GAMES
RANKINGS
Pearland's Joseph Credit (Kansas-signee)
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Gridiron Game-Wreckers // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Football Defensive Players of the Year, giving some well-earned credit to a handful of Southside's dynamic disruptors.
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Kah'ni Watts -- Iowa Colony Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior safety Kah’ni Watts has undoubtedly flourished in his expanded role this fall, proving capable of fulfilling virtually any task for the Iowa Colony defense. His production speaks for itself: 73 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 passes defended, and 2 fumble recoveries — numbers that make a first-team, all-district selection all but assured.
Watts also made headlines recently by flipping his commitment from Houston to Wisconsin, officially signing with the Badgers on Thursday.
His rise comes as Iowa Colony (12–1) prepares for a familiar showdown with district counterpart Randle in the 5A-D2 Region III Final. As noted in the UTMB Offensive Players of the Year edition, both sides can score in bunches, placing a premium on which defense can limit mistakes and generate timely takeaways.
Regardless of how Friday plays out, IC’s Kah’ni Watts deserves recognition for the multi-faceted impact he has delivered throughout 2025.
Joseph Credit -- Pearland Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Seldom does one find an individual athlete who can contribute at the level Joseph Credit demonstrated for Pearland’s defensive unit. Granted, an off-ball linebacker like Credit can typically rack up tackles — but the recent Kansas-signee managed to do considerably more.
Of the 94 tackles he accumulated this fall, an impressive 29 came behind the line of scrimmage, including 9 sacks, showcasing his impeccable instincts as a senior captain for the Oilers. He also added an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries — one of which he returned for a touchdown — further highlighting his all-around impact.
Suffice it to say, Credit was ultimately named the District 22-6A MVP, a distinction rarely awarded to a defensive player. Yet this one feels entirely fitting, considering he served as the heart and soul of a Pearland squad that capped off 2025 with an undefeated district title and an 11–1 final record.
Ashton Ruffin -- La Porte Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After earning first-team all-district honors for his work on defense a year ago, senior Ashton Ruffin affirmed this fall that he could be equally valuable to La Porte on the other side of the ball — if not more so. In a season that saw the Bulldogs finish 9–2 and secure back-to-back undefeated district championships, Ruffin’s influence was patently unmistakable.
From his linebacker post, Ruffin delivered a team-leading 7 sacks and 48 total tackles, production impressive enough on its own. Factor in that he also piled up nearly 1,300 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns from the tailback spot, and it becomes coherent how he ultimately earned District 11-5A-D1 MVP honors by season’s end.
And while his college recruitment currently remains open, it seems only a matter of time before Ruffin lands with a future program — one sure to benefit from the same versatility and consistency he brought to La Porte over the years.
Tommy Baker -- Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Tommy Baker — also known as Giavani Baker — was a genuine difference-maker for Shadow Creek this fall. As a senior linebacker and team captain, he anchored a defense that allowed just 18 points per game, guiding the Sharks to an 8–4 finish and a run to the 6A-DII Area Round.
Baker’s numbers stand out: 69 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 passes defended. Yet stats only tell part of the story. His timing and ability to read plays before they developed made him a constant threat — a disruptor who forced opponents to adjust their game plan.
For the second consecutive year, he was named District 22-6A Defensive MVP, a testament not only to his production but also to the leadership and consistency he delivered on every snap. Replacing that level of tenacity will be no small task, but one thing is certain: Tommy Baker left an indelible mark on Shadow Creek football.
Brynden Mack -- Angleton Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Angleton’s front-seven set the tone for the Wildcats this fall, combining relentless pressure with shutdown run-stopping to make life difficult for every opponent. Central to that effort was Brynden Mack, a senior defensive end whose performance earned him District 11-5A-D1 Defensive MVP honors.
Mack recorded 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and led the team with 7 sacks, sharing the spotlight with fellow senior Kawarren Scott on the line. His ability to disrupt plays before they developed created momentum-shifting opportunities and consistently put Angleton in control of games.
The Wildcats allowed just 15 points per contest, a figure that reflects both Mack’s impact and the cohesion of the unit in front of him. In totality, the group finished the 2025 campaign with a 9–2 record, taking second in the district and marking the program’s fifth straight postseason appearance (excluding the COVID-impacted 2020 season).
Pearland Sr. LB Joseph Credit (Kansas-commit)
THE PLAYMAKERS: Turning up the Heat // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, heading into the pivotal month of September.
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Carson White -- Iowa Colony Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Against a respected 4A-DI opponent in Stafford, Iowa Colony looked more polished than one might expect in Week 1— and, naturally, quarterback Carson White had plenty to do with that.
In a 41-7 road victory last Friday, the junior signal-caller accounted for four total touchdowns, passing for 164 yards and three scores — all to Houston commit Jayden Warren, who finished with six receptions for 103 yards.
White also added 126 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown, highlighting the versatility that has already earned him offers from programs like Auburn, Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Houston, and SMU.
While still uncommitted, the reigning District 9-5A-DII Offensive MVP continues to solidify his reputation as one of the area’s most dynamic QBs. His efficiency and poise helped the Pioneers control the game from start to finish, outmatching a Stafford squad known for its toughness.
Next up for Iowa Colony: a home matchup against Crosby this Friday, where White will again be a focal point.
Jasmyn Walker -- Manvel Volleyball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
With a 13-6 record and quality wins over programs like Friendswood, Foster, George Ranch, and Clear Lake, Manvel enters district play looking increasingly battle-tested.
Helping power that early success is senior Jasmyn Walker.
Rotating between middle blocker and outside hitter, Walker (UT-Rio Grande-commit) has become one of the Mavericks’ more dynamic offensive threats under head coach Susan Kennedy. Through the early stretch of the 2025 season, she’s already surpassed 150 kills, showcasing both adaptability and consistency at the net.
Walker’s impact goes beyond raw numbers. Her ability to switch roles mid-match has given Manvel needed flexibility in a district as tough as 22-6A — one of the state’s deepest and most competitive. As the Mavericks aim for a return to the postseason, Walker’s adaptive presence will likely be central to their push to advance beyond last year’s third-round finish.
Manvel opens district play with both experience and upside — and with Walker continuing to elevate, the ceiling feels higher than ever.
Joseph Credit -- Pearland Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Pearland senior linebacker Joseph Credit wasted no time setting the tone for his final high school season.
In a commanding 52-28 win over Fulshear last Friday, Credit anchored the Oilers’ defense with 10 tackles, including four for loss, and a pivotal fumble recovery returned for a touchdown — a momentum-shifting play that stretched Pearland’s lead to 21-7 just before halftime.
That sequence proved to be a turning point. Though Fulshear answered quickly, the Oilers never looked back, pulling away in the second half to seal the road win.
The performance was a fitting continuation of Credit’s rise; the Kansas-commit was named a first-team, all-district selection last fall and continues to prove why Power 5 programs took notice.
Now ranked No. 8 in the updated VYPE standings, Pearland turns its attention to a Saturday showdown with Memorial at Darrell Tully Stadium. With Credit leading the charge, the Oilers appear poised for another statement.
Deryn Abbott -- Deer Park Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
At 11-11, Deer Park’s record may not jump off the page — but a closer look reveals a team sharpened by high-level competition and primed for a turnaround. The Deer have faced one of the more demanding schedules in the region, taking on programs like Dawson, Barbers Hill, Tomball, Aledo, Cy-Fair, and A&M Consolidated.
With District 24-6A play on the horizon, momentum may be starting to shift, thanks in large part to senior Deryn Abbott.
From the OH spot, Abbott leads the team with 155 kills and has chipped in 105 digs and 132 serve receptions, providing an all-around effort on both ends of the court.
Should Alixandra Klein return to the lineup after missing time, she and Abbott could form a dangerous one-two punch for the Deer offense. But depth isn’t an issue for Coach Cortni Cox, who’s also seen strong contributions from Erin Goodson (Sr. DS), Emma Hooks (Jr. S), and Audrina Silva (Sr. MB).
Deer Park may have taken its lumps early, but with district play looming, this group has the potential to turn the corner.
Preston Pitts -- Clear Falls Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Even in defeat, Clear Falls had bright spots in its 42-37 shootout with Hightower — none more consistent than senior outside linebacker Preston Pitts.
The Utah-commit and returning first-team, all-district selection delivered a disruptive performance in the Knights’ opener, finishing with 10 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, as well as a fumble recovery.
Pitts, a three-star edge prospect, showcased his ability to be a difference-maker at the next level, setting the tone defensively in a game where both teams traded momentum throughout.
While the Knights came up short against a Hightower squad that’s quickly gaining statewide attention, the effort underscored the resilience and upside within the Clear Falls roster — with Pitts once again emerging as a central figure.
Starting off 0–1, Clear Falls shifts focus to Saturday’s road matchup against George Ranch. With leaders like Pitts anchoring the defense, the Knights have reason to believe their best football lies ahead.