The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Dayton Broncos football team.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Dayton Broncos
Nederland Bulldogs
Texas City Stingarees
Santa Fe Indians
Galena Park Yellow Jackets
Baytown Lee Ganders
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Tyson Henry, Port Neches-Groves
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jerry Prieto Jr., Dayton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Justin Stephens, Texas City
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zane Brewer, Santa Fe
ON THE CUSP: Texas City Stingarees
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Texas City Stingarees
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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The PNG Indians are coming off another big season. Port Neches-Groves went 13-1 overall and reached the Regional Semifinals. This marked the fourth-straight season of 10-plus wins and all have come under Jeff Joseph at the helm. Of course PNG is not far removed from winning the program’s fourth state championship. The Indians will have some big pieces to replace but have plenty of talent returning. Second-team, all-district back Tyson Henry returns to the huddle along with first-team, all-district wide receiver Jude Gohlke. Henry is coming off a season where he totaled more than 1,800 all-purpose yards and 25 touchdowns. Other key returners include Ledger Hansing (TE/H-Back 2nd Team) and first-team, all-district OL Ace Reeves. Defensively, first-team, all-district DL Victor Trevino is back along with first-team, all-district OLBs Bryceten Felps and Anthony Flores.
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Jerry Prieto enters his third year at the helm of Dayton. The Broncos bring back 10 starters to the huddle after going 6-4 a year ago. Now the goal is to get into the dance in 2026. Dayton brings back QB Jerry Prieto Jr. who was first-team, all-district. In his seven starts last year, Dayton averaged 42.7 points per game when he was under center. The four-year starter will be looked at to guide this offensive unit. Running back Braylen Marshall will be his workhorse in the backfield after coming up to varsity midway last season, while TE KJ Johnson returns after having 143 yards and a score on 13 receptions. On the line, Aiden Soliz has improved at playing center since last year, Defensively, state qualifying powerlifter Yashir Villa will anchor the defensive line. Cooper Burkes will play on both sides of the ball on the offensive and defensive lines for Dayton in his junior year, while DL Ayden Carrizales, a “long and athletic defensive lineman”, is eyed to have a breakout season in 2026. In the secondary, second-team, all-district safety Devorian Bradford returns after registering 73 tackles and 4 INTs. He is also a threat in the return game after having three kickoffs returned for touchdowns in 2025. Keys to success according to Prieto include offensive and defensive line play and finding ways to fill in production loss by graduation.
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Scott Rich enters his third year of leading Nederland. The Bulldogs are coming off a 3-7 season and have 17 starters returning to the huddle. Offensively, senior running back Jaedon Ned is back after racking up 917 yards and 10 scores. Also returning is junior QB Jackson Lane who passed for 448 yards and six scores. Defensively, seniors Levi Wright (DL) and Colt Sheppard (LB) are back. Wright had 32 tackles and two sacks, while Sheppard had 80 tackles. Sheppard was named second-team, all-district along with junior defensive back Kori Scott (36 tackles, 1 forced fumble).
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Texas City went 5-5 overall a year ago and took the fourth place slot in district play, winning two of their last four games, to earn a spot in the playoffs. The Stingarees reached the Bi-District round before falling to Brenham. Texas City returns the talents of reigning District Defensive MVP Justin Stephens to the squad. The Stingarees also return first-team, all-district selections Dustin Taylor (DL), Shamar Smith (CB), Ja’Mari Johnson (RB), Chance Jones (OL), Cardae King (OL) and Jaron Lynch (RB). Second-team selections include Melo Robinson (WR), Clyde Votaw (QB), John Jones (S), Trey Lampkin (DL) and Jerrian Phillips (LB).
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Santa Fe is coming off a 6-4 season and bring back nine starters to the mix, with six of those on the defensive side of the ball. Blake Ryder enters his sixth season at the helm of the program. Utility Player of the Year returns for the Indians in Zane Brewer, who had 550 yards rushing and 220 yards receiving. He had five touchdowns as well. Another key returner includes second-team, all-district defensive end Teegan Woitena, who had seven sacks and 60 tackles a year ago. Keys to success for Ryder’s team include playing physical, playing fast and being a family.
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Last season, Galena Park posted a 4-7 overall record and made the playoffs for a second-straight season. The Yellowjackets enter year eight under Spiro Amarentos as the head coach. Galena Park will have big shoes to fill as Offensive MVP Cary Clay is gone to graduation. The Yellowjackets bring back District Newcomer of the Year QB Chase James and first-team, all-district offensive linemen Mark Gonzalez and Anthony Nava. Second-team, all-district safety Bridis Cuellar is also slated to return.
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Baytown Lee is looking to bounce back from a tough 2025 season. The Ganders finished 1-9 overall and went winless in district play. Players to watch this season include QB Shunderrion Davis (442 yards, 1 TD passing), RB Jacob Ramirez (312 yards, 4 TDs rushing) and WR Jeramiah Rawlins (201 yards, 2 TDs receiving). Defensively, Gabriel Gonzalez is a player to watch after recording 23 tackles, averaging 3.8 per game along with Habibu Jarr, who had 18 tackles.
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Summer Creek's Benny Easter Jr. (Texas Tech commit)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
At least off the field. Once the lights come on Friday nights, the Summer Creek star receiver flips a switch.
With more than 2,300 receiving yards over his sophomore and junior seasons, Easter has already cemented himself as one of the most explosive playmakers in Texas high school football. Yet, his biggest season may still be ahead of him.
That's because he'll once again team with quarterback Noah Spinks (North Carolina commit), forming what many consider Houston's premier quarterback-receiver tandem. The chemistry between the two has made the Bulldogs one of the state's most dangerous offenses and a legitimate contender to make another deep playoff run.
Easter embraces every moment that comes with playing on one of the state's biggest stages.
The Texas Tech commit doesn't shy away from pressure. He welcomes it. Playing at Summer Creek has prepared him for exactly that.
"You better have a phenomenal work ethic if you think you're going to play here," Easter said. "From eating to breathing, you better be ready to compete."
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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That mindset has become the backbone of Summer Creek's success under head coach Kenny Harrison. During Easter's career, the Bulldogs have reached the UIL State Semifinals and the Regional Finals, consistently proving they belong among the elite programs in Texas.
For Easter, the formula has never changed.
"Coach Harrison just preaches to do your job," he said. "Stay even keeled and stick to the game plan."
Despite the recruiting attention and growing reputation, he refuses to get caught up in outside opinions.
"Sure, I hear a bunch of talk," he said. "But I'm not trying to prove everyone else right. I just want to prove myself right."
That quiet confidence is one of the reasons Texas Tech invested so heavily in him. Easter believes Lubbock is the perfect place to continue his development.
"It's really about the staff and Coach Joey McGuire," he said. "They see me in their future, and it's a great fit for me. They were in the playoffs for the first time last year, and the sky is the limit."
But college can wait.
His focus remains on one final run with the Bulldogs and chasing the state championship that has narrowly escaped Summer Creek during his career.
Even his jersey number reflects the standard he's chasing. Easter wears No. 4 in honor of Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith.
"He's where I want to be," Easter said.
For now, that journey continues every Friday night in Humble.
Calm. Confident. Smooth.
Just don't mistake his laid-back personality for a lack of competitiveness. Once the ball is in the air, Benny Easter Jr. is all business.
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Montgomery Bears football team.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Kingwood Park Panthers
Huntsville Hornets
Lake Creek Lions
West Fork Gators
Spring Woods Tigers
Porter Spartans
Splendora Wildcats
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Keldric Ben, Montgomery
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jon Pavlatos, Kingwood Park
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nolan Carpenter, Montgomery
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zay Adolphe, Huntsville
ON THE CUSP: Spring Woods Tigers
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Kingwood Park Panthers
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
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It may ultimately come down to quarterback play, but Montgomery enters 2026 as the team to beat. Head coach Grant Cooper has one of the state's premier running backs in Oklahoma commit Keldric Ben, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Ben has the vision, burst and power to take over games, while Josh Warren gives the Bears another quality option out of the backfield to keep defenses honest. The passing game has plenty of weapons. Army commit Luke Piro is one of the district's most polished route runners, and Ryelin Johnson consistently finds ways to get open. The key is quarterback Bryce Miles, who doesn't have to force the issue. If he makes smart decisions, completes high-percentage throws and keeps the offense on schedule, Montgomery has all the pieces to make another deep postseason run. Veteran center Aaron Caro will handle the protection calls and anchor a physical offensive line. Defensively, the Bears are equally impressive. UTSA commit Nolan Carpenter brings speed and physicality off the edge, while linebackers Lance Ehlers and Keagan Gilbert patrol the middle. Bryson Havard and Elijah Davila headline an experienced secondary capable of creating turnovers. The biggest obstacle to another district title may be Huntsville, but Montgomery has the talent and experience to remain a serious postseason threat.
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The move from Class 5A Division I to Division II could be exactly what Kingwood Park needed. The Panthers narrowly missed the playoffs last season but return enough talent to emerge as one of the district favorites. Junior quarterback Jon Pavlatos accounted for more than 2,600 yards of offense and 27 touchdowns in 2025 and should take another major step forward with a full year of experience. Skill players Amaree Ware, Jonas Washington and Bennett Jones surround him with plenty of firepower, while linemen Maverick Grubbe, Ayden Britton and Cameron Frasier provide a solid foundation up front. Defensively, linebackers Owen Park, Abel Villareal and Elliott Warren give the Panthers one of the district's best second levels, while Connor Maple patrols the secondary. Don't be surprised if Kingwood Park is playing meaningful football well into November.
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Huntsville is closing the gap. Head coach Todd Moebes guided the Hornets to the second round of the playoffs in his first season, and expectations are even higher entering Year Two as his culture continues to take hold. Everything begins with dynamic quarterback Zay Adolphe, one of the area's most dangerous dual-threat playmakers. His ability to extend plays and create offense with both his arm and legs makes Huntsville difficult to defend. Running back Ja'Khavien Birks provides balance, while receivers Landon Fisher and KJ Betts give Adolphe reliable targets on the perimeter. On defense, linebacker Jarmiah Peterson is a relentless, downhill playmaker, while coach's son Kadon Moebes anchors the secondary with leadership and football IQ.
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There is renewed energy at Lake Creek. Former Kingwood head coach Cale Melton inherits a program many believe is a sleeping giant. With Lake Creek's athletic department enjoying championship success across multiple sports, expectations are high that football can follow suit. The biggest storyline entering fall camp is the quarterback competition between Asher Ryan, Wyatt Hoffart and Alfonso Lopez. Whoever earns the starting job will inherit an impressive collection of targets, including Juan Gonzalez, who surpassed 600 receiving yards last season, along with Chance Miller and Dane Doty. Tight ends Dakota Clarke and Logan Woods both possess Division I size and athleticism, giving the offense unique matchup advantages. Running back Canon Davis returns after rushing for more than 500 yards, while Lincoln Montecino and Ace Clarke anchor the offensive line. Defensively, Brock Busby and Carter Thibodeaux lead the defensive front. Linebackers Jaxson Smith, Nate Newton and Anson Melton headline the second level in the Lions' 3-4 scheme, while Jackson Bose and Haak Bean provide stability in the secondary.
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A new chapter also begins at West Fork, where head coach Brian Cope takes over with an infectious energy and optimism. The Gators return 10 starters but will rely heavily on several young players. Quarterback Tyler Gillam must grow up quickly, throwing to athletic receivers DeJuan Kizzie and Jordyn Vaughn. Running back Mason Evans-Pickens leads the ground attack behind an inexperienced offensive line anchored by Jamarick Fontenot. The defense should keep West Fork competitive. Safeties Javen Nededog and Jayden Whitelow direct the unit, while sophomore defensive end Greg Rogers has all the physical tools to become one of the district's breakout stars. Kizzie and Vaughn will also contribute in the secondary.
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Spring Woods returns 15 starters from a 5-5 team that narrowly missed the playoffs and now enters a new district with renewed optimism. Head coach Andrew Rohrs welcomes back quarterback Daniel Morales, who threw for more than 1,800 yards, and running back Emmanuel Quiroz, who eclipsed 1,200 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns. The biggest challenge remains the line of scrimmage. If Nick Gonzales, Anderson Hernandez and the offensive line can provide consistency, the Tigers have enough skill talent to surprise people. Defensively, Trevor Caylor leads an aggressive unit alongside defensive backs Victor Hamilton and Julian Robles.
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Porter also returns the majority of its roster after a 4-6 campaign. The Spartans bring back nine defensive starters, giving them one of the district's most experienced units. Linebackers Braylin Benson and Garrett Lawson headline a defense capable of keeping Porter in games every Friday night. The offense, however, remains the biggest question. Finding a quarterback and developing more explosive playmakers will determine whether the Spartans can break through into the playoff picture.
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At Splendora, quarterback Braydin Hinton returns as one of the district's most productive offensive players after accounting for nearly 1,800 total yards last season. Head coach Robbie Deheck also welcomes back bruising running back Aiden Washington, while tight end Kairee Williams may be the Wildcats' most versatile athlete. The defense quietly has the pieces to become one of the better units in the district. Defensive backs De'Merion Anderson and Ki'Juan Redmond headline a group that could make Splendora one of the league's toughest outs.
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