Join our VYPE Live crew for this Texas High School Football match-up on Friday, October 23:
7PM - Nathan Han, Mike Rose
Cypress Ranch's Braden Baker (Houston commit)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
“It’s something I’ve been waiting for,” Baker said of his upcoming senior season. “I’m really excited for my senior year and I think it’s going to be a big season.”
In 2025, Cy Ranch reached the Regional Semifinals for the first time since 2014, the year the Mustangs advanced to the State Championship game. For Baker, the upcoming campaign is about ushering Cypress Ranch back toward those heights.
“I want to lead my team to State,” he said. “From a recognition standpoint, I want to earn all-district honors or even District MVP and really solidify my legacy at Cy Ranch.”
Baker’s commitment to the local Houston Cougars this offseason added another layer of motivation heading into the 2026 campaign — the opportunity to represent his hometown on an even bigger stage.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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“It means the world to me being able to show out in front of my city,” Baker said. “I’m definitely going to show Houston fans what they’re getting next year.”
While Baker’s motivation heading into his senior season stems from several different factors, perhaps the biggest driving force is his desire to prove consistency. He understands the spotlight that comes with his success and knows the question surrounding him: was last season a breakthrough, or the beginning of something bigger?
“I’m trying to prove that I’m supposed to be where I am right now,” he said. “I want to show people that last year wasn’t just a one-time deal and that I’m going to keep improving my senior year.”
With a championship pursuit ahead and a new chapter waiting at Houston, Baker enters 2026 determined to show that his rise was only the beginning.
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THE FULL LINEUP IS BELOW THE AD
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Shadow Creek Sharks football team.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Pearland Oilers
Manvel Mavericks
Dawson Eagles
Dobie Longhorns
Brazoswood Buccaneers
Sam Rayburn Texans
Alvin Yellowjackets
Pasadena Memorial Mavericks
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Tavis Coleman, Shadow Creek
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Royce Swan, Pearland
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Karnell “Greedy” James, Manvel
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: BJ LaFell, Shadow Creek
ON THE CUSP: Dobie Longhorns
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Pearland Oilers
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
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A sense of unfinished business surrounds Shadow Creek as the fall approaches. Despite an 8-4 result, third place in the district standings brought the Sharks’ championship streak to an end in 2025, and their postseason journey ended in the Area Round against C.E. King. Now begins the redemption arc. In his third season at the helm, head coach Tyrone Green may have the most complete roster of his tenure. Few players possess the upside of Jaylen Addai. The electrifying wideout is ranked among the premier Class of 2028 prospects in Texas and boasts an offer sheet that includes Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, Notre Dame, Miami, and Alabama. Fresh off District 22-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors, Addai totaled nearly 1,200 all-purpose yards and 16 scores while flashing the athletic traits that make him a matchup nightmare. Orchestrating the offense will be senior quarterback Tavis Coleman, a McNeese State commit who secured first-team all-district recognition after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 37 touchdowns. His arsenal includes Addai, three-star wide receiver Aden Starling, and future Ragin’ Cajun Bryce Coleman, while sophomore athlete BJ LaFell provides another dynamic piece capable of impacting every phase. On defense, Michigan-bound senior Xavier Muhammad arrives from South Houston to give Shadow Creek a formidable four-star presence off the edge. First-team cornerback Brandon Sherrard (Texas) and safety Kevin Jackson II (Maryland) round out a loaded secondary, tasked with containing opposing receiving corps.
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Following the program’s first district title since 2018, Pearland delivered an 11-1 finish a year ago, capturing the crown undefeated before seeing its playoff run narrowly derailed by Dickinson, 28-21, in the second round. The Oilers’ identity will continue to be rooted in defensive excellence, as the unit surrendered fewer than 14 points per game under coach BJ Gotte. Standing at 6-foot-3, senior DeMarco Jenkins is an absolute menace in the trenches, with the Miami commit totaling 48 tackles—including 17 for loss—and seven sacks en route to first-team all-district recognition. Factor in first-team corner Edward Smith, second-team outside linebacker Kamryn Harris, and fellow senior Taylan Alviza anchoring the defensive line, and Pearland’s bread-and-butter should remain as disruptive as ever. Then comes the challenge of reloading offensively, with the graduation of unanimous first-team running back Ja’Maurey Champion leaving a sizable void. Fortunately, tailback Royce Swan appears well-equipped for an expanded role after gaining valuable reps as a sophomore. His production—just under 900 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns—netted second-team all-district distinction and offered a glimpse of what's to come. He should have ample room to operate behind an imposing front featuring first-team seniors Roy Swan Jr. and Colby Rao, along with fullback Dominic Teichelman. Elsewhere, Braxton Jones (Jr. WR), Michael Shawver (Sr. WR), and Karon Johnson (Sr. TE) make up a balanced assortment of targets in the passing game.
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Manvel found its stride late in 2025, stringing together six straight victories highlighted by a 70-35 playoff rout of Hightower. Summer Creek ultimately brought the postseason push to a close in the Area Round, but an 8-4 finish showed that coach Kirk Martin and the Mavericks are trending in the right direction. The offense will revolve around new signal-caller Brayden Tuiasosopo, a senior who recently committed to Army West Point. Developing chemistry with four-star wideout Carter St. Junious will be paramount, as the junior returns after a first-team all-district showing. St. Junious’ 6-foot-3 frame and exceptional skill set have also made him a coveted prospect on the recruiting trail, holding offers from LSU, Texas A&M, Oregon, Miami, Texas, and UCLA. Meanwhile, the rushing attack will utilize the senior tandem of Kenneth Malone Hayes and Xaiden Brown, who combined for more than 900 yards and 20 touchdowns last fall. Carrying one of H-Town’s most recognizable nicknames, Karnell “Greedy” James Jr. (LSU commit) brings an unmistakable presence to the Mavs’ defense, demonstrated by 53 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups that earned him a first-team all-district nod. Senior linebacker and fellow first-team selection Samuel “BAM” Weary (UTEP) was a force in the middle, collecting nearly 120 tackles (15 for loss), three sacks, three picks, and two forced fumbles. 22-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year Brayson Robinson and Kevin Tatum Jr. create problems off the edge, collapsing pockets and containing the run.
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The balance of power looked a little different thanks to Dawson, as head coach Mike Allison and company emerged as the district runner-up and established themselves among the area’s challengers. Though a 21-16 opening-round loss to Ridge Point ended the Eagles’ playoff run, their ascent suggested the district hierarchy may no longer be set in stone. Senior athlete Corey Brown remains Dawson’s wild card, capable of impacting the game from virtually anywhere on the field. Whether lined up at receiver, taking handoffs, or making plays in the secondary, Brown range produced 616 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns en route to District 22-6A Utility Player of the Year honors. Fellow senior Calvin Wesley, a second-team all-district selection, will also see time at multiple positions. He’ll operate behind an experienced front led by Carter Ceasar, Tyler Henry, Javier Torres, and Arthur Powell. Defensively, the Eagles bring back the bulk of a unit that allowed roughly 16 points per contest. First-team all-district linebackers Caden Exum and Nathanael Talom, who combined for 171 tackles, headline the group, while seniors Jumar Curry and Aiden Witt reinforce the trenches.
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Despite the challenges that come with navigating such a demanding district slate, Dobie still managed to post a respectable 5-5 record and stay within striking distance of the playoff picture. The road back to contention won’t be easy, but it’s one the Longhorns are prepared to embrace. Tailback Adrian Taylor serves as the engine behind Dobie’s attack, primed to build on the explosiveness and vision he showcased as a sophomore while taking on an expanded workload this fall. Senior guard Achilles Rostro sets the tone up front, anchoring an offensive line tasked with creating room for Taylor while giving quarterback Jalen Miles time to find second-team all-district wideout Nolen Thomas through the air. The Longhorns will have a few more questions to answer on the other side of the ball, though Robert “RJ” Robinson (Sr. DE), Orlando Gomez (Sr. LB), Dakarai Parker (Sr. CB), and Jyles Washington (Jr. LB) are positioned to make their mark.
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Brazoswood begins a new chapter following UIL realignment, leaving District 24-6A after a 4-6 result and fifth-place standing. Guided by head coach Eric Luster, the Bucs are chasing their first playoff berth since 2022—a goal that will be anything but straightforward. Familiarity on defense should serve Brazoswood well, led by cornerback Keiran Lunford, a first-team all-district honoree who racked up 67 tackles and three interceptions a season ago. Senior linebacker Ethan Henry paces the middle of the unit, while juniors Tyler Luna and Kristian Butler bulk up the front seven. Taking over at quarterback is Bay City transfer Jonus Edwards, a 6-foot-1 senior who fits the mold of a prototypical QB1 and brings the skill set to elevate the Buccaneers’ scheme. He’ll be joined by receivers Nick Darthard and Camryn Davis, along with junior running back Denzel Jackson.
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The Texans finally found their footing among their rivals, snapping a two-year drought without a district victory. Sam Rayburn pieced together a 5-5 mark, including a 3-5 showing against 22-6A opponents, signaling a potential shift in momentum. The defense’s ability to navigate the district gauntlet will be key, but the Texans retain proven pieces to lead the charge. Linebacker Raymond Sabala (second-team all-district), safety Coen Holliday (second-team), and linemen Juelz Byrd-Acuna, Nathan Slater, and Julian Montelongo (honorable mentions) provide a veteran backbone for the unit. On offense, junior guard Darrell Randall (second-team all-district) strengthens the front alongside sophomore Byron Raymond, while the Youngblood duo is poised for increased involvement.
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Coming off a 3-7 campaign that placed them seventh in the district standings, Alvin has plenty of ground to cover in its pursuit of rejoining the conversation. Still, second-year head coach Matthew Bass’s group has shown flashes of offensive upside. Senior Anthony Desanto returns as the Yellowjackets’ signal-caller, protected by all-district honorable mention guard Jacobi Small. Desanto’s arsenal includes wide receivers Kollin Breaux and James Keeland, along with H-back Dareon Cannon, another honorable mention pick. Defensively, second-team all-district cornerback Travis Gross headlines a group bolstered by junior safety Blaine Bingham and senior linebacker Will Mauerhan.
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After serving as the interim leader, Colton Freeman officially took the reins as Pasadena Memorial’s head coach in January. The transition follows a challenging season that saw the Mavericks finish 2-8 overall and 1-7 in district play. Senior Joseph Castillo, a first-team all-district selection a year ago, figures to be a key catalyst in the program’s push forward, bringing two-way value at wide receiver and cornerback. Fellow senior Landon Johnson is poised to take the next step under center, while the safety tandem of Logan Gerber, a second-team all-district pick, and Jaden Arispe provides stability on the defensive side of the ball.
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