GAMES
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RANKINGS
Some of the featured standouts of the 2026–27 La Porte Bulldogs football team.
VYPE Houston 2026 Football Preview | District 9-5A DI: Balanced District Makes Every Game Count
Lufkin Panthers
Port Arthur Memorial Titans
Beaumont West Brook Bruins
Beaumont United Timberwolves
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
Baytown Sterling Rangers
New Caney Eagles
Galveston Ball Golden Tornadoes
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Sean Simon, La Porte
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Amari Alexander, Lufkin
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ja’Marquis Hudson, Port Arthur Memorial
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Payton Lopez, New Caney
ON THE CUSP: Baytown Sterling Rangers
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Doug Brown (VYPE)
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The La Porte Bulldogs come into the season moving into a new district after finishing as the undefeated district champions in District 11-5A DI a season ago, finishing with a 9-2 record overall and making the playoffs before falling in the Bi-District round. District Offensive MVP junior running back Sean Simon is back to lead the Bulldogs offense after rushing for 2,191 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025. Junior quarterback Joshua Wells will step in as the starter after appearing in eight games last fall and he will look to get the ball to some big-time playmakers in junior wide receiver Peyton Smith (first-team) and senior tight end Ryker Reynolds (first-team). Anchoring the offensive line will be senior Timothy Giddens and senior Fransico Guzman, who was a first-team all-district selection. On the defensive side of the ball, senior lineman Jacob Berneathy (second-team) will look to shut down opponents’ run game while defensive backs Jim Gonzales (sophomore) and Kylen Carter (junior) control the airways. Coach Kevin Berneathy has another promising team and with 12 starters returning for the Bulldogs this fall, they look to be a team primed for a deeper playoff run in 2026.
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Lufkin entered a new era in 2025 as coach Carl Absek took over, leading the Panthers to a 8-4 overall record and Area Round playoff appearance in his first season. Going into 2026, Coach Absek returns 10 starters from a year ago as the Panthers look for a deeper playoff run this fall. Offensively, the Panthers will have a new signal-caller in junior Sam Fitzgerald who will lead the passing attack, getting the ball to sophomore athlete Mason Mark out on the perimeter. Junior running backs Robert Taylor and Amari Alexander will help open up the passing game on the ground with both players seeing playing time a year ago. While the offense will look for underclassmen to step into bigger roles, the strength of this Panthers team will be the defense, more specifically the defensive line. Returning up front for Lufkin is Defensive Newcomer of the Year JaRyen Whitaker along with senior Jamariea Davis (second-team) and junior Antonio Porter, who all will look to cause havoc in the trenches. Junior linebacker Czarion Turner (first-team) is back to man the middle of the defense while senior Chance Horace (first-team) controls the secondary.
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Port Arthur Memorial made history in 2025 reaching the State Semifinals for the first time in school history before falling to eventual state champion Smithson Valley. The Titans return nine starters from a team who went 14-1 a year ago and coach Brian Morgan will look for some underclassmen to step up, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Starting on the defense, the Titans will be led by senior linebacker and first-team all-district selection Ja’Marquis Hudson (Kansas commit) who recorded 105 tackles, 12 sacks and 17 tackles-for-loss as a junior. In the secondary, first-team all-district safety Darrod Jacobs (Utah commit) will help shut down opponents’ passing attacks while senior defensive lineman Ty'vion Hayes (second-team) disrupts up front in the trenches. On offense, sophomore quarterback Came’Ran Roberts will step in to replace last year's District MVP Amante Martin and has experienced wide receivers to get the ball to in seniors Brandon Richards and Bryan Turner. Senior running back Piere Gray leads the rushing attack. Can the Titans repeat last year's success and go even further in 2026? Time will tell.
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Beaumont West Brook had a successful season in 2025 finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2019, going 6-4 overall and just missing out on the playoffs. As the Bruins head into the 2026 season, the expectation is to get back into the playoffs and with 12 starters returning, they have more than enough fire power to do so. Senior quarterback Tammeron Anderson (ULL commit) returns to lead the Bruins’ passing attack, getting the ball to his playmakers in junior wide receiver Brandon Jackson and sophomore athlete Brock Anderson, who will also star on the defensive side of the ball. Up front, juniors Miguel Rubio and Braylon Hadnot (second-team) will look to pave the way for the Bruins’ explosive offense. Defensively, West Brook returns only four starters and will need underclassmen to step up this fall. Luckily for the Bruins, senior defensive lineman Kailon Walker (second-team) returns and will look to lead the defense as well as set the tone up front. Senior linebacker Joe Bowser shuts down the opponents’ run game.
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Beaumont United, like others in this district, saw success under a first-year head coach. Coach Drenard Williams took over the Timberwolves’ program and helped lead them to their best season since 2016 going 7-5 overall and advancing to the Area Round of the playoffs. To repeat the success the Timberwolves had a season ago in 2026, they will rely on the strength of their team, the defense. Senior linebacker Miles Andrews (first-team) is the alpha on the team as he recorded over 150 tackles last fall. In the trenches, senior defensive lineman Collen Woolridge will set the tone up front and disrupt opponents' passing game. On the offensive side of the ball, junior quarterback Christopher Johnson Jr. will step in as the starter and will look to lean on fellow junior Da’Shawn Moore as he leads the Timberwolves on the ground. A player to watch out for this fall will be junior wide receiver Ontario Williams Jr., a physical presence standing at 6-foot-8. While the Timberwolves will need players to step up offensively in 2026, they look to be a team on the rise and in playoff contention this fall.
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Goose Creek Memorial is making the move back down to 5A after spending the past two years in arguably the toughest district in all of Texas high school football. The Patriots, under the direction of first year head coach JayMond Cleveland, saw improvement in 2025 going 4-6 overall which matched their win total for the past four seasons prior to his arrival. The Patriots will return seven starters offensively which includes the leader of the offense, senior quarterback Ricco Richards Jr., who threw for 1,988 yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 710 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. Richards Jr. will look to get the ball to seniors Preston Yawn (second-team) and athlete Anthony Short, who will also see playing time defensively. The ground game will be led by sophomore Timothy Barnett, who will step into a bigger role after seeing limited playing time a year ago. Defensively for the Patriots it starts up front with defensive lineman Robert Rollins, who was a first-team all-district selection in 2025. With a battle-tested team coming from the 6A ranks, look for the Patriots to get back in the playoff conversation this fall.
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Under the direction of first-year head coach Spencer Anthony, Baytown Sterling posted their best season since 2016 going 5-5 overall and just missing the playoffs. As the Rangers enter Year Two of the Anthony-era, they return 14 starters and look to be on the cusp of a playoff berth for the first time since 2008. Offensively for the Rangers is senior quarterback Noah Benitez who has weapons at his disposal in junior athlete Amonte Phipps and senior tight end Ja’Ron Sylvester, while senior offensive lineman Caiden Rainey (first-team) protects up front. Defensively, they are led by senior defensive lineman Justus Broussard, who was a second-team all-district selection after finishing with 76 tackles, six tackles-for-loss and three sacks. In the secondary, Defensive Newcomer of the Year Amari Kegler returns and will also see playing time for the Rangers’ offense. Momentum is trending upwards for the Rangers’ football program and look out for them to have a historic year in 2026.
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The New Caney Eagles, like Goose Creek Memorial, made the move back down to 5A after four years in 6A. The Eagles struggled under first-year head coach Sheldon Bennight in 2025, going 2-8 overall and missing the playoffs. Though the Eagles took their lumps a year ago, they return 10 starters and will look to get back in the playoff conversation in 2026. Sophomore Payton Lopez will take over as the Eagles quarterback, and will have his two top targets from a season ago to get the ball to in senior Brayden Logan (second-team) and junior Kameron Clay. Senior Corey Johnson leads the rushing attack. The defense will be the strength of this year’s New Caney team with senior linebacker Ousmane Faye manning the middle of the defense, while senior Emon Brown (second-team) leads the secondary along with senior Daniel Allen.
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Galveston Ball had a tough season under first-year head coach Omasha Brantley as the Golden Tornadoes went 2-8 overall in 2025. Brantley and staff will look to rebuild in Year Two as they return 11 total starters from a season ago. Senior athlete Corieon Sanders returns to lead the Golden Tornadoes offense after throwing for more than 1,200 yards last fall. Sanders will try to find his playmaker, senior wide receiver Herbert Robinson, in the passing game while the duo of sophomore Rodney Tipps and junior Wyatt Ashcraft look to establish the ground game. Defensively, Galveston Ball will look for players to step into bigger roles but junior Isaiah Washington will be the leader on the defense after having an impressive sophomore year.
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THE DISTRICT OF DOOM: North Shore looks to continue dominance; Atascocita, Summer Creek, Kingwood in the hunt
Summer Creek Bulldogs
Atascocita Eagles
Kingwood Mustangs
C.E. King Panthers
Humble Wildcats
Channelview Falcons
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Cardae Mack, Atascocita
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kaleb Maryland, North Shore
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Cade Haug, Kingwood
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Braylen Lane, CE King
ON THE CUSP: CE King Panthers
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The North Shore Mustangs reached the State Semifinals last season, only to fall to Austin Westlake in a lopsided matchup. With that loss came the end of an era, as head coach Willie Gaston bids farewell to one of the most decorated senior classes in recent memory. So, should the Mustangs be down in 2025? Not a chance. Quarterback Kaleb Maryland (Utah State-commit) has waited in the wings for three years and is finally getting his shot. The dynamic dual-threat playmaker is ready to carry the torch and lead the offense with explosiveness and poise. Maryland will benefit from a rebuilt but powerful offensive line, anchored by Isaac Aranda, Chase Brown, Abdus Kone, and Brandon Hebert, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound transfer from Port Arthur Memorial. With that kind of size up front, the run game should flourish, and Maryland will have time to make plays. At receiver, it's a new crew of rising stars: La’Damian Defreeze, Aubrey Johnson, Jaylen Bocard, and Dorian Barnes—all hungry to make a name for themselves. Guiding the offense is new offensive coordinator Ben Barkema, who joins the program from Deer Park. Defensively, North Shore will continue to bring the heat. In the trenches, Xavier Waters, Jaylen Fields, Zaqwaun Nunn (a Louisiana Tech commit from Clear Springs), and sophomore standout Jayden Johnson (already holding five D1 offers) form a fearsome front. Jayden Curry is poised for a breakout at defensive end. Dezmon Christian leads an inexperienced linebacker unit, while the secondary is bolstered by Tony Guillory at corner, and Juan Hernandez III, giving the defense both depth and playmaking potential. The names may change, but at North Shore, the standard remains the same: State title or bust.
Summer Creek High made a thunderous run to the State Semifinals last season, falling to eventual state champion Vandegrift—but not before establishing itself as a powerhouse under head coach Kenny Harrison. Nestled near IAH Airport, the Bulldogs’ rise has been rapid—and it’s no longer a secret: Summer Creek has arrived. With the graduation of standout QB Blake Thomas, Flower Mound transfer Noah Spinks steps in under center with high expectations. He’ll have the benefit of a seasoned offensive front, led by center Jonathan Bermudez, and a versatile backfield featuring Braylin Causey and Keshawn Jackson. At receiver, the Bulldogs are stacked. Holden Miller, Tre Brown, and Benny Easter Jr. form one of the most explosive trios in the region—capable of stretching the field and torching defenses. Defensively, it starts in the trenches with Brinley Tita, who brings power and grit up front, supported by edge rushers Amontre Harris and Van Cormier. At linebacker, Tyson Joiner and Tre Carroll fly to the football with relentless energy. And then there’s the secondary—loaded with talent and swagger. Marrell Davis and Caleb White headline a unit that can cover, hit, and change games in a flash.
The Atascocita Eagles soared to a 12-2 finish last season, with both losses coming at the hands of one familiar foe: North Shore—once in district play and again in the Regional Final. Now, with a seasoned squad and State dreams in sight, head coach Craig Stump and his team are ready to take the next step. Leading the charge is District MVP and Arizona State commit Cardae Mack, one of the most dynamic playmakers in the state. He’s back and hungry to finish the job. At quarterback, Isaiah “Rocket” Rasheed returns after a strong sophomore campaign and is expected to take a major leap in Year 3. His top target will be CJ Toney, a reliable and explosive weapon on the outside. Defensively, Atascocita brings the fire. Andre Jones and Jason Johnson (6-5, 280-pounds) provide the push in the trenches, while Rayvion Sauls—a relentless, sideline-to-sideline linebacker—will be the heart of the unit. In a loaded secondary, Hunter Sowell, Tavon Bolden, Trenton Blaylock are poised to shut down opposing aerial attacks. With star power, depth, and a chip on their shoulder, the Eagles are all in on a return to the Regional Final—and beyond.
The Kingwood Mustangs turned heads in 2024 with a 9-5 finish, making a deep run to the Regional Finals before being stopped by district rival Summer Creek. It was a breakout campaign for Coach Cale Melton and his squad—and the excitement around the program is very real. Leading the charge into 2025 is District Newcomer of the Year Landon Hinson, who returns at quarterback with poise and upside. He’ll be handing off to explosive running back Cam Richardson, who will be running behind one of the best in the business—national recruit Kennedy Brown, the anchor of a formidable offensive line. On the outside, Trysten Laughlin and Kye Wheby give Hinson reliable and athletic targets to stretch the field and make plays downfield. Defensively, Cade Haug is the tone-setter—a tackling machine at linebacker—while Brayden Ferdows will provide key support in the middle of the defense. The biggest challenge for the Mustangs? Replacing a large and talented senior class. Building depth will be critical if Kingwood wants to keep trending upward in a tough district. But with the returning talent and momentum from last year’s playoff run, Kingwood looks like a program built to last.
The Cory Laxen-era begins at C.E. King with excitement and high expectations. Laxen, a four-time state champion during his time at North Shore, now takes the reins of a Panthers program he’s already deeply familiar with as a former assistant. And while it’s the start of a new chapter, the mission remains the same: build a contender—and fast. There’s plenty of young talent to work with. The quarterback battle between Jeffery Randall and Timothy Potts will be one to watch this fall, while the backfield is already loaded with Stephen F. Austin commit Dionne Sims and Antwon Sanders, both capable of breaking off big plays. Then there's sophomore phenom Dillon Mitchell, whose jaw-dropping track speed has quickly made him one of the most exciting athletes in the area. Up front, the offensive line will be powered by Oswald Jacquet III and Xavier Goode, giving the Panthers stability in the trenches. Out wide, the weapons are dangerous—Braylon Lane (a national recruit), Le’Jerric Clark, and Caleb Martin all have the ability to stretch defenses and make plays. Defensively, Dominick Toulon will bring pressure in the trenches, while the linebacker group features James Jordan and Calvin Carter, a nationally ranked Dekaney move-in with sideline-to-sideline range. In the secondary, Enoch Bell will be the enforcer on the back end. It’s a youth movement at C.E. King—but with talent like this, the Panthers could be back in the postseason mix sooner than expected.
In one of the toughest districts in Texas, Humble, Channelview, and Goose Creek Memorial are grinding to make noise and build momentum. At Humble High, head coach Robert Murphy looks to build on a 5-5 campaign (2-5 in district) with a defense-first mindset. The Wildcats return a solid core on that side of the ball and will aim to turn close games into wins in 2025. Over in Channelview, head coach Averion Hurts leans on a pair of proven playmakers: running back Jaydien Johnson and wide receiver Davion Vanderbilt, who both had big seasons in 2024 and bring firepower to the Falcons’ offensive attack. Meanwhile, Goose Creek Memorial welcomes Jay’Mond Cleveland as its new head coach. The Baytown native and former Lee High School star returns home, energized and ready to spark a turnaround. Cleveland inherits a hungry team, eager to get into the win column and rewrite the narrative.
