GAMES
RANKINGS
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.
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Sam Mattingly of Magnolia West Football
MUST-SEE: District matchups that could alter the playoff-race
Given that fact, it’s time to detail some of this week's most anticipated matchups, as the race for a district title continues.
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Cypress Ranch Mustangs v. Bridgeland Bears (Volleyball)
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
In her first year as head coach, Dr. Collea McKinney has invigorated Cy Ranch Volleyball to remain one of the city's top contenders. The Mustangs currently stand to be the favorites of District 16-6A with an overall record of 29-5, not to mention an undefeated (10-0) record against their district counterparts.
Junior Vanderbilt-commit Taylor Porter is dominating from the outside-hitter spot, as she has nearly eclipsed the 400-kill mark on the year, while also leading the team in digs. Taryn Gilreath (Sr. S/RS) and Zora Bello (So. S/RS) have also been key contributors to Cy Ranch's success with only a few vital district matchups on the horizon.
Speaking of, Bridgeland (24-11; 8-2 in district) is experiencing a late-season resurgence, following a crucial victory against another familiar contender in Langham Creek.
Raylee Schaffner (Sr. OH) has been the war-hammer in the Bears' pursuit of a district title, while TCU-commit Alice Volpe (Sr. DS) has been the maestro of the operation, with nearly 600 digs this Fall. Additionally, senior setter Lauren Baek (452 assists) and senior OH Nylah Gray (323 kills) make up an exemplary Bridgeland squad, which should prove to make for an entertaining bout against Cy Ranch this Friday.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Tomball Memorial Wildcats v. Tomball Cougars (Volleyball)
Avery & Amber Craig of Tomball Memorial Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Tomball Memorial is undoubtedly on a hot-streak. After finishing fourth in the district a year ago, this team seems poised for a championship as they currently boast an overall record of 31-8, with an undefeated (9-0) district campaign thus far.
The Wildcats possess a slurry of play-makers, such as senior OH Avery Craig (Kill-leader--326), senior libero Anahi Alvarao (Dig-leader--614), and Sydni Halfmann (Assist-leader--510), which have propelled Tomball Memorial into the forefront of the district race.
After being defeated by the Wildcats (3-2) earlier in the season, the Cougars are looking to make a statement against their rivals near the tail-end of the regular season.
Tomball (23-10; 9-1 in district) has been on a tear of their own, winning each of the last five games they've played. The reigning District 15-6A MVP Kaitlyn Davis (Texas State-signee) is averaging four kills per set, leads the team in digs, and appears to be on the cusp of obtaining back-to-back honors. Madalyn Hoot (Sr. S) and Reese Smith (Jr. L) have also been exemplary throughout the Fall.
The battle for Tomball is upon us, so don't miss out.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Fulshear Chargers v. Magnolia West Mustangs (Football)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Fulshear has been nothing short of dominant throughout the first half of the Fall schedule. As it stands, the Chargers maintain a record of 6-0 (4-0 in district) following their recent 61-29 win over Friendswood. With the remainder of the their schedule on the horizon, this could be the year that the Chargers take the district title.
Under the direction of coach Nick Codutti, Fulshear's offense has been a powerhouse in the Class 5A scene. It all starts with senior RB Davion Godley, who's averaging north of 170 rushing yards per game, while leading the team with 8 scores thus far. Deuce Barrington (Sr. QB) has also been solid (10 passing TDs), while junior RB Patrick Broadway II has also been a key contributor to the scoring (7 TDs).
Don't sleep on Magnolia West, though.
The Mustangs (4-2; 3-1 in district) will prove to be a worthy opponent against their district counterpart. Junior QB Bryson Broadway has been electric through six weeks (17 passing TDs), and his connection with senior WR Brandon Taylor (8 TDs; 100 ypg) will be one worth observing.
Furthermore, Mag West's defense has also been relentless, particularly from their front-seven. Jr. DL Brandon Mills has been an impressive pass-disruptor, as he currently leads the team with eight sacks, while the Mustangs' tackle-leader (12 per game) Stanford-commit Sam Mattingly (Sr. LB) will surely be a force worth reckoning when these two teams face off on Thursday.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Dawson Eagles v. Pearland Oilers (Volleyball)
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Eagles (31-8; 8-0 in district) have been on fire through the second half of the season, as they are currently on an insane 19-game win-streak, which puts them on top of the district standings.
Senior Dominique Phills headlines Dawson's offensive push, with nearly 400 kills to her name. Addison Moss (Sr. S/OH) and Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH) have also been key contributors on the offense, with Moss in particular leading the team in assists (567). Sophomore DS Jenna Thedford and Reese Loyd (Sr. DS) have also been playing exceptionally well on the defensive side.
Dawson may currently be in first place, but Pearland (30-10; 7-1 in district) is just one game behind their rivals.
Cora Wolford (Jr. S) has been dishing out assists (690) left and right to some of the Oilers' weapons -- Avery Koonsen (So. OH/DS) and Nadia Dunn (Sr. OH) -- while senior libero Mia Ramirez has already surpassed the 300-dig mark to anchor the team's defense.
Given that Dawson defeated them earlier in the season, you best believe that Pearland will be ready for this anticipated rematch.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)