GAMES
RANKINGS
THE DEFINING 80: UIL Boys Soccer 2025-26 State Final Preview -- Klein Cain vs. Atascocita (6A D1)
UIL Boys Soccer State Championship // 6A Division 1
Klein Cain Hurricanes vs. Atascocita Eagles
WHEN: Saturday, April 11th (4/11) -- 1:30 PM
WHERE: Birkelbach Field -- Georgetown, TX
...
CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL OF THE UIL BOYS SOCCER STATE FINALS
...
KLEIN CAIN HURRICANES
Klein Cain has taken its trademark “REIGNCAIN” vernacular quite literally, as the defending state champions now sit just two halves away from going back-to-back on the biggest stage in Texas.
Following a decisive 2–0 victory over The Woodlands in the Region II Final, the Hurricanes’ conditioned pedigree shone through once again in the ensuing 6A Division 1 Semifinal. Despite a 0–0 draw at the end of regulation, head coach Jerson Carrasco watched his squad endure the pressure of penalty kicks, ultimately seizing control of their own fate with a 5–4 shootout victory over Allen last Friday.
Entering this decisive matchup with an 18–3–5 record, Cain has maintained the synchronized, technical efficiency that delivered its inaugural title a year ago. Senior forward Parker Glenn—last season’s State MVP—can alter the trajectory of any match in an instant and currently leads the Hurricanes with 22 goals in 2026.
In the engine room, senior midfielder Noah Ballard—team captain alongside Glenn—helps orchestrate the attack, while senior goalkeeper Donato Farina anchors the defensive end behind a formidable Klein Cain backline.

ATASCOCITA EAGLES
Emboldened by a fanbase as expansive as Klein Cain’s, Atascocita is in the midst of a playoff run of resounding proportions. Head coach Jed Garner and the Eagles not only made the program’s debut in the State Final Four a week ago, but followed it by routing Cibolo Steele 4–1 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium to seal their place in the UIL title game. Now, all that remains for Atascocita (21–5–3) is to cap off the winter with a gold medal.
Despite being a sophomore, goalkeeper Lincoln Ramirez has already been named both a team captain and the starter—a testament to the faith Garner places in his poise between the posts. It also reflects well on the defense, anchored by captain Wyatt Bodily (Jr. CB), which hasn’t conceded more than one goal in a match since February.
On the attacking end, versatility has emerged as a defining trait for the Eagles, forcing opponents to pick their poison among the threats posed by Julian Sanchez (Jr. F), Miguel De La Cruz (Sr. F), Victor Garcia (Sr. MF), and Pedro Olvera (So. MF). 
NEXT IN LINE: Brian Manuel Emerging as Atascocita’s Next Star
Atascocita High School has seen plenty of next-level talent walk through the Eagles’ locker room.
From standouts like Kenyon Green, Kam Dewberry, Braylon Conley, Jelani Watkins, Tory Blaylock and Cardae Mack, the Eagles have become a pipeline of elite talent in Greater Houston.
So who’s next in line?
Enter rising senior wide receiver Brian Manuel.
Manuel had a breakout campaign last fall, hauling in 57 receptions for 1,059 yards and 16 touchdowns.
“I feel like my junior year went really well,” Manuel said. “It was my first year on varsity as a starter and I feel like I did a good job doing my part. I still feel like there was more I could have done, but overall it was a good season for me.”
His momentum hasn’t slowed during the offseason. Manuel recently went viral on X on the seven-on-seven circuit after making an incredible one-handed catch that has racked up more than 60,000 views.
Coming for everything. @Coach_Coats pic.twitter.com/KFvnQ4Ws1V
— Brian Manuel Jr (@BrianManuelJr1) February 28, 2026
“To be honest, it was just instinct,” Manuel said with a laugh. “I wasn’t planning on going up with one hand, but the closer the ball got, I just reached up with my free hand and came down with it.”
Since the viral moment, Manuel has seen his recruitment start to heat up, picking up offers from Texas State, UNLV and Washburn, with several other schools beginning to show interest.
Manuel might still be one of the more underrated wide receivers in the city of Houston, but he has a clear message for college coaches evaluating his film.
“Anybody recruiting me would be getting a dog,” Manuel said. “A game changer and somebody who’s ready to put in work, earn a spot and just play ball.”
Brian Manuel is a name to watch over the coming months — and don’t be surprised if his recruitment takes off in a big way.
































