. While the offense will look for underclassmen to step into bigger roles, the strength of this Panthers team will be the defense, more specifically the defensive line. Returning up front for Lufkin is Defensive Newcomer of the Year JaRyen Whitaker along with senior Jamariea Davis (second-team) and junior Antonio Porter, who all will look to cause havoc in the trenches. Junior linebacker Czarion Turner (first-team) is back to man the middle of the defense while senior Chance Horace (first-team) controls the secondary.
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Port Arthur Memorial made history in 2025 reaching the State Semifinals for the first time in school history before falling to eventual state champion Smithson Valley. The Titans return nine starters from a team who went 14-1 a year ago and coach Brian Morgan will look for some underclassmen to step up, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Starting on the defense, the Titans will be led by senior linebacker and first-team all-district selection Ja’Marquis Hudson (Kansas commit) who recorded 105 tackles, 12 sacks and 17 tackles-for-loss as a junior. In the secondary, first-team all-district safety Darrod Jacobs (Utah commit) will help shut down opponents’ passing attacks while senior defensive lineman Ty'vion Hayes (second-team) disrupts up front in the trenches. On offense, sophomore quarterback Came’Ran Roberts will step in to replace last year's District MVP Amante Martin and has experienced wide receivers to get the ball to in seniors Brandon Richards and Bryan Turner. Senior running back Piere Gray leads the rushing attack. Can the Titans repeat last year's success and go even further in 2026? Time will tell.
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Beaumont West Brook had a successful season in 2025 finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2019, going 6-4 overall and just missing out on the playoffs. As the Bruins head into the 2026 season, the expectation is to get back into the playoffs and with 12 starters returning, they have more than enough fire power to do so. Senior quarterback Tammeron Anderson (ULL commit) returns to lead the Bruins’ passing attack, getting the ball to his playmakers in junior wide receiver Brandon Jackson and sophomore athlete Brock Anderson, who will also star on the defensive side of the ball. Up front, juniors Miguel Rubio and Braylon Hadnot (second-team) will look to pave the way for the Bruins’ explosive offense. Defensively, West Brook returns only four starters and will need underclassmen to step up this fall. Luckily for the Bruins, senior defensive lineman Kailon Walker (second-team) returns and will look to lead the defense as well as set the tone up front. Senior linebacker Joe Bowser shuts down the opponents’ run game.
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Beaumont United, like others in this district, saw success under a first-year head coach. Coach Drenard Williams took over the Timberwolves’ program and helped lead them to their best season since 2016 going 7-5 overall and advancing to the Area Round of the playoffs. To repeat the success the Timberwolves had a season ago in 2026, they will rely on the strength of their team, the defense. Senior linebacker Miles Andrews (first-team) is the alpha on the team as he recorded over 150 tackles last fall. In the trenches, senior defensive lineman Collen Woolridge will set the tone up front and disrupt opponents' passing game. On the offensive side of the ball, junior quarterback Christopher Johnson Jr. will step in as the starter and will look to lean on fellow junior Da’Shawn Moore as he leads the Timberwolves on the ground. A player to watch out for this fall will be junior wide receiver Ontario Williams Jr., a physical presence standing at 6-foot-8. While the Timberwolves will need players to step up offensively in 2026, they look to be a team on the rise and in playoff contention this fall.
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Goose Creek Memorial is making the move back down to 5A after spending the past two years in arguably the toughest district in all of Texas high school football. The Patriots, under the direction of first year head coach JayMond Cleveland, saw improvement in 2025 going 4-6 overall which matched their win total for the past four seasons prior to his arrival. The Patriots will return seven starters offensively which includes the leader of the offense, senior quarterback Ricco Richards Jr., who threw for 1,988 yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 710 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. Richards Jr. will look to get the ball to seniors Preston Yawn (second-team) and athlete Anthony Short, who will also see playing time defensively. The ground game will be led by sophomore Timothy Barnett, who will step into a bigger role after seeing limited playing time a year ago. Defensively for the Patriots it starts up front with defensive lineman Robert Rollins, who was a first-team all-district selection in 2025. With a battle-tested team coming from the 6A ranks, look for the Patriots to get back in the playoff conversation this fall.
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Under the direction of first-year head coach Spencer Anthony, Baytown Sterling posted their best season since 2016 going 5-5 overall and just missing the playoffs. As the Rangers enter Year Two of the Anthony-era, they return 14 starters and look to be on the cusp of a playoff berth for the first time since 2008. Offensively for the Rangers is senior quarterback Noah Benitez who has weapons at his disposal in junior athlete Amonte Phipps and senior tight end Ja’Ron Sylvester, while senior offensive lineman Caiden Rainey (first-team) protects up front. Defensively, they are led by senior defensive lineman Justus Broussard, who was a second-team all-district selection after finishing with 76 tackles, six tackles-for-loss and three sacks. In the secondary, Defensive Newcomer of the Year Amari Kegler returns and will also see playing time for the Rangers’ offense. Momentum is trending upwards for the Rangers’ football program and look out for them to have a historic year in 2026.
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The New Caney Eagles, like Goose Creek Memorial, made the move back down to 5A after four years in 6A. The Eagles struggled under first-year head coach Sheldon Bennight in 2025, going 2-8 overall and missing the playoffs. Though the Eagles took their lumps a year ago, they return 10 starters and will look to get back in the playoff conversation in 2026. Sophomore Payton Lopez will take over as the Eagles quarterback, and will have his two top targets from a season ago to get the ball to in senior Brayden Logan (second-team) and junior Kameron Clay. Senior Corey Johnson leads the rushing attack. The defense will be the strength of this year’s New Caney team with senior linebacker Ousmane Faye manning the middle of the defense, while senior Emon Brown (second-team) leads the secondary along with senior Daniel Allen.
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Galveston Ball had a tough season under first-year head coach Omasha Brantley as the Golden Tornadoes went 2-8 overall in 2025. Brantley and staff will look to rebuild in Year Two as they return 11 total starters from a season ago. Senior athlete Corieon Sanders returns to lead the Golden Tornadoes offense after throwing for more than 1,200 yards last fall. Sanders will try to find his playmaker, senior wide receiver Herbert Robinson, in the passing game while the duo of sophomore Rodney Tipps and junior Wyatt Ashcraft look to establish the ground game. Defensively, Galveston Ball will look for players to step into bigger roles but junior Isaiah Washington will be the leader on the defense after having an impressive sophomore year.
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Crawford Chargers football team.
Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos
Victoria West Warriors
Terry Rangers
Kempner Cougars
Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
Tomas Gators
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Alvin Mosley, Almeta Crawford
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Braylen Fisher, Almeta Crawford
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Andre Meadows-Wade, Fort Bend Marshall
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Caden Jones, B.F. Terry
ON THE CUSP: Kempner Cougars
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Doug Brown (VYPE)
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Making its debut in the 5A ranks, Almeta Crawford wasted no time establishing itself as a genuine contender. Equipped with a distinct swagger to match its rising reputation, head coach David Jackson and the Chargers kick off 2026 on the heels of a 12-2 run that culminated in a Region III Final appearance (4A Division I). All eyes naturally turn to senior wideout Alvin Mosley, the heartbeat of Crawford’s prolific attack. A four-star Ole Miss commit and the reigning District MVP in both football and basketball, Mosley piled up more than 1,700 all-purpose yards and 30 combined touchdowns a year ago. Quarterback Braylen Fisher, another dual-sport phenom who claimed District Offensive MVP honors, eclipsed 3,300 passing yards during his junior year, throwing 39 touchdowns while adding 315 yards and five scores on the ground. First-team all-district running back Dedrick Polk and second-team wide receiver Amir Johnson (Sr. WR) round out the bulk of Crawford’s firepower at the skill positions. Flipping the field, the ACHS defense—which allowed fewer than 16 points per contest last season—continues to revolve around linebacker Camron Alakija. The future Ragin’ Cajun set the tone en route to 12-4A DI Defensive MVP recognition, pacing the Chargers with 122 tackles (16.5 TFL), seven sacks, and three fumble recoveries. Edge rusher Elijah Wright, a Wake Forest commit transferring in from Katy Jordan, brings relentless pressure off the edge opposite first-team defensive end Khaidyn Hopson. Junior Kingston Stokes (second-team) adds sideline-to-sideline range, while senior Kyle Sam headlines the Chargers’ secondary.
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A changing of the guard took place within the Fort Bend Marshall organization, which announced the hiring of Wale Okunnu as its next head coach in March. Drawing from his defensive background—most recently as Alief Taylor’s coordinator—Okunnu aims to revitalize the Buffs’ identity following a 6-4 campaign that ended in the postseason opener. While the stop unit will be relatively younger than most, senior Andre Meadows-Wade returns as a proven game-wrecker up front, bringing the same disruptive ability that fueled a second-team all-district showing with 33 tackles, 5.5 TFL, and five sacks. He’ll be complemented by sophomore edge Langston Lowe. Offensively, Marshall flexes two dynamic weapons at wide receiver in Hershal Miller and Khannon Mitchell. Miller exploded onto the scene en route to District 9-5A DII Offensive Newcomer of the Year distinction, totaling 546 all-purpose yards and seven scores, while Mitchell adds another layer of speed on the perimeter. Meanwhile, first-team all-district lineman Landon Jones anchors the trenches alongside junior Terrence Williams, providing recent transfer Jakael Whitehead with the protection needed after arriving from North Shore.
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Victoria West enters another new chapter, with head coach Courtney Boyce and the Warriors transitioning from Region IV to Region III in the UIL realignment and facing a fresh slate of district opponents. Teamwise, the Warriors (10-3) placed third in the 13-5A DII standings in 2025 before advancing three rounds deep into the postseason, where they were dispatched by former district rival Alamo Heights. Though the attack has long carried the identity of the squad, Victoria West’s defense approaches the fall with the advantage of experience. Linebacker Wyatt Cahill-Surber figures to anchor the unit, building off a second-team all-district campaign in which he amassed 75 tackles (8 TFL). Officially listed as a defensive lineman, senior Cael Francis’ “wild card” status speaks to his versatility and ability to influence the game from multiple spots. Francis will pair with fellow second-team honoree Jacob Cohen, while DB Evan Waters handles duties in coverage. On offense, the Warriors are looking at an intriguing QB1 competition between seniors Miles Chandler and Aiden Deleon, along with junior Kage Hradek.
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Signs of progress surfaced for the Rangers last fall, as B.F. Terry improved its win total to three and secured two victories against former district counterparts. Continuity now works in the program’s favor as Terry pursues a long-awaited playoff return — a feat last achieved in 2017. Head coach Darnell Jackson’s offense shows plenty of promise, especially at quarterback, where Caden Jones looks to build on a year in which he split snaps and threw for nearly 900 yards and eight touchdowns. Athlete Alijah Whittle is a dog on both sides of the ball, earning all-district recognition for his production at wide receiver (first-team) and DB (second-team). He’ll work in tandem with senior Brandon Williams, as running backs Bryce Jefferson and Jaylyn Mann form a one-two punch in the ground game. Paving the way up front will be linemen David Galindo, Fernando Acevedo, and Hernan Cerda. Defensively, Jackson will lean on Daniel Galindo (Sr. DL), Santana Ruiz (Sr. LB), and cornerback Langston Williams to set the tone.
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Some strides remain necessary for Kempner to punch its first playoff ticket since 2016. However, the move to Division II, paired with the battle-tested roster coach Troy DeGar fields, presents the Cougars—coming off a 4-6 season—with a golden opportunity to take the next step. Senior Troy “Deuce” DeGar II is a proven asset as the field general, having thrown for just over 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding four rushing scores on his way towards an all-district honorable mention. DeGar will operate alongside running back Robert Asomugha behind a seasoned offensive line, looking to capitalize on a new-look receiver corps featuring junior Rollanz Edwards and senior Jake Knobler. Second-team all-district cornerback Javion Smallwood headlines the Cougars defense, joined by junior Jayden Smallwood, who strengthens the secondary at safety. Meanwhile, Cody Okpara (Sr. LB), Davontre Wiley (Jr. DL), Mitchell Rowe (Sr. DT), and Jason Onobigba (Sr. DL) bolster Kempner’s front seven.
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Lamar Consolidated is another program trending upward in 2026, looking to improve upon a 3-7 record from a year ago during head coach Chris Lane’s first season at the helm. There’s plenty to like about the Mustangs’ scoring unit, orchestrated by senior quarterback Edgar Garcia, who earned second-team all-district honors after racking up nearly 1,200 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes, plus another 431 yards and six rushing scores. Wideout Isaiah Cobbin figures to be Garcia’s primary target on the perimeter, as junior tailback Larry Clinton aims to capitalize on a fall that saw him compile over 700 all-purpose yards and 10 trips to the end zone. Senior Elijah Williams, a second-team selection, commands the trenches on defense, joined by fellow senior Jimi-George Okunloye and rising junior Arnold Offor. They’ll be complemented by linebacker Jack Coats.
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The primary reason Tomas finds itself at the bottom of the preseason totem pole is the fact that the Kiah Johnson-led Gators are stepping into their first official varsity campaign. Despite the limited sample size, the athleticism already displayed by Lamar Consolidated ISD’s youngest high school hints that Tomas could quickly emerge as a team capable of surprising the district. Junior wide receiver Samuel Johnson is poised to be the catalyst of Tomas’ skill positions, giving quarterback Brayden Rodriguez a dynamic weapon to rely on alongside running back Matthew Feacher. Defense offers the most depth, headlined by standouts such as Skyler Alexander (Jr. DL), Oluwasola Olanubi (Sr. DL), Braylon Shorter (Jr. ATH), and Trae Nemec (Sr. LB).
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Dayton Broncos football team.
Dayton Broncos
Nederland Bulldogs
Texas City Stingarees
Santa Fe Indians
Galena Park Yellow Jackets
Baytown Lee Ganders
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Tyson Henry, Port Neches-Groves
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jerry Prieto Jr., Dayton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Justin Stephens, Texas City
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zane Brewer, Santa Fe
ON THE CUSP: Texas City Stingarees
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Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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The PNG Indians are coming off another big season. Port Neches-Groves went 13-1 overall and reached the Regional Semifinals. This marked the fourth-straight season of 10-plus wins and all have come under Jeff Joseph at the helm. Of course PNG is not far removed from winning the program’s fourth state championship. The Indians will have some big pieces to replace but have plenty of talent returning. Second-team, all-district back Tyson Henry returns to the huddle along with first-team, all-district wide receiver Jude Gohlke. Henry is coming off a season where he totaled more than 1,800 all-purpose yards and 25 touchdowns. Other key returners include Ledger Hansing (TE/H-Back 2nd Team) and first-team, all-district OL Ace Reeves. Defensively, first-team, all-district DL Victor Trevino is back along with first-team, all-district OLBs Bryceten Felps and Anthony Flores.
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Jerry Prieto enters his third year at the helm of Dayton. The Broncos bring back 10 starters to the huddle after going 6-4 a year ago. Now the goal is to get into the dance in 2026. Dayton brings back QB Jerry Prieto Jr. who was first-team, all-district. In his seven starts last year, Dayton averaged 42.7 points per game when he was under center. The four-year starter will be looked at to guide this offensive unit. Running back Braylen Marshall will be his workhorse in the backfield after coming up to varsity midway last season, while TE KJ Johnson returns after having 143 yards and a score on 13 receptions. On the line, Aiden Soliz has improved at playing center since last year, Defensively, state qualifying powerlifter Yashir Villa will anchor the defensive line. Cooper Burkes will play on both sides of the ball on the offensive and defensive lines for Dayton in his junior year, while DL Ayden Carrizales, a “long and athletic defensive lineman”, is eyed to have a breakout season in 2026. In the secondary, second-team, all-district safety Devorian Bradford returns after registering 73 tackles and 4 INTs. He is also a threat in the return game after having three kickoffs returned for touchdowns in 2025. Keys to success according to Prieto include offensive and defensive line play and finding ways to fill in production loss by graduation.
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Scott Rich enters his third year of leading Nederland. The Bulldogs are coming off a 3-7 season and have 17 starters returning to the huddle. Offensively, senior running back Jaedon Ned is back after racking up 917 yards and 10 scores. Also returning is junior QB Jackson Lane who passed for 448 yards and six scores. Defensively, seniors Levi Wright (DL) and Colt Sheppard (LB) are back. Wright had 32 tackles and two sacks, while Sheppard had 80 tackles. Sheppard was named second-team, all-district along with junior defensive back Kori Scott (36 tackles, 1 forced fumble).
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Texas City went 5-5 overall a year ago and took the fourth place slot in district play, winning two of their last four games, to earn a spot in the playoffs. The Stingarees reached the Bi-District round before falling to Brenham. Texas City returns the talents of reigning District Defensive MVP Justin Stephens to the squad. The Stingarees also return first-team, all-district selections Dustin Taylor (DL), Shamar Smith (CB), Ja’Mari Johnson (RB), Chance Jones (OL), Cardae King (OL) and Jaron Lynch (RB). Second-team selections include Melo Robinson (WR), Clyde Votaw (QB), John Jones (S), Trey Lampkin (DL) and Jerrian Phillips (LB).
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Santa Fe is coming off a 6-4 season and bring back nine starters to the mix, with six of those on the defensive side of the ball. Blake Ryder enters his sixth season at the helm of the program. Utility Player of the Year returns for the Indians in Zane Brewer, who had 550 yards rushing and 220 yards receiving. He had five touchdowns as well. Another key returner includes second-team, all-district defensive end Teegan Woitena, who had seven sacks and 60 tackles a year ago. Keys to success for Ryder’s team include playing physical, playing fast and being a family.
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Last season, Galena Park posted a 4-7 overall record and made the playoffs for a second-straight season. The Yellowjackets enter year eight under Spiro Amarentos as the head coach. Galena Park will have big shoes to fill as Offensive MVP Cary Clay is gone to graduation. The Yellowjackets bring back District Newcomer of the Year QB Chase James and first-team, all-district offensive linemen Mark Gonzalez and Anthony Nava. Second-team, all-district safety Bridis Cuellar is also slated to return.
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Baytown Lee is looking to bounce back from a tough 2025 season. The Ganders finished 1-9 overall and went winless in district play. Players to watch this season include QB Shunderrion Davis (442 yards, 1 TD passing), RB Jacob Ramirez (312 yards, 4 TDs rushing) and WR Jeramiah Rawlins (201 yards, 2 TDs receiving). Defensively, Gabriel Gonzalez is a player to watch after recording 23 tackles, averaging 3.8 per game along with Habibu Jarr, who had 18 tackles.
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