VYPE Media visits Aldine MacArthur High School this week as we bring in Generals head baseball coach Ernest Gonzalez as Coach discusses the success of the program in the 2019 season.
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Katy Tigers football team.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Jordan Warriors
Tompkins Falcons
Cinco Ranch Cougars
Paetow Panthers
Mayde Creek Rams
Morton Ranch Mavericks
Seven Lakes Spartans
Taylor Mustangs
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Ethan Meadows, Tompkins
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Landon Williams, Jordan
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Cade Haug, Katy
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Curtis Zeno Jr., Paetow
ON THE CUSP: Paetow Panthers
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Jordan Warriors
Doug Brown (VYPE)
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The standard never changes at Katy High School. The Tigers did what they always seem to do in 2025—win the district championship and make another deep playoff run before falling in a Regional Semifinal thriller to Summer Creek. Now, legendary head coach Gary Joseph has his sights set on something much bigger: State Championship No. 10. For more than three decades, Joseph has built one of the nation's premier programs by sticking to a formula that never goes out of style—run the football, dominate the line of scrimmage, protect the football and play suffocating defense. It's a blueprint that has produced championships and will soon make him the winningest coach in Houston high school football history. The offensive line once again sets the tone. Oklahoma commit Isaac Coughran headlines a physical unit alongside Wyatt Moebes and Zach Robinette, giving the Tigers one of the best fronts in Texas. Behind them, Tony Manuel returns after eclipsing the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2025 and will share carries with explosive back CJ Watts. Quarterback Mason Hartwell embraces the role of efficient game manager, while Braylon Pettaway gives the passing game a dependable target. At fullback, Fayo George continues the tradition of doing the dirty work that has become synonymous with Katy football. Defensively, the Tigers should once again be elite. Terry Brister and Josiah Martinez anchor the defensive front, while Kingwood transfer Cade Haug could emerge as one of the state's top linebackers after recording more than 100 tackles a year ago. Aeferi Davies and Wes Sewell complete a talented linebacker corps, while Caleb Ritter, David Olutu Judah and Colt Venier patrol an experienced secondary. If Katy controls the trenches as it usually does, another championship run is well within reach.
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Jordan has quickly become one of the fastest-rising programs in the Houston area. After advancing to the Regional Semifinals in 2025, head coach Mike Rabe believes this year's Warriors have the talent to take the next step—and perhaps even challenge Katy for district supremacy. The offense is loaded with playmakers. Dual-sport quarterback Thomas Eugate possesses one of the strongest arms in the district and has an outstanding receiving duo in Landon Williams and Rush Williams, who can stretch defenses vertically. Running back John Okonji has all the tools to become a 1,000-yard rusher behind a physical offensive line led by Luc Broussard. The defense is equally impressive. Linebacker Braden Pino surpassed the 100-tackle mark last season, while defensive lineman Elijah Wright controls the trenches. Defensive backs Carter Francis and Tom Oyenene provide stability in the secondary, and Houston commit Mo Poko may be the district's most versatile athlete, capable of impacting the game on offense, defense and special teams.
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Tompkins narrowly missed the playoffs in 2025, but expectations are significantly higher entering this fall. Although longtime offensive coordinator Mark Hopkins departed to become the head coach at Leander Rouse, Todd McVey's Falcons return plenty of offensive firepower. Running back Ethan Meadows may be the district's top ball carrier after rushing for more than 1,100 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Quarterback JP Vaclavik returns with experienced targets Jaden Madu and Doda Omubude, while Lennon Reese, Phoenix Smith and Cooper Cummings anchor an experienced offensive line. The defensive line should be one of the team's strengths behind Joaquin Dela Cruz, Leo Flett and Dominic Collaso. Michigan commit Blake Jenkins headlines the secondary with his elite athleticism and closing speed, joined by Zach Jury, Clayton Toliver and Rhys Arthur. If Tompkins can finish close games, the Falcons could become one of the district's biggest surprises.
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Few teams exceeded expectations more than Cinco Ranch in 2025. The Cougars finished 7-1 in district play and won a playoff game under head coach Chris Dudley, setting the stage for another strong campaign. The biggest storyline is the emergence of quarterback Gunner Anderson, who inherits an offense loaded with talent. Wide receivers Jacob Chevez and Max Williams combined for more than 1,700 receiving yards a season ago, giving Anderson one of the district's most dangerous receiving corps. Running back Brayden Gonzalez returns after a productive 2025 campaign and should keep defenses honest. Six starters return on defense, led by defensive lineman Chinachi Iroha, linebacker Christian Jackson and Andrew Reagan. Look for Malik Bailey and Oliver Chambliss to take on expanded roles this fall.
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Paetow reached the playoffs once again in 2025 before bowing out in the opening round, but head coach David Hicks believes another postseason run is within reach. Quarterback Jaiden Noel returns after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Arizona commit Curtis Zeno looks poised for a breakout season after flirting with the 1,000-yard mark. Receiver Tyler Washington headlines a talented group of pass catchers, while Joe Pettigrew and Fernando Lizama anchor a physical offensive line. Defensively, linebacker Cade Ayro serves as the emotional leader. The Panthers have long been known for producing dominant defensive linemen, and Cameron Quillen, Chandler Songster and Klenam Attipoe continue that tradition. Defensive backs Key'Tavien Williams, Deandre Williams and Demonceon Coleman round out an experienced secondary.
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Defense will once again be the identity for Mayde Creek. Head coach Mike Arogbonlo returns one of the district's most productive linebackers in Christian Arogbonlo, who surpassed 100 tackles from the middle of the defense. Defensive lineman Donovan Steen will be tasked with occupying blockers and freeing up the linebackers, while Jaiden Turner-James anchors the secondary. The offense remains the biggest question. Tight end Tristan Schwartz and wide receivers Chad Nelson and AJ Ward provide intriguing pieces, but developing consistency and depth will be critical if the Rams hope to return to playoff contention.
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Both Seven Lakes and Morton Ranch finished 2-6 in district play last season but have legitimate hopes of climbing back into the postseason race. At Seven Lakes, veteran coach Jimmy Hamon returns an experienced quarterback in Tyson Fifer and a defense anchored by standout defensive lineman Hayden Gandolfo. The Spartans have enough talent to compete—they simply need a few breaks to fall their way. Morton Ranch should feature one of the district's better rushing attacks behind Cameron Brown, who returns after an 1,100-yard season. Quarterback Thaddeus Williams has a dependable target in Chase Williams, while defenders Henry Reed, Masekela Washington and Kenneth Murray III headline an improving defense.
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After enduring an 0-10 campaign, Taylor enters 2026 determined to turn the page. Head coach Chris Babin has several promising pieces to build around, including an improving offensive line and a group of skilled playmakers capable of creating explosive plays. The Mustangs may still be rebuilding, but don't be surprised if they find the win column and begin laying the foundation for brighter days ahead.
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Ridge Point Panthers football team.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Hightower Hurricanes
Strake Jesuit Crusaders
Travis Tigers
Bush Broncos
Clements Rangers
Austin Bulldogs
Elkins Knights
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Brody Bartee, Ridge Point
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Carson White, Hightower
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bo Cimino, Clements
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Grayson Ochoa, Clements
ON THE CUSP: Travis Tigers
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Hightower Hurricanes
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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Ridge Point is loaded with talent entering the 2026 season with 26 athletes holding offers and five verbally committed. The Panthers are coming off an 11-1 season and reached the Area Round in 2025. A total of 12 starters, eight on the defensive side of the ball, return for seventh-year coach Rick LaFavers. Florida Atlantic commit QB Brody Bartee is back after passing for 2,098 yards and 26 touchdowns last year. One of his top targets Suhaib Ramseur, who is also committed to FAU, registered 18 receptions for 339 yards and five scores last season. Defensively, Kansas State commits Logan Davis (DB - 19 tackles, 2 INT) and Bryson Dossett (DB - 18 tackles, 1 INT) are both set to return. Aaron Williams, committed to North Carolina, is also back at defensive back after racking up 56 tackles last season. Williams was named third-team all-state. The secondary is loaded with talent with this trio roaming it. Other key returners include ILB Dyllon Bennett (77 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 10 QB hurries), OLB Brayden Bonik (58 tackles, 3 sacks, 14 QB hurries, 10 TFL), OLB Khalen Tayloe (34 tackles, 4 sacks), DL Chris Racey (46 tackles, 20 TFL, seven sacks) and DL Kenny Ezeki (48 tackles, 4 sacks, 15 TFLs).
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The Hurricanes have been a force. The past nine seasons, which included three 10-plus win campaigns, Fort Bend Hightower has been firmly in the playoff picture. Oklahoma State commit Carson White takes over at quarterback for the Hurricanes in 2026. Other key returners on offense include first-team all-district OL Chris Coleman and second-teamers Koleman Jones (OL), Isaias Arellano (OL) and Kentrell Mosley (WR). Mosley finished last year with 402 yards receiving and six scores. Defensively, first-team corner Zion Newton, who had a team-leading three interceptions, is back along with second-team selections Oluwatomilol Ajao (DE - Harvard-commit), Chris Carroll (DT), Champ Anthony (OLB) and RJ Lindley (S - 30 tackles). Anthony led the team with 75 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, while Carroll had 3.5 sacks, 10 QB pressures and 34 tackles. Ajao chipped in 50 tackles, 20 QB hurries, 16 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as well. Another player to watch is Dailon Denkins who had 15 tackles and an interception last season.
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Strake Jesuit rolled their way to the Regional Semifinals last year and finished 10-3 overall. The Crusaders have made the playoffs for three-straight seasons entering 2026. Gone is the ultra-talented running back John Hebert to the University of Houston. He rushed for more than 3,600 yards and 42 touchdowns last year. Now it’s time to turn the page to the next era for sixth-year coach Donovan Fikac as they return eight starters. First-team, all-district selection Grayson Ochoa (Army commit) will be looked at to step into the RB1 role. Ochoa rushed for 781 yards and 10 scores on 100 carries last year. First-team all-district OL Alex Frew and Brady Kerrigan along with second-teamer Patrick Rose will pave the way for Ochoa. Also returning on offense is second-teamer Cade Barrett (FB) and Elijah Gassett (WR). Gassett finished last year with 245 yards receiving and four scores. Defensively, first-team all-district picks Paolo Masso (OLB) and Luke Leone (S) are back. Leone, an Army-commit, led the team with three interceptions and chipped in 68 tackles (55 solo). Other names to take note of are second-team all-district picks Victor Zaccardo (DL), Cameron McNulty (ILB) and Harrison Socha (ILB/OLB). McNulty finished with 97 tackles (81 solo) and three sacks. Keys to success for Fikac’s team include having an experienced O-Line, key players in big roles and staying healthy.
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Fort Bend Travis has made the playoffs for three-straight years heading into 2026 and is coming off an eight-win season. This marked the first time the TIgers had won eight or more games in a year since winning 10 in 2019. Kendrick Crumedy takes over the program and returns nine starters including unanimous first-team all-district selection Josh Vilmael, a Kansas State commit, at corner. Vilamael had two interceptions and four forced fumbles last season. Trace Baker is back at QB1 after passing for 1,201 yards and 17 scores a year ago. Other key returners include second-team all-district picks Colton McQueen (OL), Josh Ochelli (DE - UTEP commit) and Tyler Hubert (ILB). Ochelli had 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss last season. Another player to watch is North Texas-commit Ethan Williams at receiver, who had 29 receptions for 595 yards and seven scores a year ago.
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The Broncos enter the second year under head coach Colonious McNeal. Fort Bend Bush went 6-5 in year one under McNeal and reached the Bi-District round of the playoffs. It will be a fairly new-looking team in 2026 as just six starters return, with five being on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Brandon Smith, who holds offers from Texas State, Tulsa, UTSA, Samford and Lama, rushed for 714 yards and 12 scores a year ago. Smith was named second-team all-district. A pair of second-team all-district OL will move defenders for him as 6-foot-5, 320-pound Amare Ndukwe and 6-foot-2, 320-pound Isaiah Neal-Woodard are back. Nduwke holds offers from Texas Southern, Midwestern State, Samford, Lamar, Texas A&M-Texarkana and Arkansas Tech. Senior Kameron Robinson is also returning after starting at center the past two years. Defensively, DB Robert Bankhead (Samford and Henderson State offers) is back after recording 28 tackles, three interceptions, one fumble return for a touchdown and one blocked field goal in 2025. Keys to success include running the football well behind an experienced offensive line and the young defenders growing up quickly, according to McNeal.
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The Rangers went 2-8 overall in 2025 and finished seventh in district play. Fort Bend Clements will look to get back into the playoff picture this year for the first time since 2022. The Rangers brings back District 21-6A All-Purpose Player of the Year George Jreissaty, who rushed for 1,224 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jreissaty was also named a second-team all-district running back. Incoming senior Kellen Kinter was named the District 21-6A Deep Snapper of the Year. Another name to watch on offense is second-team all-district OL Brandon Evans. Defensively, first-team, all-district safety Bo Cimino is back for the Rangers. Cimino had a team-leading 101 tackles and five interceptions in 2025.
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It will be a new era for the Bulldogs in 2026 as Christopher Wilson takes over the program after serving as the Cypress Springs Offensive Coordinator last year. WIlson takes handle of a team that went 2-8 overall last year and returns 10 starters off that team. Trent McCoy will pace the offense at running back after rushing for 1,213 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Luke Chapman will make the move to QB1 after playing wide receiver last year for the Bulldogs. They also return second-team all-district OL Moaz Abdelmotilib up front. Defensively, OLB/TE Albert Morgan will be looked to be a presence on the edge of the defense, while CB/WR Christian Franks is a dynamic sophomore who Wilson is expecting to impact the defense. Finally, watch for Javier Winston on the defensive side at the nickel position. Keys to success for Wilson’s team include being able to run the football, making explosive plays downfield and limiting explosive plays and stopping the run on defense.
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Elkins finished just on the outside of the playoff picture in 2025 at 5-5 overall and going 3-4 in district play despite winning two of their last four games. Fourth-year coach Trae Grimes returns 14 starters with nine of those on defense. The Knights are set to return second-team all-district selections Blaise Til (DB), Mikael Jones (ILB), Omosefe Ayemere (OLB) and Austin Johnson (S) to that side of the ball. Ayemere is verbally committed to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and had 64 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks last season. Johnson had 63 tackles and two pass breakups in 2025. On offense, watch for honorable mention all-district pick Tyson Craft (94 carries, 588 yards, 8 TDs) and WR Kayden Knighten (20 rec. 297 yards, 1 TD). Keys to success for the Knights, according to Grimes, are to run the ball on offense effectively, be opportunistic on defense and be sound and attack with special teams.
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Memorial Mustangs football team.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Lamar Texans
Stratford Spartans
Heights Bulldogs
Bellaire Cardinals
Alief Taylor Lions
Westside Wolves
Elsik Rams
Hastings Bears
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Grant Sperandio, Memorial
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jayden Robins, Lamar
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kristopher Connor, Bellaire
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Marvin Alexander, Stratford
ON THE CUSP: Heights Bulldogs
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Lamar Texans
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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Brooks Haack enters his second year at the helm of the Memorial football program. In his inaugural season, the Mustangs went 10-2 and reached the Area Round. A dozen starters return to the mix for Haack, including Georgetown-commit Jackson Van Wie at defensive back. Vane Wie had 100 tackles a year ago. Quarterback Grant Sperandio returns after passing for 2,000 yards and more than 20 touchdowns a year ago. He will pace the offense. Other key returners include Georgetown-commit Myles Goebel and Carnegie Mellon-commit Jacob Espinoza. The three keys to success for Haack’s team this year include health, physicality and grit.
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Lamar is coming off a season where they went 8-4 overall and 6-0 in district play. The Texans reached the Area Round of the playoffs and have been in the big dance for the past 18 years. Ninth-year coach Michael Lindsey brings back nine starters to the team including dual-threat QB Jayden Robins, who was named the District 18-6A Offensive MVP last season. Lindsey considers him a “gamechanger” and “has all the tools”. Robins finished with 1,122 yards passing and 16 TDs and rushed for another 320 yards and two scores. Colorado-commit Prince Washington holds down the secondary as a three-year starter with great speed. Other key returners include WR JaCarsten Landor (839 career receiving yards, 12 TDs - multiple DI offers), RB Kaze Bryan (10.3 yards per carry on 50 carries; 6 TDs) and LB Jaxon Richmond (3-year starter - multiple DI offers) and center Seth Lim (lone returning starter on OLine). Keys to success include the play of the offensive line and defensive back group.
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Stratford reached the Area Round a year ago and finished 5-7 overall. Todd Rankin enters his 10th season of leading the program, which returns six starters for this season. The offensive line will be anchored by TCU-commit Ty Greene, who is making the move to the offensive side of the ball after playing defense in 2025. Other key returners include defensive edge Callan Kirk, who is an “instinctive and athletic force” on the defense. Rankin will look to him to lead the defense in 2026. Offensive guard Nate Edwards is “tenacious” and will set the tone on the OL and OT Marvin Alexander is expected to have a big sophomore year after becoming a varsity starter during the playoffs. Keys to success include having quick growth with the young skill players on offense and defense, finding a run game and being a better tackling defensive unit.
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Heights went 6-5 overall a year ago and posted a 5-1 mark in district play to earn a playoff slot. The Bulldogs reached the Bi-District Round where they fell to now new district foe Stratford. First-team, all-district selections QB Kobe Miles, RB Phelan Powell, OL Felix Mora and TE Jack Whisenhunt are set to return on offense in 2026. Powell led the team with 610 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Second-team receivers Micah Olivia and Nelson Rodriguez are also set to be back. Defensively, first-team, all-district selection Ashton Davis (DB - 40 tackles) and second-teamers Domingo Herrera (OLB - 51 tackles) and Tristan Hadley (Deep Snapper) return....
The Bellaire Cards went 6-5 overall a year ago and reached the Bi-District Round of the playoffs. The Cardinals bring back a handful of talent including first-team, all-district OL Paul Wallace up front who will set the tone in the trenches. Second-team, all-district all-purpose back Jake Brasington is back after finishing second on the team in receiving yards with 347 and chipped in 61 yards on the ground. Defensively, first-team, all-district ILB Kristopher Connor and second-team, all-district DL Sifredis Romero and DB Keaton Davis are set to return as well. Connor led the team with 99 tackles and 14 tackles for loss last season. He also had two interceptions as well. Romero chipped in 28 tackles and one sack, while Davis reeled in two interceptions.
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The Alief Taylor Lions are coming off a 4-6 campaign in 2025 and just barely missed the playoffs. Alief Taylor brings back plenty of talent including first-team, all-district QB Nick Kongolo, RB Hameer Shokunle and ILB Danilo Penso. Second-team, all-district selections Jaylon Leonard (OL), Ikenna Nwawueze (LB) and Arthur Rogers (DL).
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Westside is coming off a season that saw them go 2-8 overall. The Wolves return four starters off that team as Cedric Allen enters his fourth season of leading the program. Players to watch this season for Westside include QB Gavin Meador, DT Roderick Chambers, RB Cordie Kimble, WR Worldens Saint Jean, Safety Christian Ellis, OL Emmanuel Griffin and LB Roger Dingamnarbe. Keys to success for Westside in 2026 include getting stops on defense in key moments and controlling the game by running well on the offensive side of the ball, according to Allen....
The Elsik Rams went 2-8 overall and missed the playoffs. Alief Elsik dropped its final four games of the season. The Rams return Newcomer of the Year Horatio Washington at WR, while first-team, all-district picks Ontario Washington (WR), Koi Reed (DL) and Jonathan Molina (K). Also returning is second-team, all-district selection Curshawn Johnson on the offensive line.
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The Hastings Bears are coming off a 1-9 season in 2025. Alief Hastings returns first-team, all-district Kenneth Alfonso (DL), and second-team selections Matthew Onwuchuruba (RB) and David Umah (ILB). Onwuchuruba rushed for 736 yards and averaged 81.8 yards per game.
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