Cierra Faubion and Paige Cappell
Bradley Collier
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Kinkaid Falcons football team.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
3. Episcopal Knights
4. Second Baptist Eagles
5. The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
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Others to Watch: Concordia Lutheran Crusaders, Cypress Christian Warriors, Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles, Houston Christian Mustangs, Lutheran South Academy Pioneers, St. John’s School Mavericks, St. John XXIII Lions, St. Pius X Panthers, The John Cooper School Dragons
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1. The Kinkaid School Falcons
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Did someone say “three-peat”? Kinkaid made its title defense look inevitable a year ago, as head coach Nathan Larned watched his Falcons dominate en route to a second straight SPC 4A championship and a 9-2 overall record.
Arizona-bound tailback Wayne Shanks Jr. spearheads the pursuit of the team’s third consecutive trophy, coming off another astronomical All-SPC campaign in which he amassed nearly 2,500 all-purpose yards and 31 combined scores.
Senior QB Ross Wynne was the picture of efficiency, throwing for more than 1,900 yards and 21 touchdowns against just one interception. Fellow senior Eli Ferber (Davidson College commit) will be tasked with buying time up front, allowing Wynne to send air mail to receivers Drake Olson and Jordan Young.
Defensively, Kinkaid boasts two dynamic weapons in the linebacker corps: Thomas Smith (All-SPC) and Miles Comarda, both of whom also contribute at tight end on offense. Providing pass coverage will be free safety Nate Chambers, joined by rising sophomore Malcolm Campbell.
2. St. Thomas Eagles
Matt Powell (VYPE)
St. Thomas turned in an impressive 8-3 mark in 2025, advancing to the Regional stage of the ensuing TAPPS Division I playoffs. Though its postseason run was halted by Legacy Christian Academy (Frisco), the Eagles remain poised to re-enter the State conversation in head coach Raymond Davis’ second season at the helm.
The team’s massive offensive line — anchored by senior Connor Edmondson and junior Tate Erb—could be the deciding factor, as many battles are won in the trenches. Signal-caller Pierce Jacobson operates behind the wall, looking to take the next step after a junior year that saw him pass for nearly 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns, while adding 428 rushing yards and 11 more scores. Running back Myles Stewart should remain a difference-maker, carrying the momentum of a second-team all-state showing highlighted by 873 all-purpose yards and eight trips to the end zone.
Flipping the field, cornerback Logan Debose headlines a St. Thomas defense that surrendered fewer than 16 points per contest last fall. The Houston commit and first-team all-state selection creates an island on the perimeter, working opposite senior Kohen Alexander (second-team all-state) as safety Pryce Cravens patrols the back end. Seniors Khairan McQueen (first-team all-district) and Rylan Kimpson (second-team all-district) generate pressure up front, with middle linebacker Vontrell Benton locking down the interior.
3. Episcopal Knights
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
Few would be surprised to see Episcopal competing for the SPC 4A title once November arrives. That was the case a year ago, when the Knights (6-5) narrowly fell 31-21 to rival Kinkaid in the championship showdown. History suggests another clash could be on the horizon in 2026, as EHS looks to end The Kinkaid School’s championship streak and capture the program’s first banner since 2023 — and the first of head coach Jimmy Moynahan’s tenure.
Back to command the offense from behind center is Donovan Warren, who threw for roughly 2,400 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding more than 500 yards and five scores on the ground. Only a junior, Warren’s stock as a collegiate recruit continues to rise, already holding offers from UTSA, Missouri State, and UNLV as his development progresses.
He’s joined in the backfield by senior Brooks Allen, a formidable power runner who racked up nearly 700 yards and 15 scores last season. Those numbers could climb behind an imposing offensive front led by Princeton commit Dillard Jennings and Liam Fanning (Sr. OL/DL), giving Warren the time to connect with pass-catchers Tramon Williams Jr., Tyler Williams, and Reed Fowler.
Listed as an athlete, Fowler will rarely leave the field, handling the majority of his reps at safety while continuing to make an impact in Episcopal’s air attack. Adding stability to the defensive unit will be edge rusher Deacon Morgan, as well as juniors Desmond White at cornerback and Gus Harkins at linebacker.
4. Second Baptist Eagles
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
A familiar face takes over at SBS, as defensive coordinator Keith Page ascends to the head coaching position following Beck Brydon’s resignation last December.
With 11 seasons spent inside the program, Page offers the continuity needed to maintain the Eagles’ already superb culture. Second Baptist’s 7-7 record last fall may have flown under the radar, but the Eagles found another gear when it mattered most. Their postseason surge culminated in a second consecutive TAPPS Division II State Championship appearance, where All Saints’ Episcopal once again stood in their way.
Defense figures to be the strong suit, particularly in the secondary. Athlete Peyton Jones is a true two-way talent who has earned most of his recognition as a defensive back (second-team all-state), yet continues to make his mark as a wide receiver. Cornerback Dillan Whitfield, a first-team all-district selection, also returns to the mix, joined by district second-teamers Gray Koerner (Sr. CB) and Will Newhouse (Sr. OLB).
Meanwhile, senior lineman Griffin Lewis paves the way for the SBS attack, which will rely on quarterback Casey Dunn and running back Edric Jasmine to set the tone. The Eagles also possess the rare luxury of a next-level specialist in junior kicker Luc Normand, who announced his commitment to Texas Tech in June.
5. The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
Dana Strange (VYPE)
Fresh off an astounding 11-1 campaign that saw coach Kolby Hull and company advance to the Regional stage of the TAPPS Division II playoffs, TWCA enters the fall with unfinished business. The Warriors were ousted by district rival Second Baptist, but return motivated to rewrite the ending and potentially secure the program’s first State Final Four appearance since 2019.
Replacing Santiago Fernandez (Army West Point) under center is no small task, but younger brother Emilio Fernandez welcomes the opportunity. The sophomore signal-caller will have plenty of support, as The Woodlands Christian Academy boasts a loaded arsenal of weapons designed to help him thrive.
The most versatile of the group is junior athlete Baron Meacham, a three-phase contributor who earned second-team all-state honors after compiling more than 1,600 all-purpose yards and 21 scores. First-team all-district wideout Julio Fernandez — another sibling of Santiago and Emilio — provides a 6-foot-3 target and senior presence, while junior running back George Hromanik looks to take on a larger role in 2026.
Senior Blake Hollas (DE/MLB) leads the charge on defense, coming off a first-team all-district showing in which he totaled 48 tackles (10 TFL). Fellow senior Hank Muhlbauer (second-team) also helps fortify the Warriors’ front seven.
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Cypress Ranch Mustangs football team.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Bridgeland Bears
Fulshear Chargers
Waller Bulldogs
Cypress Springs Panthers
Foster Falcons
George Ranch Longhorns
Cypress Park Tigers
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Braden Baker, Cypress Ranch
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tristin "TK" Gaines, Waller
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Amari Vickerson, Cypress Ranch
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Taylon Villanueva, Bridgeland
ON THE CUSP: Cypress Springs Panthers
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Bridgeland Bears
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Last fall provided only a glimpse of the threat Cypress Ranch poses to the state’s power structure. The scary part? The Mustangs barely scratched the surface of their potential during a 10-3 campaign that ended in a 38-31 overtime thriller against Waxahachie in the Regional Semifinals. The move to Region III in the UIL realignment adds an intriguing wrinkle. Though the road to Arlington may become more daunting come November, this roster is built to chase the program’s second trip to the State Final Four—and its first since 2014. District MVP Braden Baker reprises his role as the signal-caller for head coach William Blaylock’s offense. Committed to Houston since April, Baker was the picture of efficiency last fall, completing 66 percent of his passes for nearly 2,800 yards and 32 touchdowns against just one interception. Four-star junior tackle R’Monie Edwards will buy Baker time to find WR1 Manny Leyja, a first-team all-district selection who erupted for 885 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior running back Khristian White is quickly emerging as one of the state’s rising stars, already holding offers from Ohio State, Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan, and LSU. SMU commit Amari Vickerson is the catalyst on defense, supplying the interior with the same power and pedigree that earned him unanimous first-team all-district recognition a year ago. Sophomore edge Cameron Bledsoe adds juice to the pass rush, while athlete Jacob Lee (Rice) locks down the corner.
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Bridgeland was narrowly denied a fourth consecutive district title, then saw its 2025 run end in the postseason opener with a 37-27 loss to Klein Collins, finishing the year 7-4 overall. Suffice it to say, motivation won’t be in short supply for head coach Lonnie Madison and his staff; the players will bring plenty of their own fuel into August. Senior Kash Schwab remains the centerpiece of the Bears’ playbook, as the UNLV-bound tailback piled up more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns en route to unanimous first-team all-district honors. His production should ease some of the pressure on quarterback Taylon Villanueva, a senior expected to manage the flow of the game behind a formidable front led by Baylor commit Chase Allen (first-team all-district) and senior Austin Holcomb. Wideouts Jackson Ewing and Jackson Gruber give Villanueva dependable targets to keep the chains moving. Defensively, Bridgeland boasts two accomplished safeties in Braiden Graves and Camden Buchanan. Graves filled the stat sheet with 97 tackles, seven sacks, and eight passes defended before committing to Kansas, while Buchanan added 58 tackles, five interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. Edge rushers Regan Fodje and Jordyn Sims round out the squad with their knack for disrupting opposing QBs.
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Now entering the second season of Stephen Hill’s tenure, Fulshear aims to reassert itself within a revamped district landscape while erasing the sting of a first-round playoff exit that capped a 7-4 season. A wealth of talent gives the Chargers plenty of ways to attack, and few embody that multidimensional skill set better than athlete Ryland Forks. Coming off a first-team all-district showing, Forks totaled nearly 1,100 all-purpose yards and 20 combined scores as a receiver. In 2026, he’ll bring that same game-changing ability to the fold as a premier weapon for sophomore quarterback Mason West. Junior wideout Tre Clewis, another first-team all-district pick, is poised to build on a standout year of 884 yards and 14 touchdowns while continuing to establish himself as a Division I prospect. Second-team all-district lineman Righteous Spencer gives West and running back Jayelen Collins (second-team) a reliable presence in the trenches. Flipping the field, Fulshear’s secondary leans on safeties David Obanor (second-team) and Liam Clay (first-team), plus junior defensive back Dashaud Froe, allowing linebacker Tyrese Brown to play downhill while seniors Dieko Ojajuni (first-team), Matthew Nwaboh, and Tife Taiwo collapse the pocket.
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Patience finally paid off for Waller in 2025, culminating with the Bulldogs breaking through for a 7-4 finish and the program’s first playoff berth in over a decade, ending a drought that stretched back to 2014. With expectations now elevated, what will fifth-year head coach Marcus Mendoza and company do for an encore? Putting points on the board shouldn’t be an issue for the Bulldogs, whose offense still revolves around one of Texas’ hottest commodities in quarterback Tristin “TK” Gaines. A spectacular sophomore campaign earned Gaines District 16-6A Offensive MVP honors after he threw for more than 2,200 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding just under 700 rushing yards and 12 more scores. Senior Elias Hall, a first-team all-district selection, headlines a stalwart offensive line protecting Gaines as he looks toward top targets Glowin Mbobile (first-team) and Michael Tshitenge, both seniors. Meanwhile, linebacker Trace Geigley returns as a pillar of Waller’s defense after totaling 80 tackles and an interception en route to first-team recognition. Fellow first-teamer Weston Hubertus, who hauled in seven picks a year ago, strengthens Waller’s pass coverage with senior corner Deshune McGary.
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Cypress Springs navigated its share of highs and lows last fall, narrowly missing the postseason despite piecing together a commendable 6-4 record. Spearheading the Panthers’ response will be an athletically gifted defense, sparked by senior cornerback Kameron Roberson. The 6-foot-1 Houston commit pairs rare size with the instincts that earned him first-team all-district honors in 2025. Hybrid safety Joseph Batiste, linebacker Keylan Caldwell, and lineman Quaron White round out a unit expected to take another step forward. Head coach Oji Fagan’s playbook welcomes back signal-caller Jared Hagger, an Augustana-bound senior whose dual-threat ability should provide a boost for a group that also includes second-team all-district running back Yogi Martin Jr. (Lafayette), Connor Patrick (Sr. WR), Tristan Cross (Jr. WR), Myles Hamilton (Jr. ATH), and Jedidiah Martinez (Sr. OL).
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Enduring a brutal non-district schedule—one that featured heavyweights like Randle, Angleton, and Barbers Hill—may have contributed to Foster’s 3-8 record a year ago. Still, the district race is what matters most, and head coach Shane Hanks and the Falcons have already shown they can withstand that challenge. Second-team all-district quarterback Cannon Volf returns to orchestrate Foster’s attack behind senior Holden Holchak (first-team). Tailback Jordan Williams, another first-team pick, adds explosiveness to the backfield, while senior wideout Jaylen Walker gives Volf a dangerous weapon on the perimeter. The X-factor could very well be KJ Keller, a second-team all-district safety poised for a much larger role at wide receiver. Defensively, Tyson Denman (Sr. DE) and Caden Bateman (Sr. S)—both second-team all-district honorees—offer a strong foundation alongside Josh Odom (Sr. CB).
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A new era begins at George Ranch, as former Fulshear assistant Jomaul Mason takes the reins of the Longhorns, who enter the season fresh off a 5-6 campaign that ended in the Bi-District round against Katy. Texas State commit Ellison “EC” Collins IV (Sr. CB/WR) brings versatility and game-breaking potential to both sides of the ball. He’ll be building on a 2025 run that resulted in 20-6A Utility Player of the Year recognition with 23 tackles, eight PBUs, 557 receiving yards, and seven scores. Senior QB Tony Morrison follows with first-team all-district pedigree, complemented by Brandon Jefferson (Sr. RB), Daniel Johnson III (Sr. WR), and Trevor Bielitz (Sr. WR). On defense, Branson Masculine (Sr. LB), Colton Marion (Sr. S), Garrison Riggs (Jr. S), and Jackson Linebarger (Sr. CB) set the tone.
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Cypress Park remains in the midst of an uphill climb, searching for more wins under second-year head coach Donald Lawrence. Even so, the Tigers should show flashes of promise thanks in large part to running back Ja’Harvey Johnson, an all-district honorable mention who churned out 905 yards and five touchdowns. Sophomore Basheel Ware is a breakout candidate at quarterback, while Forkum Chesami (Sr. S), Jashaud Fontenot (Sr. DB), and Lovell Iverson (Sr. DB) headline the Cy Park defense.
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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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