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Benjamin Davis senior safety Keithas "Pop" Johnson
PLAYING BIG: “Pop” Johnson Brings a Different Kind of Physicality to the Davis Secondary
“They call me ‘Pop’ because I’m smaller in size, but I can hit really hard,” Johnson said. “I throw my whole body into a tackle or when I’m making a hit, and it makes that ‘POP!’ sound. That’s where the name comes from.”
The nickname is fitting in more ways than one. Johnson has become one of the Falcons’ most disruptive defenders, leading the team last season with 52 tackles, seven passes defended, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. Suffice it to say, Pop is a legitimate game-changer on defense — a reputation that has carried into 2026.
His production, however, stems from a mindset Johnson has cultivated long before he became a bruising presence in the Davis secondary.
“My whole life, I’ve been small, so people keep telling me, ‘Pop, you gotta have that dog mentality,’” Johnson said. “I learned quickly that if I don’t have that dog mentality, I’m not going to be very good at this sport. So even with my size, I don’t care — I’m still going to prove I’m better because I push myself to my fullest potential.”
That mentality has become part of what separates Johnson. Rather than viewing his frame as a limitation, he has turned it into motivation, embracing the physicality and aggression required to make his presence felt from the back end of the defense.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Interestingly enough, football wasn’t always the plan.
“I didn’t really care for it at first, but after sticking with it for a few years, I started to appreciate the toughness that comes with it,” he said. “I love the physicality of the sport. It makes you feel alive.”
That toughness has since become a defining part of Johnson’s identity — and something he hopes can help elevate the Falcons beyond what they accomplished a year ago.
Davis went 7-4 last fall, sharing the district title before falling to The Woodlands in the opening round of the playoffs. Now, Johnson believes the next step won’t necessarily come from adding more talent, but from maximizing the talent already in the room.
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Benjamin Davis Falcons football team.Dana Strange (VYPE)
“With this group, I think it’s going to come down to how well we’ve bonded together,” Johnson said. “We definitely have the talent, so if we can come together as a unit, the first or even the second round won’t be where we max out. This is a great squad, so it’s time for us to go further.”
To Johnson, going further means more than simply advancing another round. It means proving that size doesn’t define a defensive back, that toughness can’t always be measured by a frame, and that sometimes the loudest impact comes from the player who refuses to play small.
VIEW THE VYPE ALDINE ISD 2026 FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE
Westfield's Davon Smith (Arizona commit)
VYPE Houston 2026 Football Preview | District 14-6A: Westfield Has Staying Power in District Play and Beyond
Davis Falcons
Nimitz Cougars
Eisenhower Eagles
Spring Lions
MacArthur Generals
Dekaney Wildcats
Aldine Mustangs
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Davon Smith, Westfield
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Demonte Ford, Westfield
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jaylen Oliver, Westfield
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Edwin Brown, Nimitz
ON THE CUSP: Eisenhower Eagles
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Davis Falcons
Dana Strange (VYPE)
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Westfield is looking for its sixth straight district title in 2026 and with coach Desmar Black’s loaded roster, it’s looking promising. VYPE’s Preseason MVP is Davon Smith, who is a heat-seeking missile at LB and is a tremendous third-down RB who can move the chains. The Arizona commit will anchor a nasty defense that also features twins Jordin Jones and Jaylin Jones (Sacramento State commit), Logan Draper (Arizona), and Tiger Underwood (Texas State) on the DL. Jaylen Oliver (Arizona), Zae Jones and Camarey Bell will anchor the secondary. The offense will just need to move the chains behind OL Dontae Perkins (Texas Tech) and Tarazon Eaden (McNeese State). RB Demonte Ford will tote the rock along with Challis Sims. QB JaDarius Amos will be the key to the ‘Stangs long-term success. “We just need to put the ball in the end zone and not turn the ball over,” Desmar Black said. “Our defense returns everyone.” The schedule will be interesting with the Heights, Randle and Willis on the slate before district play.
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The Davis Falcons had another big season under the direction of Kelvin Chatham, who is building something special on Ella Blvd. If the Falcons develop a QB, the sky is the limit in District 14-6A. The strength of the offense is on the edge with David Richardson and Cortland Lee-Pugh, who combined for over 600 yards and 10 TDs. RB Bryderick Robins will be counted on to run inside behind OLs Jacobe Johnson and Delon Carmouche. The defense has star power at each level. Up front is Uriah Jackson, while Keithas "Pop" Johnson and Pat Lyles patrol the secondary. Jermaine Mosely handles the middle of the field. Don’t forget, Davis shared the district title with Westfield and Nimitz a year ago going 6-1, so they know how to win the games that count.
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The Nimitz Cougars also went 6-1 in district play a year ago and coach Cornelius Harmon has a solid signal-caller behind center. Edwin Brown has a tremendous football IQ after backing up his brother AJ. A good QB can do wonders in this district. Da’Kari Franklin will share the offense load at RB and will run behind Ezequiel Gonzalez. The offense is a little thin, however. Jamari Bondi is the headliner on defense and sets the tone. He will be joined by Elijah Taylor at LB, while Emmit Hines and Romello Pierre have their backs in the secondary. Bigs on both sides of the ball will need to emerge to get back in the district title conversation.
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Coach Padriac McGinnis had a successful first year at Eisenhower, reaching the postseason in 2025 and going 6-5 overall. The Eagles have bought into his message and the black and yellow could be back. Big Ike has gone back to what works over in Acres Homes - ground and pound on offense and a stingy defense. The game is won in the trenches and OLs Kordae Harris, Sedrick Steptoe, Jarrett Hinnant, Derrick Blanton and Braylon Kelly and TE DezMayon Randle are huge. They will lead the way for RB Elijah Dixson. While the offense plays keep away with long drives, their defense is fast and physical. LB Izaiah Curry carries the banner along with Kyren Finney. Some of the bigs on the OL could bolster the DL, while Dante Richards and Daivon Garrett will create a no fly zone.
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A new era has arrived at Spring as KaRon Coleman takes over the program after coming from Hightower. Following a 2-8 campaign in 2025, the Lions are looking for a fresh start, and Coleman inherits a roster with plenty of experience, returning 15 starters. The defense appears poised to set the tone this season. Defensive linemen Chase Lewis and Kelvin Sumo anchor the front, while defensive backs Kevunn Lauderdale and Landon McLenon provide leadership and playmaking ability on the back end. Together, they form the core of a unit expected to be the team's strength. Offensively, Vincent Lee will shoulder the load in the running game, running behind an experienced offensive line led by Elijah Guidry and Malyron Gamble. On the perimeter, the Lions boast an intriguing group of skill players in Kamdyn Shepherd, Zach Clayburne and Bralon Sample, giving the offense plenty of athleticism and big-play potential.
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Coach Blake Ware is looking to continue the turnaround at MacArthur. After a breakthrough 7-4 campaign in 2024, the Generals took a step back with a 2-8 record last season. Now, Ware and his staff are focused on getting the program back on track. Quarterback Lance Nero is aiming for a bounce-back season and will look to get the ball into the hands of playmaker Amari Cano in space. In the backfield, running back Trinidad Espinoza will run behind offensive lineman Kanon Lewis, who anchors the trenches. Defensively, Jalen McFarland and Victor Raygoza will lead the charge up front, while linebacker Josh Morales and defensive back Matthew Matlock provide leadership and stability on the second and third levels of the defense.
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It has been nearly 15 years since Dekaney captured the Class 5A state championship behind cover boy Trey Williams. Getting back into the playoff conversation would be a significant step forward for the Wildcats in 2026. Head coach Anthony Williams will lean heavily on running back Christopher Chizer to be "that guy" this fall. Chizer has all the tools to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark while running behind a physical offensive line anchored by Jhmari Dunevant and Kedrick Oliver. Quarterback Kenyon Shelby gives the Wildcats a dynamic dual-threat presence and will look to connect with playmakers Craig Jones and Riqui Butler on the outside. Tre Prince adds versatility as a two-way standout, contributing at both wide receiver and defensive back. Defensively, Javian Bedford sets the tone up front and will be counted on to lead the unit. Linebacker Jjah-Kan Muhammad will also play a key role as the Wildcats look to build a more consistent defense.
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A new chapter begins at Aldine as Charles Brown III takes over the program after serving as defensive coordinator at Mayde Creek. Following an 0-10 campaign in 2025, Brown inherits a team looking to establish a new culture and lay the foundation for future success. A key storyline will be the development of quarterback Christian Watts. If he can provide stability under center, the Mustangs' offense has the potential to take a significant step forward. Playmaker Rigoberto Moya and running backs Tariq Gary and Paul Murray give Aldine capable weapons, while Nathan Ojeda will anchor the line of scrimmage.
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