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Randle's Williams-Callis named Texas Gatorade Player of Year; national finalist
CHICAGO (December 5, 2025) — In its 41st year celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes, Gatorade today announced Landen Williams-Callis of Randle High School is the 2025-26 Gatorade Texas Football Player of the Year.
Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics and community. The award recognizes Williams-Callis as Texas’ best high school football player, and he’s also been selected as a finalist for the distinguished Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award to be announced in December. Williams-Callis joins an elite legacy that spans professional athletes and coaches to CEOs, such as Peyton Manning (1993-94, Isidore Newman School, LA), Nick Singleton (2021-22, Governor Mifflin High School, PA) and Keelon Russell (2024-25, Duncanville High School, TX).
At the time of his selection, the 5-foot-8, 190-pound junior running back had led the Lions to a 13-0 record and the 5A Division II state quarterfinals. Williams-Callis had rushed for 2,868 yards and 46 touchdowns while averaging 12.1 yards per carry. He also caught 17 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown, and threw a touchdown pass as well.
Williams-Callis has volunteered locally with the YMCA and at animal shelters. He has also donated his time as a coach at the Jacquizz Rodgers Football Camp and as a speaker and mentor/presenter at elementary and middle schools. “Seldom do you hear about a kid during peewee football who lives up to the hype once they get to high school,” said Shone Evans, head coach at Texas City High School. “Not only has this young man lived up to it, but he surpassed it. His vision, strength and speed are impressive on film, but they pale in comparison to what you see from him in person. Lastly, in a world of ‘look at me,’ this young man gives off [NFL Hall of Famer] Barry Sanders vibes. Once he scores, makes a big run or runs over a defender, he finds the nearest referee to hand the ball to.”
Williams-Callis has maintained a 3.34 weighted GPA in the classroom. He will begin his senior year of high school next fall.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one state winner from each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., in 12 different sports: football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, boys and girls soccer, and boys and girls track & field. In total, 610 high school athletes are honored each year. From the pool of state winners, one national winner is selected in each of the 12 sports. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the winners in each sport.
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $6.4 million in grants to winners across more than 2,200 organizations.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com or follow us on social media on Instagram at instagram.com/Gatorade, Facebook at facebook.com/GatoradePOY and X(Twitter) at x.com/Gatorade.
The reigning UIL 5A-D2 State Champions -- Randle Lions
DISTRICT 9-5A-DII: Randle primed to defend State Title; Iowa Colony, FB Marshall remain legit contenders
DISTRICT 9-5A-D2
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Randle Lions
Iowa Colony Pioneers
Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos
Texas City Stingarees
Baytown Lee Ganders
Santa Fe Indians
Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
Terry Rangers
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
...VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Landen Williams-Callis, Randle
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Carson White, Iowa Colony
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Noriel “Pac-Man” Dominguez, Randle
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Dazjhon Taylor, Fort Bend Marshall
ON THE CUSP: Baytown Lee Ganders
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Fresh off a perfect 16-0 season and the program’s first-ever state title, the Randle Lions approach 2025 with sky-high expectations. Their thrilling 38-35 victory over South Oak Cliff at AT&T Stadium not only crowned them UIL 5A-DII State Champions but also delivered Randle High its first championship in any sport since opening in 2021. With much of their high-octane offense returning to the fold, the Lions are poised for another precedent to be established. Junior RB Landen Williams-Callis headlines the group after a jaw-dropping 2024 campaign that saw him rack up nearly 2,400 all-purpose yards and 45 touchdowns. Already a two-time District MVP and the reigning 5A-DII State Offensive MVP, Williams-Callis is widely considered one of the nation’s top backs. Senior signal-caller Tyler Skrabanek (first-team, all-district) is also back after throwing for over 2,100 yards and 25 touchdowns, with additional firepower coming from fellow first-teamer Dacorian Rubin (Lamar-commit), who led all receivers with 608 yards. Tight end Mason Mixon, as well as linemen Nicholas Ortiz and Logan Reed – each all-district selections – bolster a unit that averaged 51 points per game. Defensively, Randle will look to reload after graduating several key pieces, including standout Chace Sims (Texas A&M). Still, the Lions bring back State Defensive MVP Ryan Mallory at outside linebacker, as well as versatile senior Jalyn Burton and rising junior Patrick Oliver, the district’s Defensive Sophomore of the Year. Furthermore, the return of LB Noriel “Pac-Man” Dominguez (TCU-commit) – who had to sit out a year, due to UIL transfer regulations – will automatically boost the Randle D that held opponents to roughly 9 points a contest last fall. With proven stars on both sides of the ball and momentum on their side, the Lions won’t be sneaking up on anyone — but they may just be getting started.
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After bursting onto the Class 5A scene with a 12-2 finish and a run to the Region III Final, Iowa Colony has quickly proven they belong among the state’s top contenders. Though their season ended in a narrow 21-14 loss to eventual champion Randle at NRG Stadium, the foundation is set for coach Ray Garza and co. to have a similar run, if not better. At the center of the program’s rise is junior quarterback Carson White, who dazzled as a sophomore en route to District Offensive MVP honors. A true dual-threat, White threw for nearly 1,900 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 832 yards and 18 more scores. With offers from Baylor, Houston, Kentucky, and SMU, his reputation will only continue to build. He’ll be joined by a strong supporting cast of first-team, all-district selections, including senior wideout and recent Houston-commit Jayden Warren (613 yards, 14 TDs), senior tailback Aaron Tenner (1,100 total yards, 7 TDs), as well as an O-Line beefed up by junior Chukwuemeka Tasie (first-team) and senior Aaeden Elizondo (second-team) — forming a balanced and explosive offensive unit. On the other side of the chains, the Pioneers will look to retool after numerous impact players were lost to graduation. However, the likes of defensive tackle Daniel Swiney (first-team), linebacker Henry Kalu (92 tackles, 10 TFL), and San Diego State-bound Jeremy Garner II should keep the unit competitive. Seniors Corey Anthony Jr. and Kah’ni Watts (Houston-commit) are also expected to step into larger roles. With a dynamic quarterback, veteran leadership, and last year’s playoff experience in tow, Iowa Colony will be aiming to finish the job this time around.
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Fort Bend Marshall enters this fall with momentum and tradition on its side. After posting a 10-3 record and advancing to the third round of the playoffs a year ago, the James Williams-led Buffalos look to build on their legacy as one of the region’s most consistent forces. Though they fell to Iowa Colony in the postseason, the program’s championship pedigree – including a trip to the 2019 5A-DII State Final – remains a guiding standard. Back to elevate the offense is senior QB Kaeden Johnson (Texas A&M-commit), a dual-threat gunslinger who accounted for more than 2,700 total yards and 31 touchdowns in 2024. He’ll be joined in the backfield by fellow first-team, all-district selection Peyton Long, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 scores. Rising junior Jordan Simmons, the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year, adds playmaking ability out wide, while junior lineman Blake Chacier Jr. helps anchor the front. Also, the return of Dazjhon Taylor (Sr. ATH) should provide the team with a dynamic X factor. On defense, Marshall returns key contributors like first-team linebacker Dectric Brown (72 tackles), junior standout Ashton Lofton (71 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks), along with second-team DBs Dylan Waters (Utah-commit) and Myles Ratcliff. Additionally, senior safety Isaiah Williams (Illinois) should be another shutdown specialist in the secondary, after missing three games last fall. The Buffs will also have the special teams covered with first-team kicker Tamir Williams back in the mix.
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Consistency has kept Texas City in the playoff picture, but the Stingarees are hungry for more after a 5-5 finish and a first-round postseason loss to Brenham last year. Now entering his fourth season at the helm, head coach Shone Evans will look to guide a veteran-led roster back into contention. Senior wide receiver Jayden Johnson (Coastal Carolina-commit) returns as a go-to target after earning first-team, all-district honors, while the backfield features a tough, two-way tandem in Eric Garrett and junior Justin Stephens — the latter a second-team selection in 2024. Sophomore lineman Cardae King made an early impact and was named the district’s Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year, and should have plenty of help in the trenches with senior Adriel Paredes also returning. Meanwhile, the Stingarees bring back a strong nucleus of defensive weapons, including senior safeties Patrick Evans and Tory Hall, along with junior d-linemen Trey Lampkin and Dustin Taylor. Senior linebacker Rashard Hamilton is also set to be a key presence in the middle.
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Baytown Lee came up just short of a postseason berth in 2024, despite posting a solid 6-4 record under head coach Tim Finn. With a handful of difference-makers returning, the Ganders will look to take the next step and break back into the playoff mix this fall. Senior Elijah Brown, a dynamic two-way threat and first-team, all-district selection at wide receiver and DB, will be a cornerstone on both sides of the ball. Up front, junior lineman Luis Gonzalez Jr. returns to anchor the offense after earning second-team recognition. Defensively, Lee features an experienced front seven, led by senior end Rylen Barrientos and junior tackle Aedan Squires. Sophomore Nehemiah Louisy, the district’s Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year, adds some promise to a group that’s looking to continue trending upward.
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As the Santa Fe Indians prepare for the upcoming season, a tough and determined defense could be the key to improvement. Coming off a 4-6 finish in 2024, including a 2-5 district record, head coach Blake Ryder will rely on veteran leadership and emerging talent to push the program forward. Senior safety Jackson Smith returns as a first-team, all-district selection and dangerous return specialist. He’ll be supported by senior linebacker Jaidyn Bailey and defensive end Johnathan Baccinelli, both second-team honorees, while sophomore Teegan Woitna – the district’s Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year – brings some muscle up front. Offensively, Santa Fe faces some questions at the skill positions, but senior center Gerardo Rodriguez provides a reliable anchor in the trenches after earning second-team recognition.
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With new head coach Chris Lane taking the reins, Lamar Consolidated is hoping to turn the page after a tough 1-9 campaign in 2024. Lane, coming over from Alief Hastings, inherits a roster with individual talent looking to translate into team success. The offense brings back several all-district performers, including senior wideout Kameron Daliet and versatile junior Edgar Garcia, who earned first-team honors at tight end but is also capable of taking snaps at quarterback. Defensively, senior edge rusher Trevor Onuegbu returns to lead a unit eager for improvement. Simply put, expect a hungry, rejuvenated Mustangs squad this fall.
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Heading into the fifth year of directing the Terry program, head coach Darnell Jackson is aiming to guide his alma mater back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Despite a tough 2-8 finish last fall, the Rangers return a reasonable assortment of all-district picks who provide a spark on both sides of the ball. Senior QB Everett Gary and H-back Mathew Eben bring experience to the offense, while linebacker Jayden Robertson and defensive back Trey Reyes look to bolster an improved defense.




































