VYPE Houston 2026 Football Preview | District 11-4A DII: Yates Has Visions of Playing After Thanksgiving
District 11-4A Division II
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Yates Lions
North Forest Bulldogs
Washington Eagles
Wheatley Wildcats
Worthing Colts
Kashmere Rams
Furr Brahmans
Scarborough Spartans
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jordan Simmons, Yates
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Daniel Hicks, Kashmere
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Javeon Taylor, North Forest // Peter Dorsey, Wheatley
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Cedric Crawford, Washington
ON THE CUSP: Worthing Colts
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Jack Yates is coming off an 11-1 season where the Lions reached the Area Round of the playoffs. In district play, the Lions posted a perfect 8-0 record. It marked Yates’ first outright district championship since 2010 – the Lions were co-district champs in 2012. Second-year coach Jason Lewis and the Lions bring back 12 starters including reigning District Newcomer of the Year Jordan Simmons at running back. Simmons, who is committed to Stephen F. Austin, had 1,691 all-purpose yards last year and scored 21 touchdowns. They also bring back second-team all-district back Michael Johnson, who rushed for 617 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. Other offensive players to watch include first-team all-district fullback Derrick Hines and second-team OL Derrick Wolford. Also watch for WR Landon Domio, who heading into the season had six offers, including Houston, Texas Tech and Baylor. Defensively, first-team all-district selections Saviour Davis (DT), McKinley Davis (OLB — 65 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT), Zayveon Robinson (CB — 37 tackles, 5 INTs) and Autril Watkins (S — 37 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 7 INTs) are all set to return. Others to watch include safety Donovan Sanders (26 tackles, 4 INT) and kicker Ronaldo Johnson.
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Last season saw North Forest finish 8-3 overall and go 7-1 in district play. The Bulldogs won four-straight games to close out the regular season schedule and place second in the standings before the playoffs. Clifton Terrell enters his 10th season at the helm (48-42) of the program and returns 14 starters, including eight on the offensive side of the ball. Reigning District Defensive MVP Javeon Taylor returns to the team after registering 48 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 26 sacks. Those are ridiculous numbers for any player in Texas. First-team all-district selection Daveon Perkins (391 yards, 6 TDs) and second-teamer Traveon Terrell (491 yards, 7 TDs) are both set to return at receiver. First-team all-district OL Tim Johnson returns up front as well. Defensively, first-team all-district inside linebacker Darrius Garrett (41 tackles) and second-team outside linebacker Keshaun Palmer will lead the defense. Perkins was also a first-team all-district pick for his play at safety after recording a team-high nine interceptions. Kicker Nicholas Garcia also returns after a second-team all-district campaign. Keys to success include offensive line and quarterback play according to Terrell.
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The Golden Eagles finished just on the outside of the playoff picture in 2025. Washington went 5-5 overall and 4-4 in district play, including winning their last game of the regular season. They return reigning All Purpose MVP Cedric Crawford, who led the team in rushing with 770 yards and four scores and also 146 yards receiving and a score. Joining him in the backfield will be first-team all-district running back Jarmin Davis, who rushed for 653 yards and five scores. Sophomore QB Darryl Clark is back after earning second-team honors and passing for 237 yards and three scores. OL Walter Delcid and Brennon Atkinson are set to return as well. Defensively, Marquis Barker (DT — 20 tackles), Korey Lavalis (DE — 23 tackles, 5 sacks), Terrance Moore (DE — 19 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and Dexter Williams (ILB — 58 tackles, 11 sacks) and Quiten Powell (CB — 3 INTs) are all set to return.
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Wheatley is coming off a 5-6 season and reached the first round of the playoffs. It marked their second straight playoff appearance. The Wildcats return first-team all-district running back and inside linebacker Vincent Dorsey. Last season he rushed for 464 yards and six scores and had 27 tackles as well. Defensive end Peter Dorsey also had a big year earning first-team honors after registering 20.5 sacks and 57 tackles for the Wildcats. Other first-team returners include ILB Kendrick Dorsey (60 tackles, 4 sacks) and CB Damarion Parrish (7 INTs, 25 tackles). Other players to watch include second-team all-district picks FB Traylon Holmes (48 tackles, 3.5 sacks), WR Cody Landor (558 yards rushing, 9 TDs / 58 tackles, 4 INT), OL Randy Gray, DT Danta Savoie, OLB Larry Dorsey and OLB Cameron Dorsey (9 sacks).
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Worthing is coming off another year of making the playoffs. The Colts reached the first round and returns 15 starters, including eight on offense for 22nd-year head coach Brandon Ellis. Players to watch for Worthing include Christopher Spencer, Tyson Batiste, Darryl O’Neal and Dyllan Williams. According to Ellis, the main key to success for Worthing will be to win in the trenches in 2026.
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Nate Gill enters his second season at the helm of Kashmere. The Rams bring back 19 starters off a team that went 3-7 overall. A key returner is athlete Daniel Hicks, who holds 12 offers. Hicks totaled 900 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. Athlete Chase Robertson had six touchdowns and two interceptions, while defensive end Jacobie Taylor racked up seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Watch for linebacker Jordan Berry to have an impact after recording 48 tackles and 14 tackles for loss in just six games a year ago. Keys to success for Gill’s squad include establishing a run game, staying healthy and improving in the kicking game.
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The Brahmans of Furr are coming off a 3-7 season in 2025 and finished sixth in district play. It marked the first time in eight seasons that Furr has missed the playoffs. They will look to get back into the playoff picture in 2026 and will lean on returners like second-team all-district receiver Micah Corsey to do just that. Other key returners include first-team all-district offensive lineman Ethan Oville as well.
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Scarborough went 1-8 overall and its lone win came in district play against Northside. The Spartans will face some new competition this year. Scarborough is set to return second-team all-district QB Michael Alba and OL Jesiah Marquesz. They also return first-team all-district outside linebacker Daril Hicks and second-team cornerback Oscar Durate. First-team punter and second-team kicker Hector Cobar is also set to return.
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