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Whataburger Team of the Week: La Porte captures statement win over Kingwood; now gears up for PNG
Two games into the 2025 season, La Porte is already proving it belongs in the conversation among the state’s most competitive programs.
The Bulldogs improved to 2-0 with a 34-28 win over Kingwood last Friday — a victory that speaks volumes. Not only did they knock off a Class 6A opponent, but they did so against a team that made it all the way to the Region III Final a year ago.
Of course, La Porte isn’t short on postseason pedigree themselves. The Bulldogs advanced to the fourth round of the 5A-D1 playoffs in 2024 before falling to district rival Angleton — a team they’ll see again in a much-anticipated Halloween night rematch later this fall.
For now, though, the focus shifts to this Friday’s clash with Port Neches-Groves — a matchup that should be on the radar for any Texas high school football fan looking for another tightly contested game.
Offensively, La Porte’s bread-and-butter continues to be its ground game, headlined by the two-headed rushing attack of Sean Simon and Ashton Ruffin.
Simon, a standout sophomore and four-star recruit, has already racked up 500 yards and four touchdowns through just two weeks. Ruffin, a senior and two-way force, has tallied 356 total yards and six scores while also anchoring the defense as an all-district linebacker.
Senior QB Aiden Saenz provides stability under center, while sophomore wideout Payton Smith adds a youthful spark in the passing game. Up front, senior lineman Jake Hayman — last year’s District Offensive Lineman of the Year — leads a physical unit that’s opened up lanes for the backs to thrive.
Defensively, the Bulldogs are anchored by senior nose guard Luke Mora and safety Blake Stout, providing experience and toughness on a unit that will be tested against PNG’s dynamic offense.
Now in his fourth season at the helm, head coach Kevin Berneathy has built a team with the depth, discipline, and edge to compete deep into November once again. If early results are any indication, La Porte is picking up right where it left off.
The stars of 2023-24 La Porte Baseball
BASES LOADED: No. 7 La Porte returns to contend for another playoff run
No. 7 -- La Porte Bulldogs
2023: 27-9-1 (Finished 2nd in District 18-5A/Regional Semifinalist)
La Porte advanced four rounds deep into the playoffs last Spring, which should leave fans optimistic for the ensuing season.
While there might be a few spaces to be filled, after numerous key pieces graduated over the Summer, the Bulldogs should still be a contender under the direction of coach Ricky Torres.
The stars that are returning include first-team, all-district selection Landon Kay, Newcomer of the Year Kylin Manning and Caleb Hill. Julian Jaramillo will provide power in the lineup.
As this young team progresses, they should become unmistakable contenders for the postseason.