GAMES
RANKINGS
BACK-2-BACK: Grapevine prevails against K-Park in the 5A-D2 State Title game
In a game marked by early offensive fireworks, the Mustangs weathered a back-and-forth battle before pulling away with clutch hitting and dominant relief pitching.
Senior right-hander Ben Chen earned 5A-D2 State MVP honors after entering the game in the third inning and shutting down a red-hot Kingwood Park lineup the rest of the way.
Senior RHP Ben Chen accepts the 5A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Chen, who finished the season a perfect 10-0, held the Panthers scoreless from the fourth inning on, before fellow senior Sam DuRard secured the save in the seventh.
“There was a lot of scoring early, and I was in the bullpen when Coach Webster got on the radio,” Chen said. “I had never really come in as a reliever before, but he just told me to shut it down—so I did my best.”
Grapevine (36-3) came out swinging, opening the scoring with an RBI single from junior catcher Gianni Corral in the top of the first. But Kingwood Park quickly countered, plating two runs in their half of the inning and then taking a 5-4 lead by the end of the third.
Refusing to back down, the Mustangs rallied in the fourth. A sacrifice fly from senior Zack Goldstein tied the game, and Corral came through again with a go-ahead single. Moments later, in a heads-up baserunning sequence, Corral stole second as Jarett Boswell dashed home on the throw, stretching the lead to 7-5.
(Left to Right) Grapevine's Gianni Corral, Brady Boozer, and Lale Esquivel
“It was back and forth early, but we just kept believing in what we do,” Corral said. “We knew once we settled in, we’d be tough to stop.”
Grapevine padded its lead in the seventh inning with an RBI single from sophomore shortstop Connor Ray, who later scored on a wild pitch to make it 9-5. The insurance runs helped seal a win that not only capped a dominant season, but also reinforced a championship culture taking hold in Grapevine.
“This one feels a little more special to me, personally,” Chen reflected. “I was one of our core guys this time around, and with it being my last year, there’s somewhat more of an impact.”
Corral echoed the sentiment. “Doing it as an underclassman last season was definitely a big deal. But coming back and doing it again—that leaves a stamp. A legacy.”
The Mustangs placed six players on the All-Tournament team: Corral, Ray, Boswell, Esquivel, Goldstein, and DuRard. Each made key contributions throughout the playoff run, including senior pitcher Sam DuRard, who helped Grapevine reach the final with strong semifinal work, and junior third baseman Lale Esquivel, who chipped in with timely hits and steady defense.
Head Coach Jimmy Webster embraces freshman Luke Esquivel moments after their championship acquisitionMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
With the win, Coach Webster’s squad not only finished with a 36-3 overall record but also became just the second Grapevine team ever to repeat as state champions—joining the 2016 team in the record books.
For a program that’s long prided itself on development, chemistry, and consistency, Friday’s win was more than just another trophy—it was a continuation of a legacy that’s still very much in the making.
The stars of 2024-25 Ridge Point Girls Soccer
BRACKETOLOGY: Previewing the Top Clashes of H-Town Soccer in the Regional Semis
GIRLS -- Ridge Point Panthers vs. Seven Lakes Spartans (6A-D1 Region III)
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Under Coach Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point has continued its dominance, securing a sixth consecutive undefeated district title (14-0) before rolling past Sam Rayburn (8-0) in the bi-district round.
The Panthers then edged Summer Creek in a tense PK shootout (1-1; 3-1 SO) on Tuesday, improving to 22-2 on the season.
Anchored by one of the state’s stingiest defenses – allowing just 10 goals in 24 games – Ridge Point also boasts a high-powered attack, netting 124 goals (over five per game).
Senior captains Cameryn Letellier (MF/F), Emma Lovell (D/F), and Laurel Kelley (MF/F) provide the experience and leadership that have propelled the Panthers beyond last season’s area-round exit.
Now, they’re eager for a return to Georgetown for the first time since 2023.
Standing in their way is Seven Lakes, a program equally determined to get back to the state stage after falling in last year’s State Semifinals to eventual 6A champion Prosper.
The Spartans (16-4-2), led by Coach Kaitlyn Eidson, have advanced with dominant wins over Alief Hastings (11-0) and Cy-Fair (2-1), carrying significant momentum into this showdown.
Like Ridge Point, they also claimed a district title and feature a deep, talented senior class.
Key players include Olivia Orellana (ULL-commit), Kennedy Reed (UTSA), Chloe Callahan (St. Edward’s), Victoria Ott (F), Sophia Ferro (MF/F), Lainey McGee (D), Maria Castro (MF/D), Evangeline Li (MF), and Madison Holland (MF/F).
These two state contenders will battle for a spot in the Regional Final this Friday (March 28) at 6:30 PM at Tully Stadium.
BOYS -- Alief Elsik Rams vs. Atascocita Eagles (6A-D1 Region III)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Alief Elsik isn’t far removed from the State Tournament, last reaching the Final Four in 2019 and winning the 6A Title the year prior with a 1-0 victory over San Antonio Reagan.
While the Rams have yet to return to that stage, they’re making a strong case in 2025, entering the Regional Semifinals with a stellar 21-2 record and a No. 8 state ranking (MaxPreps).
Led by Coach Vincenzo Cox, Elsik opened the playoffs with a commanding 7-3 win over perennial Katy ISD power Cinco Ranch before proving their resilience in a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Houston Lamar.
Now, they look to surpass last year’s third-round exit and continue their march toward Georgetown.
The Rams have relied on strong senior leadership, with Matthew Rodriguez (ST), Chris Guillen (MF), Asa Marsh (W), and Jacob Ordonez (D) playing pivotal roles in their success.
However, Atascocita won’t be an easy hurdle.
The Eagles have battled through one of the toughest districts in Texas, finishing third in 23-6A before making a strong playoff push.
They secured a 1-0 win over Deer Park in the first round, followed by a gritty 2-1 overtime victory against Pearland, improving to 15-4-7 on the season.
Coach Jed Garner’s squad is having its most successful campaign to date and isn’t looking to slow down.
Key contributors include Victor Garcia (Jr. MF/F), David Henriquez (Sr. D), Miguel De La Cruz (Jr. F/MF), and Carlos De La Cruz (Sr. D/MF), all of whom have played vital roles in Atascocita’s postseason success.
Elsik and Atascocita will clash on Friday at 6:30 PM at Galena Park ISD Stadium, with a trip to the Round 4 on the line.
GIRLS -- Tomball Cougars vs. Forney Jackrabbits (6A-D2 Region II)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Tomball hasn’t missed a step from last season, when the Cougars went four rounds deep in the playoffs, before UIL’s restructuring split 6A into two divisions.
Now, under Coach Victoria Parsons, they find themselves in a familiar position, advancing to the Regional Semis following hard-fought wins over Cy Woods (2-1 OT) and College Park (3-0).
Sitting at 16-2-3, Tomball boasts a well-balanced squad with firepower up top in Gabby McCuistion (Sr. F), Ella Taylor (So. F), and Tatum Greensage (Sr. F).
The midfield is anchored by Emily Fowlkes (Sr. MF) and Mikaela Corral (Sr. MF), while Adrianna Glass (Jr. GK) leads a steady backline that has been tough to break down.
However, they’ll have a serious test against a dominant Forney squad.
The Jackrabbits (21-1) enter the matchup ranked No. 12 in Texas (MaxPreps) and are riding high on a 20-game winning streak.
Their only loss came in early January against Sachse (2-1), a team still alive in the 6A-D1 playoffs.
Coach Trisha Williamson’s squad rolled through District 10-6A unbeaten (12-0) and has shown no signs of slowing down, dismantling Rowlett (8-0) and Harker Heights (9-0) in the first two rounds.
Forney’s high-powered attack—responsible for 118 goals in 22 games—features standouts like Madalynn Putnam (Jr. F), Addison E. Smith (So. F), and Kalani Brundage (So. F). Meanwhile, their defense has been equally impressive, conceding just 12 goals all season.
This pivotal Regional Semifinal showdown is set for Friday at 6:30 PM at Belton ISD Stadium.
BOYS -- Kingwood Park Panthers vs. B.F. Terry Rangers (5A-D2 Region III)
After reaching the fourth round of the playoffs last season, Kingwood Park once again finds itself in a similar situation, preparing for a showdown with B.F. Terry in the UIL 5A-D2 Region 3 Semifinals.
The Panthers are no strangers to deep postseason runs, and this year is no exception.
Entering the matchup with a stellar 19-3-2 record, Coach Christian Boehm’s squad has been in top form, securing playoff victories over Rudder (4-2) and Port Arthur Memorial (2-0). With momentum on their side, they have no plans of slowing down now.
Kingwood Park’s attack is led by a talented core, including Chase Bennett (Sr. MF/F), Grant Jimerson (Sr. F), Blake Lawson (Sr.), Jonathan West (Sr.), and Kye Wehby (So.).
As they push for their first state tournament appearance since 2021, they’ll have to get past a formidable opponent.
B.F. Terry (20-1-2) has been dominant all season, suffering just one loss— a narrow 1-0 defeat to, coincidentally, Kingwood, a team still competing in the 6A-D2 playoffs.
The Rangers stormed through District 22-5A with an 11-0-1 record before making a statement in the postseason, defeating Waltrip (6-3) and Georgetown (4-1).
Like Kingwood Park, Terry bowed out in the fourth round last year but is determined to break through in 2025.
Under Coach Drew Brenk, the Rangers feature a high-powered offense, led by senior striker Runyambo Muco (34 goals, 10 assists), alongside midfielders Samir Mohammad Nasim (19 goals, 12 assists) and Jesus Rivas-Guzman (17 goals, 24 assists).
Defensively, junior goalkeeper Jesus Rendon has been rock solid, backed by an experienced backline.
With a trip to the Regional Final on the line, Kingwood Park and B.F. Terry will battle in what promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the week. The action kicks off Thursday at 7:00 PM at Cy-Fair ISD’s Pridgeon Stadium.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)