GAMES
RANKINGS
Some of the stars of 2025-26 Cypress Falls Football
DISTRICT 17-6A: Cy Falls looks to secure back-to-back titles
Cy-Fair Bobcats
Stratford Spartans
Memorial Mustangs
Cypress Creek Cougars
Jersey Village Falcons
Cypress Ridge Rams
Northbrook Raiders
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Gabriel Wilson, Cypress Falls
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chase Sanders, Cy-Fair
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Marlon Cook, Cypress Creek
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Davis Kendall, Stratford
ON THE CUSP: Cypress Creek Cougars
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Memorial Mustangs
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Coming off a strong 9-3 campaign in 2024, the Cypress Falls Eagles are looking to take the next step under head coach Chris Brister. After falling to perennial power Katy in the Area Round of the 6A Division I playoffs, Cy Falls returns a veteran core eager to push deeper this fall. On offense, senior RB Gabriel Wilson is set to take center stage. A first-team all-district selection, Wilson ran for 800 yards and four touchdowns last season, while splitting carries with the now graduated Eric Manuel. With offers from Rice, Washington State, and others, Wilson is expected to be the focal point of the attack in 2025. He’ll be joined by fellow senior Brandon Derbigny, an all-district quarterback who brings leadership and big-play ability, as well as ATH Liam Madkins. Up front, second-team lineman Alberto Hernandez returns to anchor the trenches. The defense is just as imposing, led by edge rushers like four-star prospect Kaden McCarty and James Harris – both juniors and first-team, all-district honorees with impressive Division I recruiting interest. The secondary brings experience as well, with seniors Gabe Collins and James Henderson (Rice-commit) bolstering the back end.
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Cy-Fair returns to the gridiron with unfinished business. After posting a 7-4 record and finishing second in District 17-6A, their postseason run was cut short in a first-round loss to Lamar. But with a solid core of returners and a tradition of physical, disciplined football, the Jeff Miller-led Bobcats are poised to reassert themselves in the 6A playoff picture. Senior wideout Chase Sanders brings a formidable presence offensively. The unanimous first-team, all-district pick is a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-5, combining size and quickness that also make him a standout on the basketball court. He’ll be supported by senior running back Arnell Fontenot and tight end Sebastian Villa—both second-team selections—as well as junior offensive lineman Paola Arellano. On the defensive side, replacing Texas A&M-signee Landon Rink won't be easy, but the Bobcats return plenty of experience. Linebacker Jayce Robinson (first-team) brings leadership and physicality, while the secondary is anchored by senior Jaden Vaughn (first-team) – a three-star recruit who committed to Northwestern at the end of June – alongside second-team honoree Alek Askeroglu. Furthermore, junior OLB Drayton Hawkins is an emerging name to be aware of in the wake of Kaleb Burns’ graduation. With a balanced roster and the usual high expectations, Cy-Fair appears primed to turn last season’s early exit into fuel for a deeper playoff run come November.
Stratford isn’t hitting the reset button in 2025 – they’re hitting the ground running. Head coach Todd Rankin’s squad took bronze in 17-6A prior to reaching the second round of the postseason, where their momentum was halted by Katy Jordan. Despite that result, it isn't a stretch to assume they could potentially have a more extensive run in the near future. Much of Stratford’s offensive identity will start with its line – an experienced unit led by first-team, all-district honorees Foard Polley and Clayton Nonhof, as well as second-teamer Kenny White. Their presence up front should open the door for senior running back Davis Kendall to have a major breakout year. Even in a shared role in the rushing attack last season, Kendall posted over 700 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns. With a larger workload in 2025, he’ll surely be a name to watch. Senior wideout Cody Hanlen also returns as a reliable target. Defensively, the Spartans bring back playmakers at all three levels. Senior cornerback Johnathan Joseph, a first-team selection, is expected to make an impact both in coverage and as a return specialist. Linebacker Jaxson Blundell and defensive end Matthew Bednar round out a front seven that should keep the opponent’s ground game in check.
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Change is in the air for the Memorial Mustangs as they prepare for this fall with a new leader at the helm. Brooks Haack, a former assistant and offensive coordinator for Randle – the reigning 5A-DII state champions – steps in to replace longtime head coach Gary Koch. Though the Mustangs finished 4-7 last year, a late-season push secured a playoff spot, which serves as proof that the program still has some gas left in the tank. Haack inherits a roster with experience in the right places, particularly in the trenches. Senior offensive linemen Evan Paul and Deven Jagassar return as all-district selections, joined by promising junior Colton Bash. On the outside, junior wideout Ayo Omotosho adds versatility to a group that will benefit from Haack’s offensive background. Flipping over to the defense, Memorial brings back several contributors capable of setting the tone. Senior linebacker Isaac Richardson and defensive back Brett Gulledge were both first-team, all-district honorees in 2024, while junior safety Jackson Van Wie (second-team) also enjoyed a strong campaign. Further bolstering the secondary will also be senior Winston Xu. While some growing pains may be expected, all signs point to Memorial heading in the right direction.
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Entering his second season, coach Deveon McKinney looks to guide Cypress Creek past last year’s 2-8 result. With a handful of adept veterans back in place, the Cougars have the necessary tools to improve in 2025. Senior running back Garland Wilburn leads the offense after compiling nearly 1,100 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns last season. Junior QB Kyle Moss showed flashes of promise and is expected to take a step forward. Meanwhile, unanimous first-team, all-district defensive tackle Marlon Cook returns as a dominant presence on the D-Line, after posting 44 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and a team-leading 6.5 sacks a year ago.
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With Levelle Norris officially taking over as HC last December, Jersey Village will be aiming to turn the page after a 3-7 season in 2024. The team will lean on returning senior talent to spark a resurgence on both sides of the ball. Senior RB Jaden Perkins is expected to step into a larger offensive role, giving the Falcons a versatile weapon in the backfield. On defense, middle linebacker Nathan Reyes leads the charge after earning first-team, all-district honors with 67 tackles and 4 sacks. Fellow senior Brad Sheehy (second-team) adds experience and toughness to the linebacker corps.
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The road ahead may be challenging for Cypress Ridge, but under Andrew Shanle, the Rams are focused on building a new foundation. After finishing 3-7 in 2024 and graduating much of their core – especially on defense – this year’s group will rely heavily on emerging leaders. Senior running back Zion Cornish returns as the focal point of the offense after earning second-team, all-district honors. He’ll run behind junior offensive lineman Jayden Williams, another second-team selection, who brings size and experience to the front line. Additionally, senior linebacker Noel Tovar (second-team) anchors a unit looking to develop quickly. Competing in a tough district, Cy Ridge’s success may hinge on how fast its new faces settle into key roles.
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Though Northbrook finished 2-8 and extended its district winless streak to seven straight seasons, there were signs of progress in head coach Demond Stafford’s first year at the helm. The Raiders opened 2024 with back-to-back wins—their best start in 17 years—offering a spark of optimism for a program eager to turn the corner. Now in year two, Stafford and his squad are focused on growth, aiming to turn early momentum into more consistent results in one of the area’s toughest districts.CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
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The stars of 2024-25 Stratford Football
Stratford, Cy-Fair, Cy Falls seek to claim DISTRICT 17-6A
Cy-Fair Bobcats
Cypress Falls Golden Eagles
Memorial Mustangs
Jersey Village Falcons
Cypress Creek Cougars
Cypress Ridge Rams
Northbrook Raiders
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Aaron DeLeon, Stratford
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chase Ferrell, Cypress Falls
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Landon Rink, Cy-Fair
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Garland Wilburn, Cypress Creek
ON THE CUSP: Cypress Creek Cougars
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Cy-Fair Bobcats
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Stratford Spartans rumbled to the Regional Quarterfinals a year ago before falling to eventual Class 6A Division II State Runner-Up Summer Creek. Seventh-year coach Todd Rankin (41-25) brings back plenty of talent with 11 starters back in the huddle. Seven starters are back on the offensive side, including quarterback Aaron DeLeon (3,300 yards, 42 TDs). Javi Denson returns to the starting running back spot after an injury held him out last year. Denson is a tough runner with great hands and will be an explosive weapon. Other players to watch on offense include Hunter Biehl (WR - 393 yards, 5 TDs), Foard Polley (OL) and Clayton Nonhof (OL). Defensively, Newcomer of the Year Tiergan Burl (LB) is back after recording 71 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 4 TFL. Defensive end Blake Barry (51 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and defensive back Parker Johnson (79 tackles, 2 INT) also return. A new addition is Jonathan Joseph, who is the son of former Houston Texan Jonathan Joseph.
The Cy-Fair Bobcats are coming off one of its better seasons in recent years. The Bobcats are a perennial playoff team, making it the last 14 seasons. But last season, Cy-Fair went 11-2 and for the first time since 2018 reached the Regional Quarterfinals. Head coach Jeff Miller does say goodbye to District MVP Trey Owens at quarterback, who signed with Texas. That will be a big hole to fill. He does bring back three-star prospects in Texas A&M-commit Landon Rink on the defensive line and Houston-commit Wyatt Herbel at tight end. Rink was the District 17-6A Defensive MVP a year ago with a team-leading 71 tackles and 13 sacks. Herbel was second on the team with 483 receiving yards and 11 scores. Cornerback Jaden Vaughn is a rising 2026 prospect for Cy-Fair with an offer from Washington State on the books to lock in the secondary, while John Provost will help with the push up front and LB Colin Nott will patrol the middle of the field. Another player to watch includes first-team, all-district offensive lineman Koy Faecher, while Andrae Williams will stretch the defenses at WR. The Bobcats are a tradition-rich program. That doesn’t change in 2024 as they seek a third-straight district title and the fifth in the last six seasons.
The Cypress Falls Golden Eagles are coming off an 8-3 campaign in 2023 and reached the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Chris Brister enters his eighth year of leading Cypress Falls. Five starters return for Brister, including Air Force-commit Chase Ferrell (WR) and Defensive Player of the Year Kaleb Burns (Baylor-commit). Other key returners include first-team, all-district tight end/defensive lineman Drake Bright and defensive back Ashton Wilson, who was honorable mention, all-district. Sterling Bright is a versatile athlete (TE/LB) and Morgan Henriquez anchors the OL. Keys to success for the Golden Eagles, according to Brister include staying healthy, stopping the run and developing the offensive line.
Gary Koch enters his 32nd season leading Memorial and sits just six wins away from career coaching victory No. 200. The Mustangs have made the playoffs in each of the last five years and did it again last year, going 5-6 overall. Up front, second-team, all-district picks Harrison Rabel and Evan Paul will anchor the offensive line. Carson Wall (first-team, all-district, 389 yards) and William Van Wie (second-team, all-district, 510 yards) will be the top targets at receiver. Defensively, Memorial has talent coming back, especially at the linebacker spot. Isaac Richardson (51 tackles, 4 sacks), John Kafka (37 tackles), Mason Riddle and Edward Gray are all set to return at the position and were all second-team, all-district picks. Jacob Wilburn (DB) will hold it down on the back end, while Coston Terramigi (DL) will bully the opposing offensive linemen in the trenches.
After leading the Jersey Village program since 1997, longtime coach David Snokhaus called it a career in 2023. But the Falcons have a familiar face to replace him as assistant coach Levelle Norris was promoted to interim head coach. Norris knows what he has coming back off a team that went 5-6 a year ago and reached the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Jersey Village will have to find a new top QB, RB and WR as their top players at each position are gone to graduation. The Falcons bring back 11 starters, including first-team, all-district picks Dinh Huynh (WR/P) and DeMarcus Griffin (DL) and second-team, all-district picks Easton Critchfield (OL), Colby Hall (TE) and Taylor Williams (DL). Keys to success include being able to control the line of scrimmage, getting their skill kids the ball in space and limiting the explosive plays on defense, according to Norris.
For the first time in over two decades, Cypress Creek will have a new head coach roaming the sidelines. Greg McCaig retired this offseason and finished with 148 career victories. Cy-Fair ISD went out and grabbed a coach from a power program on the other side of town to fill the void as North Shore offensive line coach Deveon McKinney takes over the program. Cy Creek hasn’t been to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and went 3-7 a year ago. McKinney will lean on returners such as unanimous District 17-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year Garland Wilburn at running back to turn the tide. Other key returners include first-team, all-district pick Nixon Porter (DB) and second-teamers Malik Tenisi (OL), Ethan Wright (WR), Marlon Cook (DL) and Wilburn (RB).
The Cypress Ridge Rams enter the sixth year of the Andrew Shanle-era and look to bounce back from a 2-8 campaign in 2023. Fifteen starters return for Shanle as he is excited to see a balanced offensive attack under new OC Scott Holloway and an improved run defense under returning DC Burl Jordan. Key returners for the Rams include first-team, all-district linebacker Kyle Provost and second-team, all-district defensive back Rennie Grismore. Others to watch, who are picking up steam in the recruiting world, are sophomore and junior defensive linemen Kaden McCarty and Isaiah Broughton.
Northbrook will have a new coach in 2024 as Pasadena Dobie head coach Demond Stafford moves in to take over the program. Stafford started on staff at Pasadena Memorial and in 2019 got his first head coaching job at Pasadena Sam Rayburn, where he stayed for three seasons. The last two were at Dobie, including going 8-3 last year with the Longhorns. Stafford takes over a team that hasn’t won more than one game in a season since 2015 when they went 3-7. The Raiders are coming off an 0-10 campaign and will look to build a new culture under Stafford.