GAMES
RANKINGS
Where Are They Now: Former Greater Houston-Area athletes competing in Kinders Texas Bowl
VYPE takes a look at the top players from the Greater Houston-area to watch for in the game and the full list of Houston natives.
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Houston QB Conner Weigman - Bridgeland HS
Conner Weigman (Bridgeland) has been a major catalyst in No. 21 Houston’s resurgence during year two under Willie Fritz, helping lead the Cougars to a 9–3 record and their first bowl appearance since 2022.
The dynamic quarterback has put together a standout season, throwing for 2,475 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding another dimension on the ground with 644 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Weigman’s dual-threat ability has powered Houston’s rise back into the national spotlight.
LSU LB Harold Perkins - Cypress Park HS
Before becoming a star at LSU, Harold Perkins was a two-way superstar at Cypress Park High School, leading the Tigers to a district championship in 2021.
Now in his junior season at LSU, Perkins continues to make his presence felt at the college level, totaling 55 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions — showcasing the same impact ability that made him one of the most dominant players in Greater Houston during his high school days.
LSU S AJ Haulcy - FB Marshall HS
AJ Haulcy (FB Marshall) has put together an impressive collegiate career, beginning at the University of Houston before transferring to LSU this spring.
The standout defensive back earned All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors after a stellar season, finishing with 88 tackles, one forced fumble, four pass breakups, and three interceptions — solidifying himself as one of the top defenders in the conference.
Houston OL Mathhew Wykoff - Magnolia HS
Houston offensive lineman Matthew Wykoff (Magnolia High School) proved to be a major addition through the transfer portal this offseason, helping solidify the Cougars’ front five.
Wykoff has appeared in all 12 games this season, providing valuable versatility by playing both guard and tackle as Houston’s offensive line took a big step forward.
LSU OL Coen Echols - Katy HS
LSU offensive lineman Coen Echols emerged as a starter for the first time in his collegiate career this season, earning seven starts at guard while also appearing in the Tigers’ other five games.
Echols and the LSU offensive line will face a stiff challenge in the bowl matchup, going up against a talented and physical Houston defensive front that has been one of the Cougars’ strengths all season.
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Full List Of Kinders Texas Bowl Greater-Houston Area Participants
HOUSTON COUGARS
Houston QB Conner Weigman - Bridgeland HS
Houston QB Austin Carlisle - Ridge Point HS
Houston QB Jake Sock - Pearland HS
Houston RB Zane Smith - Fulshear HS
Houston RB Steve Polk - Manvel HS
Houston WR Marquis Shoulders - Tompkins HS
Houston WR Dylan Caddle - Cy Ranch HS
Houston WR Hunter Teichman - Lutheran South Academy
Houston WR Zaylen Cormier - Heights HS
Houston TE Kaleb Thomas - North Shore HS
Houston TE Wyatt Herbel - Cy Fair HS
Houston TE Jacory Thurman - Worthing HS
Houston OL Ricardo Cordova - Pasadena Memorial HS
Houston OL Sean Terrell - Klein Oak HS
Houston OL RJ Lee - Second Baptist School
Houston OL Jason Brooks Jr. - Dobie HS
Houston OL Matthew Wykoff - Magnolia HS
Houston OL Dalton Merryman - Montgomery HS
Houston OL Cedric Melton - Klein Cain HS
Houston DL Carmello Brooks - Paetow HS
Houston DL Chance Bryant - Fulshear HS
Houston DL Hunter Jones - Stratford HS
Houston Jack Sheldon Rice - Fulshear HS
Houston Jack Cavan Tuley - Tomball HS
Houston LB Christian Brathwaite - Cy Ranch HS
Houston LB Zion Taylor - Shadow Creek HS
Houston DB Blake Thompson - Elkins HS
Houston DB Kentrell Webb - Paetow HS
Houston DB Elijah Young - Klein Cain HS
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LSU TIGERS
LSU WR Nic Anderson - Katy HS
LSU LB Harold Perkins JR. - Cy Park HS
LSU DB AJ Haulcy - FB Marshall HS
LSU LB Charles Ross II - North Shore HS
LSU TE Donovan Green - Dickinson HS
LSU DB Justin Echols - Katy HS
LSU OL Coen Echols - Katy HS
Klein Cain Hurricanes
DISTRICT 15-6A: Klein Cain, Tomball, Collins, Oak, Klein all vying for playoff spots
Tomball Cougars
Klein Collins Tigers
Klein Oak Panthers
Klein Bearkats
Magnolia Bulldogs
Tomball Memorial Wildcats
Klein Forest Eagles
Magnolia West Mustangs
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Zach Johnson, Klein Cain
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Micah Rhodes, Klein Oak
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Henry Mulliner, Tomball
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Edward Kelly Jr., Klein
ON THE CUSP: Klein Bearkats
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Tomball Cougars
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It was a banner NFL Draft weekend for Klein Cain, as two former Hurricanes heard their names called. Former wide receiver Matthew Golden was selected in the first round, while running back Jaydon Blue was picked in the fifth round by the Dallas Cowboys. Their success is a reflection of what head coach James Clancy has built—a signature program in the city of Houston and a perennial favorite in District 15-6A. The Hurricanes are coming off a strong 2024 campaign, going 9-2 overall and 7-1 in district, capturing the district title before being upset by Cypress Ranch in the first round of the playoffs. There’s plenty of firepower returning for another run. Quarterback Zach Johnson, a first-team all-district selection, returns after throwing for over 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns. He’ll have solid protection up front behind a veteran offensive line that includes first-teamer Nash Leingang, along with second-teamer Braddley Daneil. Mason Dotson will also provide stability in the trenches. On the outside, Max Yates (first-team all-district) steps into the spotlight at receiver, while Jah’rin Louis will take over the backfield duties left by graduated stars Maxwell Hendrick (Offensive MVP) and Jaelon Dixon. Defensively, Braden Nwoko and AJ Craft will lead a hungry unit looking to prove itself in big moments. Special teams are in good hands with Noah Ballard, one of the top kicking specialists in the district. The defense will be inexperienced, so an explosive offense will try and keep them off the field while they get their legs under them.
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The connection between quarterback Jaxyn Faldyn and wide receiver Hunter Rathke was pure magic in 2024—and the dynamic duo is back for more. Tomball is coming off a strong 10-2 season (7-1 in district), highlighted by a first-round playoff win over Cypress Springs before falling in a hard-fought battle to Willis, 28-24, in the second round. Now, the Cougars return with unfinished business. Faldyn, a first-team all-district selection, passed for over 2,000 yards and was the team’s second-leading rusher, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat QBs in the region. His chemistry with Rathke, the team’s top receiver, is next-level, and they’ll look to elevate their connection even further this fall. But it doesn’t stop there. Tight end Miles Roy and Abel Quiroz give Faldyn additional weapons in the passing game, creating a balanced and versatile aerial attack. Up front, Carson Brown returns to anchor the offensive line. He’ll need support from new faces as the unit looks to reload after taking a hit from graduation. Defensively, Tobi Adeuti is the tone-setter on the line, while Trenton Diffendal, Henry Mulliner (Defensive Newcomer of Year) and Brady Schneider (first-team all-district) bring stability and physicality to the linebacker corps. In the secondary, Chance Green and first-team selection Dayton Navy will serve as the Cougars’ last line of defense.
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It took a last-minute win by Klein over Magnolia on the final drive of the season, but it was just enough to open the playoff door for Klein Collins—and the Tigers took full advantage. After slipping into the postseason, Coach Adrian Mitchell’s squad made noise, advancing to the third round and finishing the year with a 7-6 record. In 2025, the Tigers aim to avoid the drama and make a more decisive push toward another deep run. Quarterback Braydon Schoggin returns to lead the offense behind a stacked offensive line, anchored by first-team selection Eddie Lartigue (UTEP-Commit) and second-teamer Josh Strambler. That front will pave the way for explosive running backs Ty’drick Finley and Jaishaun Jackson, who can break a game open at any moment. Defensively, the Tigers bring back experience and toughness. Defensive tackle Ellis Rodgers and linebacker JD Brady will set the tone up front, while Christian Wilkerson and Randall Jackson provide athleticism and leadership in the secondary. With a strong returning core and battle-tested confidence, Klein Collins won’t be sneaking into the playoffs this time—they’ll be charging in.
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The Micah Rhodes era at Klein Oak kicked off in spectacular fashion last season. The electric 5-foot-9 running back took the district by storm, racking up over 1,000 all-purpose yards and earning District Newcomer of the Year honors. Behind his breakout performance, the Panthers posted a 6-5 record and punched their ticket to the postseason. So, what does Rhodes have in store for an encore in 2025? He’ll be running behind a retooled offensive line, anchored by Taelon Boone, while Andre Phillip returns to the quarterback spot with valuable experience under his belt. The offensive arsenal also includes Jonny Craven and Owen Riegle, who will help stretch defenses vertically. On the other side of the ball, first-team linebacker Zack Ruysenaars will be the tone-setter, joined by Bobby Asay in the front seven and Antonio Dural locking down the secondary. If the offensive line can open lanes for Rhodes and give Phillip time to operate, Klein Oak and coach Brandon Carpenter will be in a strong position to return to the playoffs—and possibly make a deeper run.
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The Klein Bearkats made a major statement this spring with the hire of Nick Codutti, the fiery former Fulshear coach who helped build a rising power from the ground up. Codutti is a disruptor—bold, unapologetic, and unafraid to flip the script. And in just a few short months, he’s already changed the culture at Klein. Around campus, the original Klein is being affectionately referred to as “The Mothership.” Coming off a 6-4 season (4-4 in district) that saw them narrowly miss the postseason, the Bearkats are hungry—and now have the edge to match their talent. Codutti will build around a massive offensive line, led by Texas commit Nicolas Robertson, alongside Matthew Wright, Chance Carter, and Reid Willis. That unit will clear the way for dynamic running back Edward Kelly Jr., who has game-breaking ability. At quarterback, senior Grant Stratta returns and will be key in pushing the offense forward, especially in connecting with top target Torrey Paul II. Defensively, the Bearkats have bite. Chase Battles will bring pressure off the edge, Elijah Vaesa will patrol the middle at linebacker, and Jason Thompson holds down the secondary at safety. Battles led the district in sacks in 2024. With Codutti at the helm, expect a new identity at Klein—one built on physicality, swagger, and winning.
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The Magnolia Bulldogs were just one point—and one stop—away from a playoff berth in 2024, falling in a heartbreaking 32-31 loss to Klein in the season finale. Now, with unfinished business fueling their offseason, Coach Craig Martin’s squad is looking to turn that sting into success in 2025. The Bulldogs return a decorated core of talent, including several first-team all-district performers: defensive lineman Ayden Johnson, linebackers Ty Miller and Tyler Covar, and defensive back Max Lejsek. That experienced group gives Magnolia a strong foundation on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, second-teamers like offensive lineman Aiden Hime, running back Cash Ferrell, and tight end Carson Smith return, along with DL Demond Perrino, who adds more muscle to the defensive front. While depth will need to be developed, the nucleus is there—and it's battle-tested. Magnolia came up just short in 2024. In 2025, the Bulldogs are aiming to finish the job.
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The Tomball Memorial Wildcats finished 4-6 (3-5 in district) last season, missing out on the playoffs—but second-year head coach Joe Cary sees 2025 as a pivotal year for growth and identity. At the heart of the team is Gavin Westerberg, a first-team all-district wide receiver who averaged over 130 receiving yards per game and sets the tone as a captain and leader. It looks like Jaxon Robertson will take over at quarterback, stepping into a big role with the potential to energize the offense. He’ll have help on the perimeter from Carter Hamilton, who adds depth to a dangerous receiving corps. Defensively, Aidan Budzisz is a force up front, while Donovan Wagner, the team’s leading tackler in 2024, returns to anchor the middle. Coach Cary is focused on building a strong internal culture—and while the talent is there, the question remains: Can the Wildcats make the leap and grab a postseason spot in Year Two? Time will tell—but the foundation is being laid.
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Competing in one of the toughest districts in the region, both Klein Forest and Magnolia West are focused on building momentum and developing talent heading into 2025. Klein Forest finished 2-8 (1-7 in district) last season but has pieces to spark improvement. First-team all-district wide receiver Ja’Karee Jones returns as a dynamic playmaker and will be counted on to provide big-play ability and leadership on offense. Magnolia West, meanwhile, endured a tough 1-9 season (0-8 in district) but brings back a defensive cornerstone in second-team linebacker Ryan Langley, who leads a young but hungry Mustang unit. The focus will be on player development, discipline, and finding their identity on both sides of the ball.
Both programs know the road won’t be easy—but with talent returning and chips on their shoulders, Klein Forest and Magnolia West are determined to take steps forward in 2025.