GAMES
RANKINGS
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.CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
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The stars of 2024-25 Klein Collins Football
Klein Collins, Tomball Memorial compete for DISTRICT 15-6A Title; Cain, Tomball on their heels
Tomball Memorial Wildcats
Klein Cain Hurricanes
Tomball Cougars
Klein Oak Panthers
Magnolia West Mustangs
Klein Forest Eagles
Magnolia Bulldogs
Klein Bearkats
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Aiden Martin , Tomball Memorial
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Blaine Bullard , Klein Cain
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Trent Spence , Klein Collins
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Micah Rhodes , Klein Oak
ON THE CUSP: Klein Oak Panthers
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Tomball Memorial Wildcats
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Under the direction of coach Adrian Mitchell, Klein Collins proceeded to claim the program’s eighth district title over the course of the past nine seasons in 2023 – this time in undefeated (7-0) fashion. They followed that up by trouncing Cy Ranch (55-20) to open the playoffs, before narrowly falling to The Woodlands (28-27) in the second round, ending their season with a final record of 10-2. While the Tigers are THE brand of Klein ISD, they’ll be eager to rewrite last year’s early exit in the postseason. There will be a few key pieces missing on offense in 2024, most notably being District MVP Tucker Parks (Western Kentucky). Expect Ka’Jaun Gathers (Sr. RB) to play a more starring role, while Jeremiah Hutching (Sr. WR) could be the top target for the new signal-caller. On defense, the senior linebacker-duo of first-team, all-district selections Trent Spence (Baylor-commit) and Luis Vasquez should wreak havoc against any opposing offense. Don’t forget about second-teamer Larry Hankton(Sr. DB) or Jarrod Penright Jr. (Sr. DB) in the secondary, either. This may be a new-look Klein Collins team heading into 2024, but that doesn’t mean their results will differ.
Tomball Memorial put on a clinic this past Fall, as they featured one of the best offenses in the district, which averaged over 40 points per game. The Wildcats finished just behind Klein Collins in the district standings, prior to reaching the Area Round of the playoffs to cap off their year at 10-2. Incoming senior QB Aiden Martin was the catalyst behind the offense that now welcomes Joe Cary as the new head coach. Martin displayed his decisive ability with over 2,400 yards passing, nearly 600 more on the ground, and 36 total touchdowns to earn District 15-6A Offensive MVP honors. Pair that with the senior RB-duo of Treveon Green (900 all-purpose yards, 11 TDs) and Isaiah Nelson (929 all-purpose yards, 4 TDs), and you have one of the scariest attacks in the Houston-area. In terms of receivers, Martin will turn to seniors Ashton Ansley (first-team) and Randall Russ (second-team) as his top targets. There are few needs on the defensive side of the ball, but first-teamer Ethan Lea (Sr. LB) should provide the veteran leadership to address any concerns.
After finishing third in the district and reaching the Area Round of the playoffs, Klein Cain returns to the gridiron with something to prove. The absence of some of last year’s genuine difference-makers – particularly OL Gibson Pyle (Nebraska), QB Issac Mooring III (Texas Permian Basin), and RB Darius Rogers (Houston-Track) – is some cause for concern, but that shouldn’t slow down the Hurricanes too much. After all, head coach James Clancy will have unanimous first-team, all-district WR Blaine Bullard (Texas A&M Baseball-commit) back in his arsenal, following his monster year of 1,211 receiving yards and 11 scores. Furthermore, second-teamer Jaelon Dixon (Sr. RB), who combined for 1,072 all-purpose yards with a remarkable 17 total touchdowns in 2023, should only get better with more touches. Another name to watch for on offense is first-team selection Max Hendrick (Sr. WR), who will play opposite of Bullard. Fellow unanimous first-teamer Trent Lancaster (Sr. LB) will provide the bulk on a relatively youthful defense, alongside the district’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year C.J. Mooring (Jr. LB) and second-teamers Marcus Coleman (Sr. DB) and Jonathan Lazare (Sr. DB).
Tomball is coming off yet another impressive year, which saw them reach the UIL-6A-DII Regionals after finishing fourth in the district. Coach Dave Handal will look to build on that standard, with a team that’s seeking its fourth-straight trip to the postseason. Despite the fact that numerous stars from last season have since graduated, the Cougars have proven themselves as a roster not to be underestimated. The District 15-6A Utility Player of the Year Oswaldo Morales is back as a headliner for Tomball, after showing his value on both defense (85 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 FR) and offense (328 rushing yards, 4 TDs) in his junior campaign. With last year’s starting quarterback Carter Noyes gone, it may now be up to junior QB/ATH Jaxyn Faldyn to take over as the Coogs’ signal-caller, after mainly playing as a WR last Fall. Junior Joey Bruhn could be another one to watch for on offense. Coach Handal’s defense might need some fine-tuning, although Gehrig Heckathorn (Sr. DB), Connor Lowe (Sr. DB) Brady Schneider (Jr. LB) and second-team DL Lucas Pernas are likely to lead the bunch.
Klein Oak finished 2023 on the outskirts of playoff contention with a record of 4-6. Despite going through their fair share of ups and downs, coach Brandon Carpenter and the Panthers have the ambition to re-enter the district conversation moving forward. What’s more cause for optimism is the return of a handful of top contributors, including first-teamers Courtland Guillory (Sr. DB/Oklahoma-commit), Justin Hart (Sr. WR), Reggie Ruffin (Sr. DL) and KC Vidito (Sr. DB). Oak will also be bringing back Jacob Everson (Sr. RB), Brett Meyers (Sr. OL) and Conner Cooper (Sr. OL), who were each named to the all-district, second-team. If that wasn’t enough, incoming freshman Micah Rhodes – who already holds offers from Baylor and Oklahoma – should provide that extra spark the offense needs this Fall. This team certainly has the pieces necessary to succeed. All that’s left now is for them to execute.
Magnolia West moves up from Class 5A (District 10-DI) in 2024, due to theUIL realignment, so it stands to reason that they may experience some growing pains. However, given the success the Mustangs have seen in recent years – most recently reaching the Area Round of the playoffs – it’s very possible that coach Ben McGehee could make a stellar introduction to their new conference. Senior Bryson Broadway (SFA-commit)is back under-center after putting up nearly 2,500 yards through the air, which included 27 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions, earning himself first-team, all-district honors. The duo of senior running backs John Sigler (335 yards, 3 TDs) and Sam Gomez (249 yards, 3 TDs) also bodes well for the offense, with fellow senior Carson Dunaway fitting in as a worthy flex-option. Defensively, Mag West is still pretty stacked. Senior DL Brandon Mills (72 tackles, 12 sacks, 8 TFL) was a first-teamer who looks to repeat that effort on the line, with Rylan Langley (Jr. LB), Case Luckman (Sr. DB) and Luke Mattingly (Jr. DB) rounding out what could be one of the stingiest defenses in the district.
In his first year with the program, head coach Darrick Vaughn guided Klein Forest to a respectable fifth-place finish within the district. There’s still plenty of work to be done, but that’s not a bad start by any means. Vaughn will have a handful of returning starters back in his arsenal, and none will be more vital than Trenton “T.J.” Burkhalter Jr. The senior edge-rusher racked up 71 tackles and 12 sacks a year ago, earning himself first-team, all-district honors, which only adds to his value as a collegiate football prospect, as he currently holds offers from programs such as SFA, UTEP, Colorado State and Army, just to name a few. Burkhalter won’t be alone on defense, either. First-team LB Logan White, in addition to second-teamer Jaquan McClendon (Sr. DB), provides a reliable veteran in each facet on defense. The Eagles offense has some work to do, but junior WR Jakoree Jones (second-team) and senior OL Jaylen Leonard (second-team) should be bright spots.
Another new program to join District 15-6A is that of Magnolia High, following the realignment. Most recently, the Bulldogs took second in District 10-5A-DI before reaching the Area Round of the playoffs. The fact that they’ll be playing against a higher level of competition, paired with numerous stars lost to graduation, makes it difficult to predict how effective this year’s Magnolia roster will be in Class 6A. Coaching won’t be an issue, with Craig Martin back at the helm, but it will be interesting to see who particularly steps up. A safe bet would be incoming senior RB Colin Leahey, who’s coming off a respectable performance in 2023, which saw him rush for north of 500 yards with 9 scores to earn a second-team, all-district nod. First-team TE Carson Smith should also provide splash plays while increasing the offense’s depth down-field. The Bulldogs D has some gaps to fill, but first-team, all-district linebacker Tyler Covar is a nice weapon to build around. Magnolia could easily surprise their district counterparts and make a run for the playoffs, but only time will tell.
Klein experienced a drop in productivity last Fall. After placing fifth overall the year prior, the Bearkats were unable to claim a single victory against their district foes, though they did come close on more than one occasion. Coach Shane Hallmark will aim to steady the ship in order to end their playoff-drought that started in 2019. District 15-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year Torrey Paul (Jr. WR) could be the focal point of this year’s offense, with second-teamer Adre’n Skipper (Sr. WR) playing opposite of him. Junior OL Nicolas Robertson is a national recruit at 6-foot-5, 320-pounds. Others to watch include Will Clay (Sr. DL), Jimmy Hallmark (Sr. LB), and Brody Kouns (Sr. DB), who all received second-team nods by the end of last season.