College Station, Lufkin look to hold off Magnolia schools for District 8-5A-DI

Todd James

Aug 21, 2019

Magnolia West

By Bradley Collier

PRESEASON RANKINGS

College Station

Lufkin

Magnolia West

Magnolia

Tomball

Waller

Willis

Caney Creek

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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS

MVP

Hunter Dunn, Tomball

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OFFENSIVE MVP

Austin Sosa, College Station

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DEFENSIVE MVP

Jerrin Thompson, Lufkin

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BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Price Hubbard, Waller

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SLEEPER TEAM

Waller Bulldogs

...

District 8-5A-DI could see an avalanche of playoff teams for the 2019 season as College Station and Lufkin are locks for the top two spots. Magnolia, Magnolia West, Tomball and Waller will be fighting for the two remaining spots as we will see a flashback to 2018, when three teams battled it out for the last two spots on the last weekend.

College Station Cougars

College Station had a somewhat disappointing 2018 campaign as they lost a key district game to Magnolia West that slid them down to the third seed. That meant they would end up playing eventual state champion Highland Park in the area round. The Cougars would put up a good fight, but the 28-20 second-round loss would leave a bad taste for a team that was the 2017 defending state champions. Coach Steve Huff returns five starters each on offense and defense. The leaders will be led by the versatile QB/WR Austin Sosa (5-foot-11, 175-pounds) and LB Michael Medlin (5-foot-11, 195-pounds). The Cougars got some great work in, winning the state 7-on-7 tournament. Another advantage for the Cougars is that they will host every important district game in 2019. Lufkin (10/11), Magnolia (10/18), Tomball (11/1) and Mag West (11/8) all come to College Station in 2019.

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Lufkin Panthers

Lufkin is the Lion King coming into this season as coach Todd Quick has 11 starters returning off their 10-2 team from 2018. The Panthers will be led by 4-star heat-seeking missile Jerrin Thompson (6-foot-1,170-pounds), who will roam the passing lanes like a panther stalking a deer. Look for Lufkin to be on a mission after a disappointing area-round loss last year to Lone Star, 49-21. Their district game of the year will be October 21 when they travel to College Station for the district crown.

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Magnolia West Mustangs

Magnolia West goes into "rebuild" mode for 2019. Their charismatic coach J.D. Burna moves into an administrative role as the district athletic director. That moves last year's offensive coordinator Blake Joseph into the head coaching role. The Mustangs will miss star QB John Matocha as he moves on to sling the rock at the Colorado School of Mines. Former linebacker Tristan Brady will now call the plays on offense and will target top WR Payton Finch (1,244 yards, 16 TDs receiving). The defense returns five starters, which includes all-district LB Gage Wade (108 tackles). The Mustangs have a strong junior class, so the light in the tunnel could be a train coming through the district. The month of November will be huge for Mag West as they play at Magnolia (11/1) and College Station (11/9) to likely determine their playoff seed.

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Magnolia Bulldogs

By Bradley Collier

The Magnolia Bulldogs were probably the best team NOT to make the playoffs last year. Their fifth-place finish included one-point losses to Magnolia West (28-27), Tomball (50-49) and a three-point loss to College Station, 41-38. The Temple connection to Magnolia ISD rings further true in 2019 as former Temple DC Craig Martin takes over for Sterling Doty, who moves on to his alma mater at Stephenville. If games are won in the trenches then Magnolia looks solid for 2019 as they have three bona fide FBS OL prospects in Derek Bowman (6-foot-4, 260-pounds), Kade Bond (6-foot-3, 295-pounds) and junior Matthew Wykoff (6-foot-6, 260-pounds). Bowman verbally committed to the University of Houston in the offseason. In any other 5A district, Magnolia would be a lock-solid district favorite, however, in 8-5A-DI they will most likely be fighting for the last playoff spot with Tomball.

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Tomball Cougars

*Photo Taken Before Demas' UIL Hearing*

Tomball is a wild card coming into 2019. With a high-powered offense and a brand-new defense, the Cougars could resemble a popcorn machine with all the scoring. Returning is most likely the top QB prospect in Houston in senior returner Hunter Dunn (6-foot-4, 185-pounds). Dunn will be fun to watch as he'll have targets Jake Johnson (465 yards, 3 TDs receiving) and Jay'Ris Smith (637 yards, 4 TDs receiving). Running wild in the Cougars wide-open school will be RB Jermaine Mayes (378 yards, 4 TDs rushing). Tomball could be the first team ever to score 500 points and give up 500 points at the 5A level. Their big game comes early as the Tomball Bowl (Tomball vs Tomball Memorial) comes week one. Let the games begin.

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Waller Bulldogs

Waller could make some noise as legendary Cypress Ranch coach Gene Johnson moves down the road to coach the Bulldogs. Johnson has won big at Klein Forest, Hightower and Cypress Ranch and is a huge "get" for athletic director Jim Phillips. Johnson guided Cy Ranch to an undefeated regular season last year. Johnson's blueprint is a run-oriented offense and a sound, stingy defense. Look for RB "Big House" Price Hubbard (5-foot-10, 230-pounds) to lead the "pro style" offense of coach Johnson. The game of the year could be when Waller hosts Willis on November 1st.

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Willis Wildkats

Second-year coach Michael Wall has a Willis team that is two years into his offense that brought multiple titles to Lake Travis. Look for Willis QB Steele Bardwell (6-foot-0, 185-pounds) to cook with hot oil with WRs Joshua King (5-foot-7, 175-pounds) and Jacoby McCoy (6-foot-3, 200-pounds) creating in space. The defense will need to bow its neck and get some spots for the 'Cats to be in the postseason conversation.

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Caney Creek Panthers

Caney Creek is a young team with some fight. Head coach Steve Svendsen will have his hands full in this district, but look for the Panthers to fight with two-way player Isaiah Mendoza (WR/DB, 5-foot-10, 160-pounds) and RB Spencer Brandon (5-foot-10, 175-pounds).

VYPE Austin Boys Soccer Scene: 2020 UIL, TAPPS & SPC Teams To Watch

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

The 2020 Texas high school boys soccer season is here, so you're probably wondering who the UIL, TAPPS and SPC teams to watch are in the Austin area. Check out today's VYPE coverage. To buy other team and individual photos from the 2020 VYPE Austin Preseason Soccer Photoshoot, click here.

We start in the state's highest classification because two area teams reached a UIL 6A regional quarterfinal in 2019. One of those was Pflugerville Hendrickson, who reached that round in Region II. The Hawks can replicate their run from a year ago because they have important talents on their 2020 roster, like Kaden Franco and Xjavier Martinez. 13-6A district foe Austin Vandegrift, a young and feisty squad, will prepare them for bigger tests.

The other regional quarterfinalist was Lake Travis, who accomplished the feat in Region IV. The Cavaliers will lean on senior Bentley Patterson to have success against rival Westlake and make another playoff appearance in 2020.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

The UIL 5A classification saw five Austin area teams record at least a regional quarterfinal appearance in 2019, so a lot is expected from Central Texas programs in 2020. Cedar Park led the charge with its Region III semifinal finish and has quality players in Michael Ernand, Jacob Pell and Kameryn Roehrig to take a bigger step this spring. The Timberwolves' final win last season came against regional quarterfinalist Marble Falls, so watch for the Mustangs as well.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

Pflugerville Connally adds to the depth of Region III because it's also coming off a regional quarterfinal finish. Big performances by Osbaldo Gaona and Jesus Luna can set up an even better Cougars' year in 2020.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

Region IV features the Austin-area 25-5A district and the whole region of South Texas. Austin McCallum will lean on Reed Johnson and Blake Steckel in its battles with fellow 2019 regional quarterfinalist district-mate Dripping Springs to prepare for the playoff challenges beyond it.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

UIL 4A saw Taylor lead the Austin area pack with its 2019 Region IV semifinal finish, but a pair of regional quarterfinalists from a year ago are also ready to strike in 2020. La Grange is the most dangerous because Hector Orona, Jose Lopez-Ocon, Diego Lopez and Luis Sanchez are back for the Leopards, but don't discount what Austin Eastside Memorial Early College brings to matches.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

In the higher classifications of TAPPS, expect Nicholas Jacquin and Blake Usry to add to Regents School of Austin's legendary athletic resume.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

In the league's smaller classifications, Austin San Juan Diego Catholic will make plenty of noise with key players Jayson Gorostieta, Juan Nicasio and Pedro Sanchez hitting the field.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

In SPC, Austin St. Andrew's Episcopal School will be the area favorite and plans to continue its tournament appearance streak in 2020. Max Burbey, Fabio La Pietra and Jake Huggins will play important roles in the Highlanders' run at another postseason.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.

Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.

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Denton Braswell Hoops Teams Sweep Past The Colony

Photo by Stephen Peters

LITTLE ELM - In a pair of battles featuring matchups of Top 10 teams in the area, Denton Braswell was able to hold court and sweep both visiting The Colony teams Friday night.

GIRLS RECAP

#1 Denton Braswell 58, #9 The Colony 43: Despite giving up 26 points to senior Jewel Spear, the 4-star Wake Forest commit, Braswell was able to shut down the rest of The Colony's lineup.

Braswell started the game well in the first quarter, building a 14-5 lead after one. But Braswell began to hit a lull offensively with missed shots and turnovers to allow The Colony to start chipping away at the lead.

Something that head coach Lisa Williams relied on her seniors to help pull them out of and regain control of the game.

"I rely on [those seniors] a lot, because they have the most experience," Williams said. "They have to step up and carry us through those moments, and they did that tonight."

Four of the six seniors on the team scored for Braswell, including 17 from Tiarah Sparks and 12 from Aminah Hall.

Braswell moves to 21-4 and 6-0 in 8-5A and will host Little Elm on Friday, January 24. The Colony falls 14-9 and 4-2 in district and play at Little Elm on Tuesday, January 21.

BOYS RECAP

Denton Braswell 50, #9 The Colony 43: Much like the preceding game, the boys tilt featured Braswell jumping on The Colony early only to suffer a similar lull offensively and surrender the lead going into halftime.

However, it was an unlikely hero for Braswell with huge shots that either tied or gave Braswell the lead in a couple instances in the second half thanks to Bradley Russell's five 3-pointers and a 17-point effort.

It was uplifting for the entire team, said head coach Nick Sekeres, to have a player who hadn't played in every game this year and to come in and hit almost all of his shots.

"The beauty of it, is it wasn't a surprise," Sekeres said. "[Russell's] been such a team guy for us, and it was such a tremendous moment for him."

The Colony closed the first half on a five-point run, ignited by a putback dunk by Myles Price. The Colony used that momentum to build an early lead in the third quarter, but that is where Braswell turned to Russell.

Sekeres said as he was hitting those shots, it was big for the rest of the team, "as if 10 guys hit each one." Russell's three-point stroke proved invaluable in a tight contest.

Keith Miller led The Colony with 13.

Braswell moves to 18-9 and 4-1 in 8-5A and will take on Little Elm at home on Friday, January 24. The Colony drops to 17-7 and 1-3 in district and will play at Little Elm on Tuesday, January 21.

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VYPE Austin Girls Soccer Scene: 2020 UIL, TAPPS & SPC Teams To Watch

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

The 2020 Texas high school girls soccer season is here, so you're probably wondering who the UIL, TAPPS and SPC teams to watch are in the Austin area. Check out today's VYPE coverage. To buy other team and individual photos from the 2020 VYPE Austin Preseason Soccer Photoshoot, click here.

We start in the state's highest classification because Lake Travis is coming off a run to the 2019 UIL 6A state semifinal. You'll hear from the Cavaliers again and they can make another trip to the state final four because key players like Hannah Alexander, Carly Van Essen, Bronwyn Bates and Kendall Fain are still on the roster. Their biggest Region IV challenge will be 2019 regional semifinalist and 25-6A district foe Westlake.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

If the Cavs outmatch their rival and make a return trip to the season's final weekend, they could face Austin Vandegrift or Round Rock, two UIL 13-6A teams that advanced to a Region II semifinal in 2019.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

In UIL 5A, keep an eye on Dripping Springs because the Tigers marched to the classification's state semifinal round in 2019. Emma Jones and Sofia Picucci are two of the players that will guide them through Region IV and help them contend for a better finish in 2020.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

Dripping Springs will battle 2019 area round finalist Austin McCallum and 2019 bi-district finisher Lockhart in UIL 25-5A district play, but will also keep an eye on 2019 Region III finalist Pflugerville and state final four host Georgetown.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

UIL 4A may be the state's smallest public school soccer classification, but that doesn't take away from the talent and excitement in it. Liberty Hill led the area charge with a trip to the classification final in the 2019 season and will be in the mix for a third straight state final four appearance in 2020, but Wimberley can also act as a road block for the Panthers this spring. The Texans are out for revenge after Liberty Hill defeated them 2-0 in the 2019 UIL 4A Region IV final and 2-0 in the 2018 UIL 4A Region IV area round. If they surround Casey Crawford and Holly Harwood with the necessary support, you could see a similar outing as their 2-0 win against Liberty Hill in the 2017 UIL 4A Region IV quarterfinal set up a run to the 2020 state final four.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

But, don't forget about Manor New Tech. It's classified as a UIL 3A school for most activities, but overcame odds to record a UIL 4A Region IV bi-district finish in its inaugural varsity soccer season. Expect Bailey Tisdale and Victoria Moreno to keep the Titans in contention for their first playoff win in 2020.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

In TAPPS, Regents School of Austin is a team to watch in the higher classifications because it is a power in a lot of sports. Ava Ingram and Kacie Flanakin are two of the players that will add to the Knights' athletic history in 2020.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

In the league's smaller classifications, the return of Ariel Nevarez makes Austin San Juan Diego Catholic a can't miss team in 2020.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

In SPC, the expectation is to get both Austin members to the end of the year championship tournament like the 2019 season. St. Andrew's Episcopal School has the necessary trio in Daniela Youngberg, Georgia Northway and Sidney Marsh to surpass last year's first round appearance, and St. Stephen's Episcopal School is coming off a quarterfinal finish.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.

Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.

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College Station, Lufkin look to hold off Magnolia schools for District 8-5A-DI

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