Matthew Bragga arrived in Houston less than two years ago as one of the hottest college baseball coaches in the country. Bragga led Tennessee Tech to the NCAA Super Regionals -- one step away from the College World Series.
He was hired by Rice to take over the program that Wayne Graham had built into a college power.
VYPE's Matt Malatesta talked with Bragga on several subjects that included the cornerstones to building a program, the MLB Draft and recruiting the state of Texas.
Consistency is the word driving Hebron this offseason.
Head coach John Towels believes the Hawks have all the pieces to compete in one of the toughest districts in Texas, but the difference between a good season and a great one will come down to the little things.
"Our focus is consistency and attention to detail," Towels said. "If we do the little things right every day, we'll put ourselves in position to make a run in our new district and attack the playoffs."
Hebron returns an experienced leader at quarterback in Brady Brock, whose big-game experience gives the Hawks confidence entering the season. Brock has seen plenty of Friday night football and understands what it takes to lead the offense under pressure. His command of the offense and poise will be invaluable as Hebron navigates a challenging schedule.
On the outside, Jevonyae Broussard headlines the receiving corps. A dynamic athlete, Broussard is a dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands and also serves as one of the team's top defensive backs, making an impact on both sides of the football. Fellow receiver Landon Wallican gives Brock another dependable target, providing the Hawks with a balanced and explosive passing attack.
The secondary could become one of Hebron's biggest strengths. Randy Hemphill is a lockdown corner capable of matching up with an opponent's top receiver every week, while safety Joel Chang provides leadership and stability on the back end. Their ability to eliminate big plays will be critical against the high-powered offenses the Hawks will face.
While there are talented individuals across the roster, Towels believes the team's greatest strength is how those pieces are beginning to fit together.
That chemistry is rooted in what the program simply calls "The Hebron Way." It's a culture built on toughness, accountability and selflessness.
"We bring the wood," Towels said. "We're here for one another. We have a blue-collar work ethic."
That identity has long defined Hebron football. The Hawks pride themselves on playing a physical brand of football, embracing hard work and putting the team above individual accomplishments. Those values continue to shape the culture inside the locker room and set the standard for every player who wears the blue and silver.
2027 College Park defensive back Jordan White's journey to get to where he is today started on the little league fields of SCFL to now one of the leaders of the Cavaliers defense.
The Cavaliers corner will be taking his talent to Columbia following his upcoming senior but he and his teammates have unfinished business in 2026 as they look to claim another district title and deep playoff run.
White drops by the VYPE Podcast studio to talk everything football, his commitment to Columbia, life and more. Check out the podcast!
The countdown to volleyball season is on, and now it's your turn to join the conversation. Vote for the player you believe deserves to be recognized as the 2026 VYPE HOU Public School Preseason Volleyball Player Of The Year Fan Poll.
Voting will remain open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 31st.
