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Dobie's Cameron Mathews
THE PLAYMAKERS: Phenoms on the Field powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Football Athletes of the 2024 Season, who represented South Houston to the highest degree this Fall.
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Jonah Williams -- Galveston Ball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
It was a safe guess to assume that Galveston Ball super-star Jonah Williams would have another monster campaign to cap off his high school career.
Fans and critics alike could not deny the transparent impact he had on the field, whether that be on the defense -- where he played virtually every position at one time or another -- on offense as a tactical athlete, or in the special teams return game.
Stat-wise, the five-star Texas-commit contributed nearly 700 all-purpose yards, with a team-leading 15 total scores, two interceptions, and a blocked field goal in 2024.
Unfortunately for Williams and the Tornadoes, he suffered a broken collar bone when returning an interception during the second half of the team's Week 8 match-up against Barbers Hill -- a thrilling game in which the Eagles won 62-60 in quadruple overtime.
While this would sideline Ball's most vital asset for the remainder of the season, the Tors still produced a respectable run, as they reached the Area Round of the postseason.
When the time came to dish out the season accolades, Williams was rightfully recognized as the District 9-5A-D1 MVP, marking the second-straight time he received the award.
As Williams heals up and waits to become a Longhorn in the near future, let it be known that this young man gave everything to his team and hometown in his final year with the program.
Landon Kieselhorst -- Deer Park
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Deer had yet another productive campaign this Fall, under the direction of 24-6A Coach of the Year Austin Flynn.
Although they moved over to a new district (24-6A) in the UIL realignment, Deer Park wasted little time in establishing themselves as contenders -- evidenced by their 8-2 record to enter the postseason as the co-district champs.
Their offense -- which averaged just over 32 points per contest -- was humming for the vast majority of the Fall. This was thanks, in large part, to the leadership of senior signal-caller Landon Kieselhorst, who facilitated the entire process.
The 6-foot-6 QB passed for nearly 2,000 yards with 24 scores, while tacking on 840 more yards and 10 TDs on the ground, which earned him the distinction of being named the District 24-6A Co-MVP.
Kieselhorst had some help, of course.
He was able to function behind a sturdy offensive-line anchored by unanimous first-team, all-district selections Roberto Rodriguez and Rylen Votion. Furthermore, he had reliable targets such as WRs Tre Martinez (first-team) and Aandon Schroeder (second-team) to work with in the passing game.
While Deer Park was eliminated by perennial heavy-weight North Shore in the Bi-District round, the standard that this team embodies on a yearly basis is definitely worth acknowledging.
Malachi Gamble -- Dickinson
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
From one District 24-6A Co-MVP to another, plenty of props should be given to tailback Malachi Gamble.
In his junior year with Dickinson, Gamble became the focal point of coach John Snelson's offense, as he went on to rush for over 1,500 yards (roughly 139 ypg) and found the end zone on 21 separate occasions.
This would form the catalyst that propelled the Gators to a 7-4 record and a trip to the playoffs, where they narrowly fell to Atascocita in hotly contested 50-45 battle.
Several big names on this offense -- such as Jeremiah Scoby (Bowling Green-signee), Mason Peterson (TCU), and Tyler Thomas (Texas A&M) -- will soon moving on to the collegiate level.
So, the torch is now passed on to Gamble to maintain the consistent level of success audiences have come to expect from Dickinson.
Cameron Mathews -- Dobie
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Victories didn't always come easy for the Longhorns in 2024, but they can hang their hat on the fact that they always made games interesting.
While they experienced a slow start in the first half of the regular season, the resilience that Dobie showed in their final four games to secure a playoff berth is nothing short of remarkable.
A key component in the team's come-back relates to their emphasis on the run-game, which revolved around senior Cameron Mathews.
Mathews was, without a doubt, the heart and soul of Longhorns' offense, as he rushed for close to 1,900 yards and 19 touchdowns to secure his second consecutive Distrct 22-6A MVP nod.
While the Dobie stand-out has yet to commit to a college program as of right now, he'll have plenty to choose from -- namely UTSA, Houston Christian, Grambling State, and Utah -- when the time comes.
Chris Stewart -- Shadow Creek
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Shadow Creek's performance throughout the regular season could be described as "near-perfection".
After dropping the season opener against eventual State Semifinalist Summer Creek, the Sharks then proceeded to dominate in their subsequent nine contests to claim an undefeated District 22-6A championship.
However, head coach Tyrone Green and company dealt with their fair share of injuries and misfortune, which led to them enduring a 31-28 upset against Fort Bend Elkins in the first round of the postseason.
As difficult of a pill to swallow that must have been, it can still be argued that Shadow Creek featured one of the state's most complete rosters in 2024, when healthy.
That was certainly recognized in the district superlatives.
Among all the stars in the program, the one who stood out most was junior wideout Chris Stewart.
After tallying combining for 1,332 all-purpose yards and 18 total scores, Stewart (Texas-commit) was named the District 22-6A Offensive MVP for his efforts, both on offense and in the special teams department.
With Stewart returning next Fall, alongside players such as Tommy Baker (Defensive MVP), Tristan Willis (Offenisve Newcomer of the Year), DeMarco Jenkins (Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year), as well as all-district first-teamers Nathan Harris and Deneim Scott, Shadow Creek will still be in good hands.
They'll undoubtedly be eager to avenge their early exit from the playoffs a year from now.
2024-25 Shadow Creek Football
Shadow Creek, Pearland battling for the Top Of DISTRICT 22-6A ; Manvel, Dawson In The Hunt
Pearland Oilers
Dawson Eagles
Manvel Mavericks
Dobie Longhorns
Pasadena Memorial Mavs
South Houston Trojans
Alvin Yellowjackets
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE'S PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Cam Matthews, Dobie
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jacorey Watson, Shadow Creek
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Anthony Williams, Shadow Creek
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Xavier Muhammad, South Houston
ON THE CUSP: Dobie Longhorns
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Pearland Oilers
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Tyrone Green takes over Shadow Creek following Brad Butler’s retirement. This team brings back plenty of talent with 16 starters (9 on offense, 7 on defense) returning to the huddle. Texas A&M-commit Cobey Sellers anchors the Sharks defense at cornerback. Sellers had 25 tackles and six pass breakups a year ago. He also took snaps at quarterback with 17 touchdowns and more than 900 yards passing. Texas-commit Chris Stewart racked up 680 yards receiving and eight scores, while earning first-team, all-district honors. Athlete Cameron Jamerson is verballed to TCU. Another key returner includes Baylor-commit Jacorey Watson (850 yards passing, 12 TDs) and WR Rahim Hutchins (400 rec. Yards, 7 TDs), who has 11 offers. Also back is RB Alex Kirkland (first-team, all-district), DB Kyle Peterson (6 INTs), LB Anthony “Deuce” Williams (56 tackles, 10 TFL), LB Tommy Baker (65 tackles, 3 INT) and DT Donovan Rogers McNeil (45 tackles, 16 TFL, 5 sacks).
Pearland enters year three of the B.J. Gotte-era, which they have gone 15-8 in thus far. Last year, the Oilers went 9-3 overall and reached the Area Round. An impressive 10 starters return for the Oilers, including first-team, all-district picks Tate Chisolm (FB), Jaylen Stewart (DE) and Logan Johnson (TE). Other key returners include second-team, all-district selections Jaison Law (DB), Charles Gooden (OLB), Joseph Credit (LB) and Jordan Hernandez (WR). Keys to success for Gotte include the defensive playing up to expectations, the offense growing and young players stepping up to fill areas of need.
Mike Allison enters his sixth season leading Pearland Dawson. The Eagles return eight starters off a team that went 6-5 overall a year ago. The offensive line will be anchored by first-team, all-district picks Jaden Rodriguez and Benji Vasquez and second-teamer Jake Reynolds. Wide receiver Rodney Bonham (14 rec, 211 yds, 4 TDS) is a threat on the kick return game as well having two punt returns for touchdowns in 2023. Defensive lineman Chris Smith (20 tackles) will anchor the line, while LB/Ath Jerimiah Treadway (44 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 blocked punts) and DB/Ath Chase Davis (14 tackles, 2 INTs, 7 pass breakups) anchor the defensive unit. Air Force-commit Ayden Treadaway is a weapon in the kicking game. Treadaway nailed 22 of 24 PATs a year ago, while kicking three field goals (long of 44 yards) and averaging 38 yards per punt. A lot of new faces will take the field, so Allison says being unselfish and playing together will be key to their success.
Kirk Martin enters year two in his return tour to Manvel Maverick country. The Mavericks were bit by the injury bug a year ago, losing two starting quarterbacks and a starting center, defensive end and defensive back all to injury. Martin hopes they will stay healthy this year. If they do, Manvel will surely improve on its 5-5 mark from a year ago. Nine starters return (four on offense, five on defense) and Jackson Hamilton and Cam Renfro will battle it out for QB1. Other key returners include Antoine Wilder (WR), Jayce Blaylock (WR), Shaun Williams (center), Grant Stewart (DB), Champ Robinson (DB) and O’Marian Fuller (LB). Stewart is verbally committed to UTEP. Key to success for Manvel is simple this year – stay healthy.
An alum has come home to take over the Dobie Longhorns as Danny Fitzmorris takes the reins as head coach in 2024. Fitzmorris inherits a roster that has 12 starters returning off an 8-3 squad. District MVP Cam Matthews returns at running back for the Longhorns. Newcomer of the Year Demarcus Hodges returns to the backfield as well. The running combo of Matthews and Hodges will be dynamic for the Dobie offense. First-team, all-district picks Markel Terry (OL), Bryce Evans (FB) and Desmond Talib (OLB) return to the mix along with second-teamers Adam Perez (TE), Michael Williams (LB) and Jaylon Broussard (CB). Keys to success for the Longhorns include quarterback play, staying healthy on offense and finding answers at the safety position. The senior leadership will be key as Fitzmorris enters his first year of leading his alma mater.
James Crocker enters his sixth season of leading Pasadena Memorial. The Mavericks are looking to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2016-2017. Last year, Pasadena Memorial went 5-6 overall and reached the Bi-District round. The Mavericks bring back 11 starters, including six on offense and five on defense. Key returners for Pasadena Memorial include first-team, all-district picks Lorenzo Delgado (RB), Devan Robinson (OT) and D’Vaughn Roberts (LB). Second-teamer Kaiden Stewart (DE) and dual-threat quarterback Logan Johnson also are set to return. Keys to success for the Mavericks, according to Crocker, include replacing seniors on defense, especially in the secondary; maturing at wide receiver and being experienced on the offensive and defensive line, at running back and quarterback.
The South Houston Trojans are coming off a 4-6 campaign in 2023 and will look to get back into the playoff picture this fall under sixth-year coach Patrick Longstreet (24-37). South Houston returns 14 starters (eight offense, six defense) off last year’s team. Key returners include Robert McKinney (WR/DB), Ralph Osborne (WR/DB), Aaron Escareno (Ath) and Braden Mayberry (OL/DL). Longstreet says Escareno will step into the quarterback role in 2024. A rising star at South Houston is sophomore tight end/defensive end Xavier Muhammad, who already holds two Division I offers from Texas Tech and UTSA. Muhammad is a part of an emerging sophomore class that Longstreet hopes will fill in the gaps and will learn from a solid senior group.
Sergio Gonzalez enters his third year leading the Sam Rayburn Texans and looks to build off a 2-8 year in 2023. Twelve starters return for Gonzalez, led by first-team, all-district running back Haven Livingston, who has an offer from Howard Payne University. Luciano Morales is coming off a second-team, all-district campaign at cornerback, while Jaquan Bell was an honorable mention at middle linebacker. H’Rei Jones is also getting some play in the recruiting ranks with an offer from North Texas already on the books. Keys to success for Gonzalez’s crew in 2024 include running the ball, playing solid defense, controlling the pace of the game and being physical.
The Alvin Yellowjackets is coming off a 2-8 campaign in 2023 and is looking for a bounce-back season under fourth-year coach James Gage. Health will be a key factor for the Yellowjackets this year with 14 starters set to return. Key returners include Drew Bingham (QB), who played both ways before being injured in 2023. Kadyn Hodson is a three-year starter returning at linebacker. Hodson led the team in tackles a year ago. Aydn Villaloboz and Jacob Baez will anchor the offensive line, Jaylen Peterson will hold down the back end of the defense at safety and Zane Bailey stars at tight end and defensive end and is a three-year starter. Other key returners include Kash Powledge (Safety) and Chuk Phillips (WR/DB). Gage is hoping that the experience of the youngsters playing up a year ago due to injuries will pay off in 2024.