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MacArthur's Destiny McFarland
TORCH PASSED: McFarland, fellow seniors look to fuel MacArthur's next chapter // Powered by LOVB
The departure of those stars leaves a competitive void in one of the area’s most demanding districts— and an opportunity for McFarland and her fellow seniors to carry the mantle forward.
The stars of 2025-25 MacArthur VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I feel that I’ll need to be more confident and speak up for my team,” McFarland said. “We’ve lost a lot of players compared to some other teams in the district, and those will definitely be some big shoes to fill. Fortunately, it doesn’t just fall on me to take on that position. It’ll be a combined effort, so we just need to practice harder and prepare ourselves."
Last season, MacArthur finished 24-17 before falling to The Woodlands in the opening round of the postseason. McFarland earned an all-district honorable mention, showcasing her ability as both a physical presence on the court and an emerging leader off of it. But her growth has gone beyond stats.
“My attitude has really improved over the years,” she admitted. “Starting off in my freshman year it was pretty bad, but Coach [Lynda] Eastland changed that quickly. She’s been a great motivator to me and she helped me to become disciplined and humble as an individual.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Off the court, McFarland is the oldest of five siblings — a role that’s helped shape her approach to responsibility and maturity.
“Even though we’re not too far apart in age, I’m kind of the first one to experience things and I hope they learn from my mistakes and my successes,” she said.
As she prepares for her last campaign, McFarland continues to draw inspiration from collegiate stars like Harper Murray (Nebraska) and Logan Eggleston (LOVB Austin). And while this fall will present a new challenge for MacArthur, one thing is clear: the Lady Generals’ future now rests in the hands of someone ready for the moment.
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Nimitz Sr. QB Albert "AJ" Brown Jr.
MAN WITH A PLAN: Nimitz's Brown possesses a skillset, mentality that few can replicate
The reigning District 14-6A Offensive MVP threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 26 touchdowns last year, while also rushing for six scores — a dual-threat force that helped guide Nimitz to a 7-4 record and a hard-earned playoff berth.
Though their postseason run ended early with a first-round loss to The Woodlands, Brown’s impact was undeniable.
Now, with another year under his belt and the fall season well underway, Brown’s mindset is sharp.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Brown said. “The main goal is to win; ‘W-I-N’. That means showing up everyday, controlling everything that’s within our reach before Friday night – whether that’s in practice, the weight room, film study – all of it. In order to get up front on people we need to capture and maintain that victory mindset.”
2025-26 Aldine Nimitz FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Cougars, led by head coach Cornelius Harmon, have carved out a reputation as a playoff-caliber program — a reputation Brown is determined to uphold and elevate.
For him, it’s not just about stats or highlight plays; it’s about execution.
That growth has come not only physically but mentally. As Brown reflects on his evolution under center, he emphasizes how much the signal-caller role demands beyond athleticism.
“Being a quarterback requires more than just knowing the play-call,” he explained. “You have to be able to analyze and control the flow of the offense to generate the best outcome in games. Football is a game of inches, so there’s a level of situational awareness and comprehension that’s needed to put us in the best position.”
Despite not having made a college commitment yet, Brown remains a hot name in recruiting circles. As of July, he holds an offer from Grambling State — as tarting point that likely won’t be the end of his recruiting journey. Coaches across the state have taken notice of his complete skill set and mature approach.
When asked about the future, Brown’s response speaks volumes about his values.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Of course, I’m going to lean towards education first,” he said. “As a man, you always have to be planning for the future and be sure to have options to support yourself and your family. Secondly, I’ll just be grateful for an opportunity to surround myself with guys who know what it’s like to compete at the next level, and be able to show why I belong.”
Brown models his game after NFL stars like Cam Ward, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts — admiring Hurts most for his physicality and ability to elevate the players around him. It’s a fitting parallel. Brown isn’t trying to be flashy — he’s trying to be effective, to lead, and to earn everything in front of him.
Whether it leads to more offers or deeper playoff runs, AJ Brown Jr.’s presence under center already means something at Nimitz. And as the 2025 season unfolds, it’s that steady presence that might end up being his greatest weapon.