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The stars of 2025-26 La Porte Football
DISTRICT 11-5A-DI: La Porte, Angleton expect to flex; KPHS, Friendswood equipped to challenge
DISTRICT 11-5A-D1
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
La Porte Bulldogs
Angleton Wildcats
Kingwood Park Panthers
Friendswood Mustangs
Crosby Cougars
Porter Spartans
Fort Bend Kempner Cougars
Pasadena Eagles
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
...VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Sean Simon, La Porte
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryce Duron, Angleton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ashton Ruffin, La Porte
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Troy DeGar II, Fort Bend Kempner
ON THE CUSP: Crosby Cougars
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With back-to-back district titles and a 10-win campaign in 2024, the La Porte Bulldogs have firmly reestablished themselves as a force in Class 5A football. Head coach Kevin Berneathy enters his fourth season at the helm with momentum and a roster brimming with returning talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Bulldogs were a juggernaut last year, averaging over 38 points per game – and much of that firepower returns. Sophomore RB Sean Simon is set to once again be the focal point. After rushing for more than 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman, Simon earned District Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors and has already drawn college offers from TCU, Tennessee, and Houston, among others. He’ll run behind senior lineman Jake Hayman, the reigning 11-5A-DI Offensive Lineman of the Year, and work alongside experienced playmakers like tight end Ryker Reynolds (first-team, all-district) and senior QB Aiden Saenz. On the defensive side, La Porte held opponents to a modest 20 points per game, anchored by a physical front and disciplined secondary. First-team performers Luke Mora (Sr. NG), Ashton Ruffin (Sr. LB), and Blake Stout (Sr. S) headline a unit that blends experience and athleticism. Edge pressure from second-teamers like David Campos (Sr. DE) and Caden Watson (Jr. OLB) adds versatility to the mix. Special teams also remain steady, with kicker Oswaldo Lopez returning after a second-team selection. Following a narrow 24-21 fourth-round playoff loss to district rival Angleton, La Porte enters 2025 hungry, focused, and poised for another deep postseason push.
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After a thrilling 13-2 performance last fall that culminated in a narrow 21-14 loss to eventual state champion Smithson Valley in the 5A Division I State Semifinals, Angleton enters the new season with a proven formula and unfinished business. Coach Jason Brittain’s squad brings back numerous proven playmakers, especially on offense, where the Wildcats averaged just under 38 points per game. Leading the charge is senior signal-caller Bryce Duron, a dual-threat standout who garnered himself a first-team, all-district nod after passing for nearly 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, while adding over 300 rushing yards and 8 more scores on the ground. Duron will benefit from an experienced offensive line anchored by first-team center Charles Jones and second-team tackle Gavin Hebert. Angleton’s versatility on offense is further boosted by senior Kaleb Jammer, a dynamic athlete who lines up primarily at receiver but is also capable of contributing on the defensive side when needed. Senior TE/DE Jackson DeAtley adds size and two-way physicality to the mix. Defensively, the Wildcats were one of the stingiest units in the district, allowing just 16 points per game. While the front seven will feature several new faces, the secondary returns talent and leadership. Junior cornerback Kasen Jammer, the reigning District Newcomer of the Year, headlines the unit alongside senior safety TraeVonne Latimer, a steady presence with second-team all-district recognition. While some challenges remain, it wouldn’t be a stretch to believe this group has what it takes to reach the State Final for the first time since 1958.
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Kingwood Park may have missed out the postseason a year ago, but with a strong group of veterans returning, the Panthers are in position to shift the narrative this fall. The Panthers return to the turf with a more seasoned roster and a renewed sense of direction. When it comes to their attack, the foundation starts up front with senior lineman Dakoda Dement, a first-team, all-district selection who will anchor the unit. Running back Cooper Wolocko is expected to step into a larger role in the backfield, while wide receiver Dane Solomon and tight end Luke Elliot return to round out a capable group of skill players.On defense, senior Landon Jones brings physicality and flexibility as a hybrid edge rusher, capable of making plays both at defensive end and outside linebacker. Though they compete in a relentless district, leave it up to coach Clayton Maple and his staff to optimize the pieces he’s provided with.
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While the depth chart might feature some newer faces, Friendswood will be leaning on the experience the team does have returning to spark a deeper run this time around. After finishing 5–6 last fall and exiting in the first round of the playoffs, the culture should be established enough for a potentially stronger push under third-year head coach Jordan Johnson. Junior quarterback Josh Brister will look to lead the offense after gaining valuable reps last season. On the defensive side, the Mustangs will once again rely on a powerful front led by senior tackle Jacob Molina, a first-team, all-district selection, and edge rusher Jordyn Crites — a Tulane-commit and three-star prospect who earned second-team honors in 2024.
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The Crosby Cougars embark on a new journey in 2025, aiming to reload after the graduation of two of the district’s top playmakers. Losing District MVP Wesley Yarbrough (Arizona) and Defensive MVP Copelin Windfont (UTEP) leaves significant gaps on both sides of the ball—but the next wave of talent is ready to emerge. Now in his third year as head coach, Joe Willis brings back a fairly capable group that helped Crosby go 5–6 last season and claim the No. 3 spot in 11-5A-DI before falling to College Station in the Bi-District round. Junior QB Lott Robison will take over full-time duties behind center, with junior Joshua Jackson—a first-team,all-district utility player—expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. On defense, senior nose guard Jeffery Curette anchors the line after earning Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year honors.
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Led by coach Billy Russell, Porter is looking to bounce back from a challenging 3-7 season in 2024. Stone Singletary (Sr. QB), a second-team, all-district selection, is expected to bring poise and composure in the backfield as the team aims to turn experience into success this year. On defense, senior DB Jalen Richard – also a second-team, all-district honoree – will serve as a cornerstone in the secondary. With these two anchoring both sides of the ball, Porter looks prepared to improve its standing and compete more effectively in district play this fall.
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Big-play potential on offense and veteran presence on defense give Kempner reasons to believe heading into the 2025 season. After going 4–6 overall a year ago, which included just one victory against their district counterparts, head coach Troy DeGar and the Cougars bring back a handful of weapons who are primed to raise the standard. Senior running back Makai Jenkins, who totaled over 600 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns, returns as the offensive focal point. Meanwhile, Troy DeGar II (Jr. QB) is expected to step into the starting role, joined by senior wideout Ayomide Afolabi. Defensively, the Cougars will lean on senior CB Samuel Menka, LB Roman Morales, and junior DL Deante Williams to set the tone.
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Pasadena enters 2025 in rebuilding mode under second-year head coach Ron Jones. Coming off a 1–9 campaign and winless district slate, the program is shifting its focus to development and building a new foundation after graduating most of its key contributors. One bright spot could be senior linebacker Allen Garcia, who returns as a leader on defense. With limited returning experience, though, the Eagles will rely on emerging talent as it looks to take gradual steps forward this fall.
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The stars of 2024-25 Kingwood Park Football
La Porte looks to become top-dog in DISTRICT 11-5A-DI; K-Park, Friendswood, Crosby ready to respond
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
La Porte Bulldogs
Kingwood Park Panthers
Friendswood Mustangs
Crosby Cougars
Porter Spartans
Pasadena Eagles
Fort Bend Kempner Cougars
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Tyresse Barnes, La Porte
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Wesley Yarbrough, Crosby
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Caleb Allen, Friendswood
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Malachi Gamble, Pasadena
ON THE CUSP: Porter Spartans
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Following the UIL realignment, La Porte moves over from District 8-5A-DI, alongside familiar opponents Porter, Kingwood Park and Crosby. Coach Kevin Berneathy will see to it that the Bulldogs make a statement this Fall, after they claimed the district title before making a playoff appearance a year ago. La Porte brings back several pieces of the offense that averaged over 36 points per game in 2023,and none will be more vital than the district’s Co-Offensive MVP Tyresse Barnes. The senior RBis coming off a year in which he rushed for over 1,200 yards, which further strengthens his credibility as a legitimate D1 college prospect. What’s even scarier is the fact that the Bulldogs also have fellow senior RB Ricky Sandolph to turn to, after he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as well, to earn first-team honors. First-teamers Kylin Manning (Sr. OL) and Jake Hayman (Jr. OL) bulk up a stalwart La Porte offensive line, while sophomore TE Ryker Reynolds is another weapon to utilize. On defense, expect Eyasu Walling (Sr. LB) and Tryston Oaks (Jr. DB) to improve on their second-team performances, while Defensive Newcomer of the Year Ashton Ruffin’s (Jr. LB) value escalates.
Despite going 7-3 on the year, and winning five divisional matchups, Kingwood Park was just barely outside of the playoff picture in 2023. However, that is unlikely to be the case this time around, as the Panthers make their debut in District 11-5A-DI. Coach Clayton Maple has fostered a resilient mentality within his program, which should be made perfectly in the coming months. With the graduationof several headliners from the previous season, some individuals from the incoming class will need to step up. However, the return of second-teamer Alex Hartnett (Sr. WR/P) and Ethan Elliot (Sr. LB/TE) should serve as some key pieces for KPHS to build around heading into the Fall. Additionally, Aaron Andrews (Sr. DB/WR), Ryder Grabner (Sr. WR/LB), and Landon Morrison (Sr. OL) should provide further veteran leadership to keep opposing teams in check.
Friendswood moves over from District 10-5A-DI, in which they went 5-5 and narrowly missed out on the postseason a year ago. Fortunately for coach Jordan Johnson and his staff, a plethora of their main-stays return to the gridiron, with the intention of igniting the spark that guides the Mustangs back to the playoffs. Senior WR Garrett Muecke is back, after registering 1,030 all-purpose yards and 11 scores, which earned him first-team, all-district honors. Second-teamers Walker Winters (Sr. RB) and William Guse (Sr. OL) also make their return, while junior TE Noah Abebe (first-team) adds another weapon for senior QB Mikey Butler, who should take the starting role, following the departure of Brock Foster. Defensively, first-team LB Caleb Allen will be the rock of the group, as he takes on the role of captain in 2024. Allen racked up 100 tackles, with 20 of those for loss this past season, on top of 6 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Joining him will be fellow first-teamer Nick Ruffeno (Sr. DB), as well as second-team selection Mason Sindelar (Sr. DB) who round out an effective Friendswood secondary.
Crosby went through a series of ups and downs last Fall, which is to be expected for a team that’s been chasing their 2020 mark of reaching the UIL-5A-DII State Championship. The Cougars will aim to put any doubts to rest as they face some newer district competition, with coach Joe Willis back at the helm for his second year with the program. Arizona-commit Wesley Yarbrough (Sr. RB) will be the focal point of the offense, after putting up a second-team, all-district performance that included 1,068 all-purpose yards and 12 combined touchdowns. With Kade Eudy gone (TCU-Baseball), someone will need to step up as the new QB1. Evan Egans (Jr. WR) and Landen Hammer (Jr. WR) should be reliable targets for whoever assumes the role. The linebacking duo of Copelin Windfont (UTEP) and his brother, Malik, amounts to one scary defense, following their respective first-team selections in 2023. Johnnie Carter (Sr. LB), Wyatt Brady (Jr. LB) and Javien Powell (Jr. DB) should also be serviceable weapons on the defensive side of the ball for Crosby.
Porter finished third overall (7-4) in their previous district, prior to reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2019, under the direction of head coach Billy Russell. While the Spartans say goodbye to versatile star Payton Evans-Pickens (Harding University), there is still a bevy of talent for the team to work around. First-team, all-district DB Darville Allen should be a force in the secondary, while also making some key contributions on offense as one of Porter’s top receivers. Senior Marco Guerra anchors the O-Line after also getting a first-team nod in 2023. Second-teamer Aaron Gilliam (Sr. WR) should also be another reliable target for whoever steps up as the team’s signal-caller. Although there may be a few gaps to fill for this year’s roster, anticipate Porter punching their ticket to the postseason come November.
After going 4-6 in 2023 and finishing sixth overall in District 22-6A, Pasadena moves down to match up against a whole new set of opponents. Former Oregon State safety Ron Jones takes over as the new head coach for the Eagles, hoping to breathe new life into the team. In terms of talent coming back, Jones will turn to junior RB Malachi Gamble, who is coming off a year in which he rushed for over 700 yards with 10 total scores, despite only playing in four games. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Gamble (So. QB/WR) should expect a bigger year, following his second-team, all-district selection last Fall. On defense, second-teamer Allen Garcia (Jr. LB) will be a name to remember, alongside William Cruz (Sr. LB), Tony Conchas (Sr. DL) and Jonathan Ticas (Sr. DB).
Fort Bend Kempner finished at the bottom of the District 10-5A-DI standings this past season, but still show some promise heading into this Fall. Grayson Green is back for his senior year behind-center, following a second-team, all-district nod. Junior RB Makai Jenkins (second-team) will join Green in the backfield, with first-team WR Luke Maxson and Mario James (second-team) serving as additional weapons. The defense still has some work to do, but second-teamers Ellis Sanusi (Sr. LB) and Trung Le (Sr. DB) should be nice pieces to work with for coach Troy DeGar.