GAMES
RANKINGS
2022-23 MacArthur Generals Boys Soccer
KICK OFF: 6A Boys Soccer repping H-Town in Rd. 1 of UIL Playoffs
Throughout the Winter season, several teams have shined on the pitch and now is the time for them to prove they have what it takes to go the distance and reach the State Tournament in Georgetown, TX within the next month.
Fortunately for Houston, nearly 50 Boys 6A teams show tremendous potential to reach that point.
Here are the clubs that will be representing H-Town between this Thursday and Saturday, in the opening round (Bi-District) of the UIL Playoffs.
6A Boys Soccer
*Record Format: W-L-T (Tournament games not included)
*List is ordered alphabetically
Aldine Mustangs
2022-23: 6-2-2/Finished 3rd in District 14-6A
Head Coach: Melbin Barahona
Bi-District Matchup: v. College Park
Alief Elsik Rams
2022-23: 13-2-3/Finished 2nd in District 23-6A
Head Coach: Vincenzo Cox
Bi-District Matchup: v. Clear Creek
Alief Taylor Lions
2022-23: 5-7-7/Finished 4th in District 23-6A
Head Coach: Jose Leal
Bi-District Matchup: v. Clear Springs
Bellaire Cardinals
2022-23: 8-4/Finished 3rd in District 18-6A
Head Coach: Michael Edwards
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cypress Creek
Channelview Falcons
2022-23: 6-5-3/Finished 4th in District 22-6A
Head Coach: Ronnie Simicek
Bi-District Matchup: v. Kingwood
Cinco Ranch Cougars
2022-23: 9-3-5/Finished 3rd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Ryan Searle
Bi-District Matchup: v. Ridge Point
Clear Creek Wildcats
2022-23: 10-6-3/Finished 3rd in District 24-6A
Head Coach: Dennis Cobb
Bi-District Matchup: v. Alief Elsik
Clear Lake Falcons
2022-23: 9-8-4/Finished 4th in District 24-6A
Head Coach: Jered Shriver
Bi-District Matchup: v. Strake Jesuit
Clear Springs Chargers
2022-23: 9-4-5/District 24-6A Champions (8-1-3)
Head Coach: Kenny Webb
Bi-District Matchup: v. Alief Taylor
College Park Cavaliers
2022-23: 10-4-2/Finished 3rd in District 13-6A
Head Coach: Mike Jaskowiak
Bi-District Matchup: v. Aldine
Conroe Tigers
2022-23: 9-5-2/Finished 5th in District 13-6A
Head Coach: Michael Pistor
Bi-District Matchup: v. MacArthur
Cypress Creek Cougars
2022-23: 7-5-2/Finished 3rd in District 17-6A
Head Coach: Joshua O’Dear
Bi-District Matchup: v. Bellaire
Houston Memorial Mustangs Boys Soccer
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Cypress Lakes Spartans
2022-23: 8-3-3/Finished 2nd in District 16-6A
Head Coach: Franklin Cartagena
Bi-District Matchup: v. Klein Forest
Cypress Ridge Rams
2022-23: 11-1-2/District 17-6A Champions (10-0-2)
Head Coach: Chris Helton
Bi-District Matchup: v. Houston Heights
Cy Springs Panthers
2022-23: 10-4-3/Finished 3rd in District 16-6A
Head Coach: Diego Pinto
Bi-District Matchup: v. Waller
Cy Woods Wildcats
2022-23: 9-2-4/District 16-6A Champions (8-2-4)
Head Coach: Joseph Carmichael
Bi-District Matchup: v. Klein Cain
Dickinson Gators
2022-23: 11-3-3/Finished 2nd in District 24-6A
Head Coach: Daniel Edinburgh
Bi-District Matchup: v. Pearland
Dobie Longhorns
2022-23: 12-0-3/District 22-6A Champons (10-0-2)
Head Coach: Justo Manrique
Bi-District Matchup: v. Humble
Eisenhower Eagles
2022-23: 6-2-2/Finished 2nd in District 14-6A
Head Coach: Dan Bui
Bi-District Matchup: v. Grand Oaks
Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs
2022-23: 9-5-2/Finished 4th in District 20-6A
Head Coach: Francisco Diaz
Bi-District Matchup: v. Seven Lakes
Fort Bend Bush Broncos
2022-23: 11-3-3/Finished 2nd in District 20-6A
Head Coach: Sebastian Pineda
Bi-District Matchup: v. Katy Jordan
George Ranch Longhorns
2022-23: 9-5-3/Finished 3rd in District 20-6A
Head Coach: Matthew Jackson
Bi-District Matchup: v. Katy Paetow
Grand Oaks Grizzlies
2022-23: 10-3-3/Finished 2nd in District 13-6A
Head Coach: Shane Ulbricht
Bi-District Matchup: v. Eisenhower
Heights Bulldogs
2022-23: 7-5/Finished 4th in District
Head Coach: Hank Deslaurier
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cypress Ridge
Houston Memorial Mustangs
2022-23: 11-5-3/Finished 2nd in District 17-6A
Head Coach: Bryce Haskett
Bi-District Matchup: v. Houston Westside
Houston Westside Wolves
2022-23: 8-4/Finished 2nd in District 18-6A
Head Coach: Guillermo Ospina
Bi-District Matchup: v. Houston Memorial
Humble Wildcats
2022-23: 12-1-8/Finished 2nd in District 21-6A
Head Coach: Saul Keene
Bi-District Matchup: v. Dobie
Katy Jordan Warriors
2022-23: 10-5-2/Finished 3rd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Jason Meekins
Bi-District Matchup: v. Fort Bend Bush
Katy Paetow Panthers
2022-23: 10-2-5/Finished 2nd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Vincenzo Vaccaro
Bi-District Matchup: v. George Ranch
Kingwood Mustangs
2022-23: 9-1-6/District 21-6A Champions (8-1-5)
Head Coach: Bryan Jennings
Bi-District Matchup: v. Channelview
Klein Cain Hurricanes
2022-23: 6-4-4/Finished 4th in District 15-6A
Head Coach: Donald Brunell
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cy Woods
Klein Forest Eagles
2022-23: 8-8-1/Finished 5th in District 15-6A
Head Coach: Roger Ramirez
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cypress Lakes
Lamar Texans
2022-23: 10-5-1/District 18-6A Champions (9-3)
Head Coach: Jeremy Davison, M. Ed., CAA
Bi-District Matchup: v. Northbrook
Langham Creek Lobos
2022-23: 9-5-3/Finished 4th in District 16-6A
Head Coach: Chad Monk
Bi-District Matchup: v. Tomball
MacArthur Generals
2022-23: 15-0/District 14-6A Champions (14-0)
Head Coach: Salvador Fernandez
Bi-District Matchup: v. Conroe
Northbrook Raiders
2022-23: 8-6-4/Finished 4th in District 17-6A
Head Coach: Jonathan Claydon
Bi-District Matchup: v. Lamar
North Shore Mustangs
2022-23: 11-4-2/Finished 4th in District 21-6A
Head Coach: Richard Hurtado
Bi-District Matchup: v. Pasadena
Pasadena Eagles
2022-23: 7-1-4/Finished 2nd in District 22-6A
Head Coach: Gavin Bruce
Bi-District Matchup: v. North Shore
Pearland Oilers
2022-23: 10-2-8/Finished 3rd in District 23-6A
Head Coach: Scott Macneish
Bi-District Matchup: v. Dickinson
Ridge Point Panthers
2022-23: 11-2-4/District 20-6A Champions (10-2-4)
Head Coach: Bryan McDonald
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cinco Ranch
Sam Rayburn Texans (Pasadena)
2022-23: 8-6-3/Finished 3rd in District 22-6A
Head Coach: Carlos Manrique
Bi-District Matchup: v, Summer Creek
Seven Lakes Spartans
2022-23: 15-1-1/District 19-6A Champions (15-0-1)
Head Coach: Jim Krueger
Bi-District Matchup: v. Fort Bend Austin
Strake Jesuit Fighting Crusaders
2022-23: 14-2-2/District 23-6A Champions (12-0-2)
Head Coach: Bill McDonald
Bi-District Matchup: v. Clear Lake
Summer Creek Bulldogs
2022-23: 9-4-1/Finished 3rd in District 21-6A
Head Coach: Jose Trevino
Bi-District Matchup: v. Pasadena Rayburn
The Woodlands Highlanders
2022-23: 19-2-2/District 13-6A Champions (14-0-2)
Head Coach: Jason Fanning
Bi-District Matchup: v. Spring Westfield
Tomball Cougars
2022-23: 9-3-2/District 15-6A Champions
Head Coach: Martin Metcalf
Bi-District Matchup: v. Langham Creek
Waller Bulldogs
2022-23: 7-5-2/Finished 2nd in District 15-6A
Head Coach: Victor Garcia
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cy Springs
Westfield Mustangs
2022-23: 6-4-4/Finished 4th in District 14-6A
Head Coach: Brian Murdaugh
Bi-District Matchup: v. The Woodlands
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH THE UIL 6A BOYS BRACKETS (Regions 1 & 2)
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH THE UIL 6A BOYS BRACKETS (Regions 3 & 4)
Fort Bend Austin is 2-0 to start the season, tying the combined total of wins from the previous two years.
Culture key to Fort Bend Austin’s 2-0 start
This much is absolute: Austin, which went 0-10 last year, already has as many wins this season as it had the previous two combined.
Two more wins, and the Bulldogs will have their first four-win season since 2011. Four more wins could be enough to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2013.
“One big difference is the trust everyone has in the coaching staff and program,” senior quarterback and team captain Jamal Franklin said. “We trust each other and keep each other accountable for everything, good or bad. We came into the season knowing we were a different team.”
There are many causes to that effect.
A big one is the addition of Trey Herrmann as defensive coordinator. Herrmann, previously head coach at Danbury and Katy Taylor, is using the same 3-4 base Austin played in the past, but the motives are different.
There is more blitzing and focus on creating turnovers. Herrmann’s system is a boon for talents like senior defensive end Lotanna Ume-ezeoke, senior cornerback Royell Salmon, senior linebacker Raylon Holmes and senior safety Jayson Tanifum.
Salmon already has two interceptions. Tanifum, a three-year starter, has a fumble return for a score and is the team’s leading tackler.
“The biggest difference in our defense this year is with effort and accountability,” said junior defensive back and team captain Hugh Rolls. “Coach Herrmann has done an amazing job pushing us and teaching us to be something special. He is a very witty defensive coordinator who knows the perfect play-calls for our versatile defense.”
Arogbonlo said Herrmann is a teacher of the game, someone who coaches from the ground up. It was exactly what he was looking for in someone to lead the defense.
Players understand roles and responsibilities better.
“Our players, defensively, are much smarter than in the past,” Arogbonlo said.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are led by Franklin, a pure athlete with 4.39 40-yard speed who adds diversity and variance to the run game, and senior receiver Daniel Oloso, a gifted pass-catcher with height (6-foot-2) and speed (4.5 40-yard dash).
Defense was the reason for Austin’s 10-7 win over Elsik in Week 1. Offense was the key behind last week’s win over Westbury, highlighted by Dillon Tremble’s 38-yard game-winning field goal.
“It’s kids understanding what we want,” Arogbonlo said. “I know 2-0 is a big surprise to everybody, but we honestly have much bigger goals. The shock is the games have been closer than what we expected. But if we’re going to be a playoff team, those are the kinds of games we need to win.”
Fort Bend Austin coach Mike Arogbonlo.VYPE Media
Perhaps the most identifiable change in Austin this year is culture. It started with the offseason.
Arogbonlo arrived in Sugar Land in June 2019. COVID-19 canceled the spring and summer school schedule in 2020. The following spring, COVID-19 rules and regulations were just as significant. Half of Arogbonlo’s players took online classes, and the offseason was non-existent.
This past spring, the Bulldogs were finally able to do spring football, which awards an extra 13 days of practice.
“It allows us to see what the players can and cannot do,” Arogbonlo said. “We want to make sure we’re putting our players in the best situation. We don’t believe in playbooks. We believe in players. Spring ball allowed us to see that and build on that.”
A spring boot camp that lasted several weeks enabled a stronger bond and team fortitude. It’s no coincidence that players say the chemistry and environment around the team has never been better.
“Everyone was so dedicated to get to work and change the way people look at Austin High School. The mindset this offseason was to never give up,” Franklin said.
Players are taking initiative on their own, led by team captains Rolls, Franklin, Oloso and senior offensive lineman Aries Stevens. There is a desire to make Austin football mean something.
“Ever since I was a freshman practicing with the varsity, I saw the potential for our team to be great, but what I noticed is that we lacked leadership from the players,” Rolls said. “Being named a captain by my teammates in the spring allowed me and the other captains the opportunity to take the leadership role and hold our teammates accountable. Whether it’s making sure everyone is showing up for workouts or leading workouts on our own, we had to take a hands-on approach to make sure that the potential we saw with the team came to fruition.”
This senior class is the group Arogbonlo had as freshmen when he walked onto campus that summer of 2019. Experience is a strength.
So is depth.
Arogbonlo is no longer having to use kids playing both offense and defense, and therefore can specify talent more, position by position, and get more detailed with coaching.
Last year, there were 87 kids in the program. This year, there are 120. Not only are Austin players and coaches seeing wins validate work and effort, but interest is growing as well.
“They really believe,” Arogbonlo said. “Nothing these kids are doing is shocking to me at all.”
That’s not just hot air. In June, Arogbonlo said there were no glaring holes on this year’s team. He felt very good about what was coming.
All the Bulldogs had to do was prove it. And, so far, they’ve done exactly that.
“This team is so tight, and they actually enjoy playing for each other,” Arogbonlo said. “We’ve been tied and down in games, and to see their grit and how they stick together and fought through adversity is what I’ve been looking for. In past years, we’d have teams that would quit. This team, it’s almost like they enjoy the fight and the struggle. And they love to do it together.”