• Home
  • Texas
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Mississippi
  • New England
  • Communities
  • Log in
Subscribe to Magazine

VYPE Insider

LOG INSIGN UP

Welcome Back

Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends.

Your password needs to be at least 8 characters and one number.

No account? Create one
Houston Methodist
Markets:
  • Texas
    • Houston
    • DFW
    • Austin
    • San Antonio
    • West TX
    • Panhandle
    • The Valley
    • SETX
    • Deep East
    • Central TX
    • Private Schools
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
  • Mississippi
  • Oklahoma
  • Varsity Hype
  • VYPE Media
  • VYPE Live
  • VYPE U
  • Video
  • Magazine
  • Recruiting
  • Photos
  • Polls
  • Shop
  • Events
  • Scores
  • VYPE Campus
  • Home
  • State
  • City
  • Type

VYPE Football 2021 Preview: District 23-6A

Dennis Silva II
Aug 18, 2021

Pearland Football

Photo by Justin Hartojo

The District 23-6A title race will be an intriguing one this year, very likely to go down to the wire.

Any one of the Pearland, Shadow Creek or Pearland Dawson is capable of taking the crown.

Defense is the name of the game in 23-6A, as the playing on that side of the ball is exceptional.

And as tough as the district race will be, the competition for the fourth and final playoff spot will be just as intense.


PRESEASON RANKING
Pearland
Shadow Creek
Strake Jesuit
Pearland Dawson
Alief Taylor
Alief Hastings
Alief Elsik
Alvin
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)

PRESEASON AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Dominic Serna, Pearland
Offensive MVP: Kelvon Brown, Shadow Creek
Defensive MVP: Amari Deason, Pearland
Breakout Player of the Year: Duke Butler, Shadow Creek
Sleeper Team: Alief Hastings

...

Pearland Oilers

Pearland is a team to watch out for this year, returning 13 starters from an 8-3 Area playoff finalist. Look out for the Oilers, who are hungry to assume their status as one of the consistent powers in Region III.

The defense has playmakers all over the field, led by senior 6-foot, 290-pound DL Amari Deason, senior LB Dylan Dixson, senior 6-foot-3, 217-pound LB K'Von Sherman, senior 5-foot-11, 190-pound DB Izeal Jones and senior DB Deveon Moses. Plenty of ammo.

Offensively, Pearland will have a potent running game behind senior 5-foot-10, 195-pound RB Dominic Serna (709 yards, 6 TDs) and junior RB Kennedy Lewis (171 yards, TD). Senior 6-foot- 3, 185-pound Jake Sock is back to run the team under center after throwing for 678 yards and 10 touchdowns to two interceptions.

Shadow Creek Sharks

It says a lot about the standard and expectations at Shadow Creek that its first year in Class 6A last season was considered "rocky". And yet, the Sharks still made it to the Regional Semifinals.

But the undefeated 2019 State Champs "only" went 6-4 last year, and this year could be a rough-go early on with only six returning starters.

Junior 6-foot-1, 170-pounder Duke Butler, the coach's son, moves to QB1 after throwing for 198 yards and three touchdowns as a backup last year. He'll be supported by senior 6-foot, 165-pound WR Lawrence Armstrong (276 yards, six TDs) and senior RB Kelvon Brown (765 yards, eight TDs).

The defense is headed by senior DB DeJuan Lewis (66 tackles, INT), senior DB Nick Hudson, senior DL Josh Diaz and junior DL Theorin Randle. Question marks are at the offensive line and linebacker spots.

Strake Jesuit Crusaders

The Crusaders bring back 10 starters from a 4-6 Bi- District playoff finalist and will be under new leadership as Donovan Fikac takes over. Strake Jesuit does not have much experience, so it will need younger players to step up sooner than later. However, there is a formidable core to build around.

On offense, there's senior 5-foot-10, 185-pound RB Joel Crawford (790 yards, 9 TDs), senior 6-foot, 180-pound WR William Taylor (363 yards, 4 TDs), senior three-star tight end Thomas Jewett, senior WR Leland Smith and junior 6-foot, 180-pound QB Bryce Fucik, who assumes QB1 after being a backup last year and getting invaluable game reps as a sophomore.

Defensively, the front seven is dangerous, thanks to the talents of senior DL Marc Arsham, senior 5-foot-11, 205-pound LB Jake Foster, senior 6-foot-1, 195-pound LB Billy Van Pelt and senior CB Craig Royal Jr.

Pearland Dawson Eagles

The Eagles had an outstanding 2020, going 10-1, but only return five starters (four on offense). Junior 6-foot-4, 180-pound QB Colin Johnson (859 yards, 4 TDs) and senior 5-foot-7, 155-pound WR Ashton Stroman (302 yards, TD) have size and speed and will lead the offense.

Sophomore RB Bryce Burgess takes over ball-carrying duties. Others to watch on offense include WR Ryan Guillo and RG Jonathan Lopez.

Defense will be where Dawson will have to grow up quickly after graduating 10 starters. The key cog is senior
6-foot-2, 215-pound DE Amaurion Green (13 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks). Shamar Jones could be a name to remember at OLB as well.

Dawson does have a strong special teams weapon in senior kicker/punter Carter Brown, one of the top kickers in the Greater Houston area and committed to Arizona State.

Alief Taylor Lions

The run game could be potent for Taylor, which returns 10 starters from a 2-4 team. The offensive line is the strength, led by 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior Chizara Alegbe, 6-foot, 315-pound senior Nathanyal Ridgeway and 6-foot-6, 275-pound senior Tashaun Pennington.

Junior 5-foot-10, 177-pound QB Davion Horton is a gifted runner with his speed and elusiveness and will take full advantage of his friends up front. Senior 5-foot-10, 162-pound WR Tyler King (203 yards, TD) has game-breaking speed and is committed to Texas Tech.

Defensively, senior 6-foot-1, 245-pound DE Ethan Cox (25 tackles, 4 sacks) and senior 6-foot-1, 200-pound LB Blaise Tita (17 tackles) lead the way. A key newcomer is senior 6-foot, 220-pound stat-stuffing linebacker Everett Haven from Mayde Creek.

Alief Hastings Bears

Hastings returns quality experience as 15 starters are back from a 2-4 team.

The Bears will be a force in the trenches behind 6-foot-7, 290-pound senior Emuvoke Gagophien and 6-foot-1, 310-pound sophomore guard Tristan Shandy on offense and senior 6-foot-2, 230-pound three-star DE David Oke on defense. Oke holds eight offers heading into his senior year, including ones from University of Houston, UTSA and North Texas.

Also, on defense watch for senior OLB Tiland Bowers. Junior QB Reynaldo Valenzuela has impressed with his leadership and poise and one of his top targets could be senior receiver George Cannon III.

Otherwise, the Bears will have to hope some of its younger talent develops rapidly if they want a return to the playoffs.

Alief Elsik Rams

Fifteen starters return from a 1-7 team for the Rams. A pair of sophomores lead the offense in 6-foot, 205-pound QB Eric Dadzie Jr. (623 yards, 5 TDs) and 5-foot-7, 170-pound RB Zion Lewis (515 yards, 5 TDs). Young and raw, but talented and experienced.

Where Elsik can make its mark is on the defensive and offensive lines. The defensive front is led by senior 6-foot-3, 230-pound DE David Mubalama (20 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss), senior 5-foot-11, 235-pound DE Chris Garrett (30 tackles, 5 sacks) and senior 6-foot-1, 220-pound DE Daniel Abikoye (40 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss).

It's an embarrassment of riches Elsik has in rushing the quarterback. On the offensive line, 6-foot-3, 330-pound senior Kameryn Bell paves the way, surrounded by gifted juniors Oke Akpoborie (6- 0, 287) and Amara Sylla.

Alvin Yellow Jackets

With just one win over the last three seasons, the Yellow Jackets are hoping new head coach James Gage, formerly the offensive coordinator, can be the one to turn things around. Gage will have a lot of veteran experience to work with as 16 starters return from an 1-8 team.

Senior 6-foot-2, 195-pounder Gavin Guthrie is dynamic as a versatile talent in Alvin's flexbone offense and is also a playmaking tornado on defense, totaling four sacks as a linebacker last year. Senior 6-foot, 190-pound RB Jordan Torres is a nightmare for defenses, averaging nine yards per carry last year.

Junior LB Easton Winfield is a young defensive leader after a stellar sophomore campaign.

  

Strake Jesuit's Bryce Fucik, Craig Royal Jr., Thomas Jewett, Leland Smith, Will Taylor, Joel Crawford and Jake Foster


True
houston high school sportsvype houston high school sportshigh school footballhigh school sportspearlandshadow creekstrake jesuitpearland dawsonalief taylorhastingselsikalvinhouston high school football

INTERN LIFE: VYPE Interns talk navigating the different walks of College life

Matt Malatesta
10 Jun, 2025

It's time for the VYPE Interns to take center stage as our trio of college students talk the transition from high school to college.

What's the SEC life like? What is it like transferring after your freshman year?

Read More...Read Less
houston high school sportspodcastvype houston high school sportsvype intern podcastvype internsvype podcast

VYPE HOU 2025 Public School Softball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

Matthew Ogle
09 Jun, 2025

As the Softball season has come to an end, it's time for fans to pick who they believe should have the honor of being the VYPE HOU Public School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll! Be sure to get your vote in!

Vote until 11:59 pm on Monday, June 16th.

Read More...Read Less
atascocita softballbarbers hill softballbellaire softballclear springs softballconroe softballfriendswood softballhouston high school sportskaty softballkingwood softballklein oak softballklein softballlake creek softballoak ridge softballpearland softballtexas high school softballtomball softballtxhssbvype houston high school sports

A LONG TIME COMING: Kingwood ends two-decade title drought, dethrones Tomball at State

Matthew Ogle
09 Jun, 2025
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)

ROUND ROCK — For the first time in 20 years, the Kingwood Baseball program have secured a State Championship.

In a thrilling 5-4 victory over defending champion Tomball at Dell Diamond on Saturday, the Mustangs claimed the UIL Class 6A-Division II title — the program’s second overall title and first since 2005. It was a win fueled by grit, timely hitting, and an unshakable belief in who they are.

Read More...Read Less
texas high school baseballtexas high school baseball playoffsuil baseballuil baseball playoffsuil stateuil state tournamentuil state championshipuil state championsuil state baseballuil baseball state tournamentuil state baseball tournamenthumble isdkingwoodkingwood high schoolkingwood mustangskingwood baseballkingwood high school baseballmichael orosgraham charboneauryder renfrobrian schumachervype houston high school sportshouston high school sportshouston high school baseballwhataburger team of the weekwhataburger
TRENDING
SUMMER CAMP: PVAMU hosts hundreds of high school hopefuls at two-day event

SUMMER CAMP: PVAMU hosts hundreds of high school hopefuls at two-day event

VYPE HOU Private School Softball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE HOU Private School Softball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

Whataburger Team of the Week: Kingwood dominates in State Final to claim first-ever title

Whataburger Team of the Week: Kingwood dominates in State Final to claim first-ever title

VYPE DFW Public School Softball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE DFW Public School Softball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE DFW 2025 Public School Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year Fan Poll

VYPE DFW 2025 Public School Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year Fan Poll

GAMES

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/31/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/31/25

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar San Antonio

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar San Antonio

Men: AFHC Royals vs. AC Houston Sur

Men: AFHC Royals vs. AC Houston Sur

7PM | NFHS - 5A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Liberty Hill vs. Kingwood Park

7PM | NFHS - 5A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Liberty Hill vs. Kingwood Park

4:30PM & 7:30PM | NFHS - 2A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Stamford vs. Collinsville

4:30PM & 7:30PM | NFHS - 2A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Stamford vs. Collinsville

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/30/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/30/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/29/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/29/25

1PM | NFHS - 6A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Dripping Springs vs. Kingwood

1PM | NFHS - 6A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Dripping Springs vs. Kingwood

VYPE Live Lineup - Wednesday 5/28/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Wednesday 5/28/25

3PM | NFHS - 3A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Thrall vs. Orange Grove

3PM | NFHS - 3A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Thrall vs. Orange Grove

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Athenians SC

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Athenians SC

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/24/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/24/25

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Houston FC

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Houston FC

KNIGHT MOVES: Regents School of Austin Football plans for 2026 coaching change

KNIGHT MOVES: Regents School of Austin Football plans for 2026 coaching change

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/23/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/23/25

7PM | NFHS - 6A D2 Baseball Reg. IV Final G3 (if nec.): Buda Johnson vs. Lake Travis

7PM | NFHS - 6A D2 Baseball Reg. IV Final G3 (if nec.): Buda Johnson vs. Lake Travis

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/22/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/22/25

7PM | NFHS - 3A D2 Baseball Region III Final G2: Thrall vs. Anderson-Shiro

7PM | NFHS - 3A D2 Baseball Region III Final G2: Thrall vs. Anderson-Shiro

1PM | NFHS - 5A D2 Baseball Region IV Final G2: Liberty Hill vs. Boerne Champion

1PM | NFHS - 5A D2 Baseball Region IV Final G2: Liberty Hill vs. Boerne Champion

6PM | NFHS - 2A D2 Softball State Semifinal G1: Malakoff Cross Roads vs. Shiner

6PM | NFHS - 2A D2 Softball State Semifinal G1: Malakoff Cross Roads vs. Shiner

Join the #VYPETEAM

Get up to date news from all over the country! 

FROM THE WEB
VYPE DFW 2022 Preseason Public School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll presented Sun & Ski Sports

VYPE DFW 2022 Preseason Public School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll presented Sun & Ski Sports

VYPE DFW Private School Marching Band of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors

VYPE DFW Private School Marching Band of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors

VYPEU: Photo Gallery Creek win vs Spring Woods

VYPEU: Photo Gallery Creek win vs Spring Woods

WELCOME TO VYPE INSIDER

WELCOME TO VYPE INSIDER

VYPE Houston Friday Night Lights Scoreboard (9.3.21): Atascocita ends Allen's 122-game home winning streak, Full Scoreboard

VYPE Houston Friday Night Lights Scoreboard (9.3.21): Atascocita ends Allen's 122-game home winning streak, Full Scoreboard

CONNECT WITH US
Connect With Us
Copyright Ⓒ VYPE - All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions - Board Directory