GAMES
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RANKINGS
Pearland's Joseph Credit (Kansas-signee)
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Gridiron Game-Wreckers // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Football Defensive Players of the Year, giving some well-earned credit to a handful of Southside's dynamic disruptors.
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Kah'ni Watts -- Iowa Colony Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior safety Kah’ni Watts has undoubtedly flourished in his expanded role this fall, proving capable of fulfilling virtually any task for the Iowa Colony defense. His production speaks for itself: 73 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 passes defended, and 2 fumble recoveries — numbers that make a first-team, all-district selection all but assured.
Watts also made headlines recently by flipping his commitment from Houston to Wisconsin, officially signing with the Badgers on Thursday.
His rise comes as Iowa Colony (12–1) prepares for a familiar showdown with district counterpart Randle in the 5A-D2 Region III Final. As noted in the UTMB Offensive Players of the Year edition, both sides can score in bunches, placing a premium on which defense can limit mistakes and generate timely takeaways.
Regardless of how Friday plays out, IC’s Kah’ni Watts deserves recognition for the multi-faceted impact he has delivered throughout 2025.
Joseph Credit -- Pearland Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Seldom does one find an individual athlete who can contribute at the level Joseph Credit demonstrated for Pearland’s defensive unit. Granted, an off-ball linebacker like Credit can typically rack up tackles — but the recent Kansas-signee managed to do considerably more.
Of the 94 tackles he accumulated this fall, an impressive 29 came behind the line of scrimmage, including 9 sacks, showcasing his impeccable instincts as a senior captain for the Oilers. He also added an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries — one of which he returned for a touchdown — further highlighting his all-around impact.
Suffice it to say, Credit was ultimately named the District 22-6A MVP, a distinction rarely awarded to a defensive player. Yet this one feels entirely fitting, considering he served as the heart and soul of a Pearland squad that capped off 2025 with an undefeated district title and an 11–1 final record.
Ashton Ruffin -- La Porte Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After earning first-team all-district honors for his work on defense a year ago, senior Ashton Ruffin affirmed this fall that he could be equally valuable to La Porte on the other side of the ball — if not more so. In a season that saw the Bulldogs finish 9–2 and secure back-to-back undefeated district championships, Ruffin’s influence was patently unmistakable.
From his linebacker post, Ruffin delivered a team-leading 7 sacks and 48 total tackles, production impressive enough on its own. Factor in that he also piled up nearly 1,300 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns from the tailback spot, and it becomes coherent how he ultimately earned District 11-5A-D1 MVP honors by season’s end.
And while his college recruitment currently remains open, it seems only a matter of time before Ruffin lands with a future program — one sure to benefit from the same versatility and consistency he brought to La Porte over the years.
Tommy Baker -- Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Tommy Baker — also known as Giavani Baker — was a genuine difference-maker for Shadow Creek this fall. As a senior linebacker and team captain, he anchored a defense that allowed just 18 points per game, guiding the Sharks to an 8–4 finish and a run to the 6A-DII Area Round.
Baker’s numbers stand out: 69 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 passes defended. Yet stats only tell part of the story. His timing and ability to read plays before they developed made him a constant threat — a disruptor who forced opponents to adjust their game plan.
For the second consecutive year, he was named District 22-6A Defensive MVP, a testament not only to his production but also to the leadership and consistency he delivered on every snap. Replacing that level of tenacity will be no small task, but one thing is certain: Tommy Baker left an indelible mark on Shadow Creek football.
Brynden Mack -- Angleton Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Angleton’s front-seven set the tone for the Wildcats this fall, combining relentless pressure with shutdown run-stopping to make life difficult for every opponent. Central to that effort was Brynden Mack, a senior defensive end whose performance earned him District 11-5A-D1 Defensive MVP honors.
Mack recorded 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and led the team with 7 sacks, sharing the spotlight with fellow senior Kawarren Scott on the line. His ability to disrupt plays before they developed created momentum-shifting opportunities and consistently put Angleton in control of games.
The Wildcats allowed just 15 points per contest, a figure that reflects both Mack’s impact and the cohesion of the unit in front of him. In totality, the group finished the 2025 campaign with a 9–2 record, taking second in the district and marking the program’s fifth straight postseason appearance (excluding the COVID-impacted 2020 season).
VYPE Football 2020 Preview: District 10-5A-DI
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PRESEASON RANKINGS
Manvel
Foster
Paetow
Hightower
Angleton
Kempner
Rosenberg Terry
Houston Milby
Houston Wisdom
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Jordon Vaughn, Manvel
Offensive MVP: Cody Jackson, Foster
Defensive MVP: Justin Medlock, Manvel
Breakout Player of the Year: C.J. Dumas Jr., Paetow
Sleeper Team: Paetow
THIS DISTRICT IS WOW. WHAT'S NOT TO BE EXCITED ABOUT? MANVEL WENT FOUR ROUNDS DEEP IN THE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR. FOSTER WENT THREE ROUNDS DEEP. HIGHTOWER WON A PLAYOFF GAME. PAETOW AND ANGLETON ARE LOOMING THREATS. DISTRICT 10-5A, DIVISION I, MAY BE THE MOST LOADED DISTRICT IN ALL OF CLASS 5A IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA BECAUSE OF THE PLETHORA OF FIREPOWER.
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MANVEL MAVERICKS
The Mavs return only five starters from a 13-1 regional finalist. RB Jordon Vaughn (556 yards, 11 TDs) and RB De'monte' Seymour (426 yards, 7 TDs) have what it takes to pick up where Donovan Eaglin left off. For good measure, senior WRs Jalen Walthall(764 yards, 13 TDs) and Zion Johnkins (358 yards, 3 TDs), and junior WR Malachi McLean (353 yards, 3 TDs) bring perimeter speed, depth and an uncanny knack for finding the end zone. Gabriel Larry, a 6-foot-2 QB, has moved in from Louisiana and could be Tucker Yarbrough's replacement. Larry can spin it down the field and also run for yardage. Offensive linemen Hunter Schroeder and Jaden Edmonson will protect him. Speaking of the trenches, the front will be the defensive strength for Manvel, thanks to J.P. Deeter and Josh Kennard (4 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, blocked punt). Linebacker Justin Medlock had an outstanding debut as a sophomore last season, averaging 8.4 tackles per game to go with 3.5 sacks, five passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.
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FOSTER FALCONS
Foster boasts one of the top receivers in the nation and one of the top offensive linemen in the country. Not
too shabby. WR Cody Jackson (1,370 yards, 21 TDs) is headed toward being the program's next CeeDee Lamb. Like Lamb, Jackson is an Oklahoma-commit. Joining him on the national scale is 6-foot-8, 300-pound tackle Reuben Fatheree II (Texas A&M-commit), whose has unique athleticism and quickness to accommodate his size. Offensively, Foster will have to replace a key playmaking leader in quarterback Ryan Stubblefield (East Carolina). The top returning rusher is senior Xavier Smallwood, who totaled 213 yards and 4.6 yards per carry. Other players to watch on offense are wide receivers DeAndre Chandler and Ethan Newton and offensive lineman Mason Moore. The defense, though, will be enough as the Falcons work out their QB and RB situations. Five starters return on that side of the ball, led by Tyler Onyedim (65 total tackles, 15 for a loss) and LB Udoka Ezeani (33 tackles, 8 for a loss). DB Justice Ugochuckwu is also someone to keep an eye on.
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PAETOW PANTHERS
Paetow moves up to Class 5A-Division I after making the playoffs in 5A-DII in just its second year of varsity football last season. The Panthers won eight games and were in the district title race up until the final week of the season. Thirteen starters (seven offense, six defense) return, making Paetow a potential darkhorse in the 10-5A-DI, title race. Senior RB Damon Bankston (1,097 yards rushing, 286 yards receiving, 12 total TDs) is a versatile speedster that produces anywhere you put him on the field and has a natural flair for finding the end zone. He provides a perfect dynamic with blossoming junior QB C.J. Dumas Jr. (1,248 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions). Senior FB Randle Kelley is invaluable with his blocking and short-yardage efficiency. Defensively, the Panthers have a dominant front with senior end Agumba Otuonye (18 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) and senior tackle Andrew Rutherford (61 total tackles, 5 sacks). Junior DB Michael Jordan could be in line for a breakout year. Also watch for FS Carl Simon and MLB Christian Tibbetts.
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HIGHTOWER HURRICANES
The Hurricanes return 11 starters (seven offense, four defense) from last year's 6-5 team. Senior 6-foot-4, 215-pounds WR and Nebraska-commit Latrell Neville (315 receiving yards, 6 TDs; 174 rushing yards, 3 TDs) is the face of an offense that has the potential to be special. Senior RB Charles Shelling takes over in the backfield, and the quarterback position is senior Jakolby Longino's for the taking. Longino is committed to UTEP. Defensively, there are more holes than on offense, but the Hurricanes have strong footing up front in senior end Jacob Williams and senior tackle Kadarion Johnson. Also watch for OLB Keith Fountain Jr. and S Kalon Smith. While coach Sam Joseph, entering his second year at the helm of the team and is optimistic his team can build on the process and culture that was established last season. This team will be playing for Trey Thomas this year, who was tragically lost in the offseason. He would have been a senior.
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ANGLETON WILDCATS
The Wildcats return nine starters (five offense, four defense) from a 6-3 team. While Angleton will be young, coach Jason Brittain is encouraged with his team's toughness. Angleton has uncertainty at quarterback and receiver, but in its Wing-T scheme the good news is it has an identity in its running game with senior RB JT Anderson, who rushed for 505 yards and six touchdowns. Also, keep an eye on senior Kheri Humphrey, a two-way standout who could also make some noise in the backfield. Junior QB Jordan Pickett figures to take over the reins under center. Defensively, senior S Anthony Jackson, who will also see time at receiver, and senior LB Kaydon Dozier lead the way. Watch out for senior LB Daniel Duran and versatile sophomore Myalek Woods.
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KEMPNER COUGARS
The Cougars drop a class to 5A from 6A. Kempner returns 13 starters (seven offense, six defense) from last year's 5-5 team. For the Cougars' throwback Flexbone offense, plenty is in the tank. Seniors Michael Ealy (297 yards, 2 TDs) and Parker Milligan (202 yards), and junior Harlon Tanner (170 yards in six games) bring experience and depth. Senior Joseph Trim, the biggest Cougar back at 6-feet and 180 pounds, also figures heavily into Kempner's running game. Considerable boons to the running game could be lineman T'Bias Jackson and RB Chibukem Ome, precocious sophomore playmakers. Ealy is also the quarterback, but Kempner does not throw much. Defensively, DE Tito Chikere and LB Robert Olaniyan pace the Cougars. Lack of quality depth concerns coach Darrin Andrus, but he likes the experience on both sides of the ball. Andrus' said the primary goal is to get back to the playoffs, where Kempner hasn't been since 2016.
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ROSENBERG TERRY RANGERS
Terry coach Cornelius Anthony likes his team's experience going into this season but has concerns about its depth. The Rangers return seven offensive starters and six defensive starters from a 2-8 team. The core of the offense is senior QB Kellen Stewart, senior OL Luis Garcia, senior OL Eduardo Pineda and junior RB Michael Odom. Defensively, Anthony will lean on senior SS Brandon Lance, senior DL Lance McClain, senior FS Treivin Holloway, senior CB Jullian Townsend and senior LB Jeremiah Reyes. Look out for junior RB/DB Marvin Thomas, senior OL Daron Holmes, junior ATH Anthony Axel and junior LB Juan Rodriguez as key newcomers who could make a difference for the program.
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HOUSTON MILBY BUFFALOES
Milby returns 14 starters from last year's 4-6 team. Coach Matthew Puente likes what he has at quarterback, running back and receiver. For the first time in four years, Milby has its starting quarterback returning along with other experienced skill positions. Senior Jonathan Smith (599 yards, 9 TDs) is the man under center and senior RB Dontrey Betts (409 yards, 4 TDs) makes things happen in space. Senior James Mitchell is a promising prospect at receiver. Senior TE Mathew Sanchez is a playmaker. Defensively, senior LB Roman Luviano (11 tackles for loss), junior CB Aaron Newsome and sophomore S Carlos Herrera make things happen. The trenches are a concern though, as the Buffaloes graduated seven between the offensive and defensive lines. There's some stalwarts in senior LT Damian Ruiz, a three-year starter, and sophomore DL Keshawn Cotton.
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HOUSTON WISDOM GENERALS
Wisdom has just five wins total since 2012, but this season brings about an intriguing number of playmaking prospects. Junior WR Souhail Zouidi has good size at 6-foot-1, 155-pounds, and had 368 yards and three touchdowns last season. QB Jaylon Domingeaux is a speedster and will play quarterback after playing primarily in the defensive secondary. Elisee Birhaswirwa is a versatile running back and linebacker, rushing for 235 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season to go with 33 total tackles. Defensively, defensive end Patrick Bukuru is the leader of an inexperienced unit.