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The stars of 2025-26 The Woodlands Football
DISTRICT 13-6A: The Woodlands, College Park, Willis battle for position at the top of the district
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jermaine Bishop Jr., Willis
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jack Daulton, The Woodlands
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Marco Beltran, College Park
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Corey Johnson, New Caney
ON THE CUSP: New Caney Eagles
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College Park Cavaliers
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With an impressive 11-2 finish in 2024 and a playoff run that ended in the Regional Semis, The Woodlands approaches the new season with a seasoned core and a clear goal: go further. Senior quarterback Jack Daulton returns as the centerpiece of the Highlanders’ offense. A TCU-commit and first-team all-district selection, Daulton turned heads last fall, with nearly 1,500 passing yards and 18 touchdowns through the air — plus over 1,100 rushing yards and another 18 scores on the ground, making him one of the city’s most notable dual-threat QBs. He’ll be backed by senior running back Cody Jordan, who’s expected to take on a larger workload, and senior wideout Eli Lancaster, a reliable returning target. Meanwhile, newcomer Colton Weddel (Jr. TE) adds both size and athleticism in the trenches as well as down the field. On defense, experience and talent run deep. Senior defensive end Jy’Ree Jefferson headlines the unit after posting 77 tackles, 10 sacks, and 17 tackles for loss en route to a first-team, all-district honors. He’s joined by fellow first-teamers Parker Stewart (CB) – who brought in 10 picks a year ago – Caycen Bartolazzi (S), and Cole Carlin (LB), along with second-team selections, Tim Parke (LB) and Derrick Williams (DL). In the short term, the Highlanders will look to reclaim the district crown – a title that has eluded them the past two seasons.
After years of hovering in the middle of the pack, College Park appears to be on the rise. Under head coach Kyle Coats, now entering his third season at the helm, the Cavaliers finished 7-5 a year ago and notched a statement win over Westfield in the postseason opener, before falling to Klein Collins in the Area Round. This fall, they return numerous key playmakers, with junior quarterback Camden Hughes being chief among them. The District 13-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Hughes threw for over 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding roughly 300 more yards and five scores on the ground. He’ll once again be targeting senior wide receiver Jordan Styles, who earned first-team all-district honors after racking up more than 800 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The Cavaliers’ offensive line will be anchored by returning all-district seniors Brock Menzie and Cole Cook, giving Hughes a solid foundation up front. On defense, senior safety Marco Beltran — the district’s Utility Player of the Year — leads a unit that also features standout safety David Sands and edge rusher Esteban Asong, both returning all-district selections. Despite what the odds may indicate, this might be one of the most dangerous rosters that College Park has ever featured.
Fresh off back-to-back undefeated district runs and another appearance in the third round of the playoffs, Willis enters the season with plenty of momentum — and unfinished business. Leading the charge is senior athlete Jermaine Bishop Jr., who committed to Texas shortly after being named the District 13-6A MVP. A true two-way threat with a skillset often likened to Jacksonville’s Travis Hunter, Bishop posted over 1,500 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns in 2024. Defensively, he added three interceptions, six pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. The offensive line returns strength and experience with senior Day’jon Moore – a Marylan-pledge and first-team, all-district selection – and fellow senior Trentyn Braun, who also earned all-district honors. On the other side of the ball, senior defensive lineman Jakayden Thompson returns, alongside junior linebacker Cayden Williams and junior defensive back Amajai Friend — both poised for breakout seasons. They’ll have some stiff competition, but don’t put it past coach Trent Miller and co. to make it three in a row within 13-6A.
In the absence of several foundational pieces, Conroe turns the page — but not the expectations. The Tigers are coming off a 9-3 campaign that featured a postseason win and a narrow loss to Bridgeland in the Area Round. Much of that success was driven by quarterback Christian Nunley and all-purpose standout Dramekco Green, now at SMU — a backfield duo that powered Conroe’s offense with big-play ability both through the air and on the ground. Replacing that production won’t be easy, but the Tigers still have proven playmakers. Senior receivers Braylen Mills and Elijah Harris return as reliable targets, while senior running back David Paterson steps into a larger role behind a veteran group in the trenches, led by DeJon McCullough and Cornelius Shaw Jr. Defense may once again be Conroe’s strength. Senior defensive back Xavier Harmon, a first-team, all-district selection, leads the secondary alongside safety Damian Horace. Up front, junior edge rusher Alex Coey — the reigning 13-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year — and Jamarion Haynes (Jr. DT) bring a healthy mix of athleticism and physicality. Another exciting development was the recent addition of senior linebacker Caleb “CJ” Mooring (Nevada-commit), who moved in after winning a 6A-DII State Championship with Vandegrift a year ago – further bolstering an already loaded Conroe defense. With a retooled group capable of setting the tone, the Tigers enter 2025 with confidence and something to prove.
With experience on their side, Grand Oaks enters 2025 more motivated than ever. Despite concluding the year with a positive 6-4 record last season, the Grizzlies came up just short of a playoff berth. But with nearly the entirety of their starting roster returning, head coach Shaun McDowell’s squad looks poised to turn the corner and re-establish itself as a contender in District 13-6A. Senior signal-caller Grant Smith, a four-year starter and team captain, is once again expected to shine for GOHS. Smith earned first-team, all-district honors in 2024 after throwing for nearly 2,200 yards and 24 touchdowns with just three interceptions, while also adding two scores on the ground. He’ll be paired with top target Preston Cloud, a senior wideout who caught 41 passes for 608 yards and nine touchdowns en route to first-team honors. Junior receiver Darnell Jackson and senior running back Keilan Gause (418 rushing yards, 6 TDs) round out a versatile offensive unit, supported by returning all-district linemen Gabriel Saliba and Garrett Oeswein. Defensively, senior ATH and first-teamer Griffin Tillis (Arizona-commit) leads a veteran group that includes senior lineman Cullen Thompson and defensive back Isaac Smith, both second-team selections. Armed with recognizable talent and incentive, Grand Oaks is in a strong position to make noise in 2025 — and return to the postseason picture.
Oak Ridge will look to reassert itself in the District 13-6A conversation this fall under first-year head coach Tyler Blackshire, who takes the reins of the program following his time as Magnolia’s defensive coordinator. The War Eagles finished 3-7 last season and will aim to reset the program’s trajectory. Offensively, the team moves forward without top producer Justin Hayes, but retains senior quarterback Drayton Urbay, who was a second-team, all-district honoree a year ago. He’ll have a dynamic weapon in 6-foot-5 wideout James Scott — a first-team pick whose blend of size and speed has drawn attention from D1 programs, particularly TCU, where he recently announced his official commitment. Senior tight end Titus Braboy (second-team) will also provide some muscle, both on the line and in the passing game. The defense brings back experience in the trenches and secondary, led by seniors Rome Bentley and Jayden Barnes, along with junior lineman Chase Leonard and defensive back Christopher Salem — all honorable mention selections.
Following a tough 1-9 season, New Caney looks to harness renewed energy under first-year head coach Sheldon Bennight, arriving from Galveston Ball. Just three years removed from a district title, the Eagles hope Bennight’s culture shift sparks a turnaround. Junior RB Corey Johnson, a second-team all-district pick, returns after nearly 750 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns. He’ll share carries with senior Kendrick Mitchell, who had four scores last fall. The offensive line should be a strength, anchored by senior all-district selections Brycen Cole and Jacob Knighton. Junior WR Brayden Logan (all-district honorable mention) adds another reliable weapon. On defense, Christian Magana (Sr. DL) and Sam Harris (Sr. DB) also return after earning honorable mentions.
The Caney Creek Panthers enter the fall looking to build off a 2–8 finish under head coach Kendall Hineman. The program will face a key transition at quarterback following the graduation of standout Demarcus Williams. Still, the offense returns several contributors. Senior wide receiver Jahamante Kuhn — a first-team all-district pick — leads the passing attack, with second-teamers tight end Dorian Bennett and senior lineman Isaiah Rivera up front. Defensively, senior DE Xavier Martinez and DB Ellis Davis return as all-district selections. Special teams remain steady with junior kicker Juan Perez back after a strong showing in 2024.
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VYPE Football 2020 Preview: District 8-5A-DI
PRESEASON RANKINGS
Lufkin
Magnolia
College Station
New Caney
Magnolia West
Porter
Waller
Caney Creek
Cleveland
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Jordan Moore, Lufkin
Offensive MVP: Mitch Hall, Magnolia
Defensive MVP:Derrick Harris Jr., New Caney
Breakout Player of the Year: Caleb Godfrey, Waller
Sleeper Team: Magnolia West
THIS MAY BE ONE OF THE BETTER 5A DISTRICTS IN THE STATE. FROM LUFKIN TO NEW CANEY AND EVEN MAGNOLIA, TALENT ABOUNDS ON THESE ROSTERS AND WILL BE A LOT OF FUN TO WATCH. BUT WHO CAN WIN THIS DISTRICT?
LUFKIN PANTHERS
Quarterback Jordan Moore passed for 2,552 yards and 22 touchdowns with only one interception during the regular season. They will have to find a replacement for 1,000-yard receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (Texas Tech-signee). Another key returner will be second-team RB Caleb Berry (644 yards, 11 TDs).
Other key returners include first-team, all-district WR Kelton Wright (593 yards, 5 TDs) and second-team pick OL Alex Pruitt. Kicker Caleb Encarnacion also returns, who had a district-leading eight field goals and converted 47 extra-points. Defensively, watch for first-team DE Wilburn Smallwood and second-team DE Tavaris Owens to shore up the defensive line.
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MAGNOLIA BULLDOGS
Craig Martin returns all-state back Mitch Hall, who rushed for 2,036 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hall had eight games where he eclipsed 100-plus yards. Add the production of QB Travis Moore (1,839 yards, 25 TDs; 656 yards rushing, eight scores), the duo combined to produce more than 4,000 yards. This duo could see the same kind of production with big-man Matthew Wykoff (Texas A&M-commit), a first-team, all-district pick, back on the offensive line along with second-team pick Daniel Hinojosa.
Also, watch for first-team TE Ben Coligan and K Ernie Mendoza to make an impact. The defensive unit will have to replace Defensive MVP Jarrett Pleasant at safety but have some strong pieces back. Key returners to the defensive side will include DE Adam Fenn, DL Carlos Ortiz (33 tackles), DL Kiran Curtis, DB Nathan Hakes (64 tackles, two INTs) and DB Grady Harper (54 tackles).
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COLLEGE STATION COUGARS
Defense will be the calling card for the Cougars with Defensive Lineman MVP Isaac Almaraz and Defensive Newcomer LB Jaxson Slanker (103 tackles) back. Also, watch for second-team linebacker Bubba Carter (120 tackles, seven sacks). But don't sleep on the offense. Last year, Jett Huff as a sophomore passed for 1,009 yards and eight scores and started in seven games. The Cougars will lean on a pair of running backs in Roderick Brown (1,219 yards, 16 TDs) and Kolbe Cashion (715 yards, seven TDs) to tote the rock. Watch out for Dalton Carnes on kick returns as he averaged 21.76 yards per kickoff return and took one back to the house. At receiver, Houston Thomas will be a threat.
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It will be a new era for New Caney as Brady Pennington has called it a career. Pennington took New Caney from winning just two games a year and not being close to a playoff threat to rattling off four-straight district championships and back- to-back 10-win seasons. Now, enter Travis Reeve, who comes from Cuero, where he guided the Gobblers to a 2018 state championship – the first since 1987 – and a pair of undefeated regular seasons. So, not a bad get for New Caney! Reeve will have to fill some holes. Gone is District 9-5A-DI MVP Zion Childress (Texas State), who combined for more than 3,500 yards of total offense, so the Eagles will have to find a new signal-caller.
Returning is Offensive MVP Cale Sanders Jr. (UCF-Commit), who rushed for 1,070 yards and 16 TDs a year ago. He also had 325 yards receiving and three scores. On the line, watch for John Cantrell. Defensively, the unit should be stout with Texas-commit Derrick Harris Jr. anchoring it, who had 89 tackles, 25 QB hurries and five sacks. Harris was the Defensive MVP. First-teamer Kenny Williams (89 tackles, five sacks) will roam at linebacker. Also, watch for D'Juan Grant in the secondary for the Eagles.
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MAGNOLIA WEST MUSTANGS
The Mustangs were under first-year coach Blake Joseph a year ago and rumbled into the playoffs for a 10th-straight season. This program knows how to get into the playoffs, it's a culture. The 'Stangs will have to replace Tristan Brady at QB but have some nice pieces to build around. Brock Dalton could be looked at to step up in the QB1 role after getting some reps as a sophomore. Leading rusher Hunter Bilbo (1,012 yards) is back after earning Newcomer of the Year nods. Nick Joseph could complement him in the backfield and make for a nice one-two punch. Tight end Marcus Collins (556 yards, 8 TDs) will be a big target as well. Watch for Miguel Ortiz on the line and Trey Leggett at receiver. Defensively, DE Hayden Jansky, DL Luke McCaffety, who were both first-teamers, return. Linebacker Brady Dygert was a second-teamer.
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PORTER SPARTANS
Every year since Jim Holley has taken over Porter, the Spartans have been a playoff program. In this new power district can they
vie for one of those four spots? Jace Russell is expected to step into the quarterback role, while Luke Cordle will be one of his weapons at WR but can also shift to defense if needed. Caleb Evans-Pickens could see some time at running back and defensive back. Defensively, Austin Perkins will roam the secondary along with Jaylynn Briley. On the line, Quincy Montgomery will hold that part down, while Charles Bosley holds down the linebacker corps. Defense will be the calling card early, while the offense gets shored up.
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WALLER BULLDOGS
Waller may have posted an 0-9 record a year ago but some of the losses were super close. Swing
a one-point loss to Caney Creek, a six-point loss to Willis, nine-point loss to Tomball and they are right there. The Bulldogs were young a year ago and gaining that experience will be key. Second-team quarterback Caleb Godfrey is back after passing for 1,231 yards and nine scores. Expect him to grow even more in 2020. Jared Hicks returns in the backfield, while Deyvian Crawford and Mason Stewart will be back out wide. The offense was full of sophomores and juniors a year ago, which could make things interesting. Defensively, Isaiah Blair (DB) is the lone all-district returner. Watch for Almarion Johnson and Jairo Garcia on the defensive line as well. These Bulldogs could surprise some people.
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CANEY CREEK PANTHERS
Kendall Hineman takes over the reins of Caney Creek and will the third head coach in just three seasons. Hineman comes over from Conroe, where he was an assistant. The Creek was senior-laden a year ago in the skill position. The Panthers do return FB Samuel Gallaga, who made first-team, all-district, and TE Edgar Heredia, who earned second-team honors. Defensively, DL Edgar Heredia was a second-team pick.
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CLEVELAND INDIANS
Jason Fiacco moves from Elkhart to take over Cleveland. The Indians have struggled for a while, losing 23-straight games but is on the come up. So, there will be challenges for Cleveland this year. Devonte and Donald Robertson could be some of the district's breakout players this year. The brothers play QB and WR, respectively and have that connection. Also, watch for FB Andrew Alpha and RG/DT Michael Nix.