GAMES
RANKINGS
VYPE SATX Football Game of the Week: Pieper vs. New Braunfels (Wk.8)
Among the numerous programs currently thriving within Class 5A, few have been quite as proficient as Pieper.
Under the direction of head coach Nick Rogers, the Warriors have cruised to a pristine 6-0 start -- most recently toppling Seguin in an offensive shootout that ultimately resulted in a 56-37 victory last Saturday.
Despite only entering their third year as a varsity program, this group has become of the most dynamic forces in the city, which Rogers attributes to the "family values and relationships" established, in addition to the "non-negotiable things: discipline and hard work" he and his staff stresses.
It also can't hurt to have the talent necessary to bring that culture to fruition, either.
Senior wideout Isaiah Champagne is in the midst of a monster campaign, having racked up over 500 receiving yards (85.5 ypg) with 7 scores. He's on track to surpass the 1,000-yard mark which should certainly garner him first-team, all-district honors once again.
When it comes to Pieper's attack, their gunslinger, Cayden Keeth (Sr. QB), is as dependable as it gets, as he's tallied 1,710 yards (285.5 ypg) through the air (17 TDs), while also contributing 205 (4 TDs) more on the ground.
He's not alone behind that stout offensive line, anchored by first-teamer Braylon Saekoaleo.
The one-two punch of senior John Hamilton (462 all-purpose yards, 9 TDs) and junior Brady Hopper (442 all-purpose yards, 7 TDs) at the RB-position make it increasingly difficult for defenses to counter.
Speaking of defense, the Warriors are loaded in that department as well, with Laiton Springer (So. LB), Thor Myklebust (Jr. DL), Raja Lopez (Jr. DB), Bennett King (Jr. DB), and Jackson Hopper (Sr. DB) putting up some all-district level performances.
Other names to remember include Andrew Grinestaff (Jr. WR), Evan Drake (Sr. TE), Chris Vivians (Sr. DB), Cash Lancaster (Jr. WR), and Kylor Scheppler (Sr. LB).
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While Pieper may currently hold the No. 3 spot in our weekly SATX rankings, New Braunfels is right there at No. 8.
Since moving down from District 27-6A over this past year's UIL realignment, coach Brad Molder and company have enjoyed their fair share of success thus far.
The Unicorns (5-1) are coming off a pivotal district win against Boerne-Champion, in which they outpaced the Chargers by the score of 49-34.
Naturally, they're about to face some tougher competition in Pieper, followed by 2023 State Finalist Smithson Valley next week. But, the numbers they've been producing should leave fans feeling optimistic.
Clayton Namken (Sr. QB) has been efficient as the team's signal-caller, having thrown for 1,222 yards (12 TDs) entering Week 8, which also includes eight more scores using his legs.
Junior ATH Cayden Mills (33 receptions, 689 yards, 10 TDs) has served as a dynamic weapon on both sides of the ball, alongside Lane Duke (Sr. WR -- 418 yards, 2 TDs) and Cameron Pitts (Jr. WR -- 210 yards, 1 TD).
In terms of New Braunfels' ground game, sophomore Brock Stewart (522 yards, 3 TDs) has been an exciting addition to an offense that previously relied on the since-graduated Offensive MVP Tyree Johnson to move the chains.
Defensively, the Unicorns have been solid.
They've allowed just under 18 points per game which is a recipe for success, considering the offense is averaging an even 39.
First-team selections Mikah Gonzales (Sr. LB) and Cole Redding (Sr. DB) headline the group, with Patrick Freberg (Sr. DB), Omar Garza (Sr. LB), Catcher Kyle (Sr. LB), and Zeke Martinez having critical roles.
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Could a new rivalry be born when these two formidable programs clash?
Head over to the Warrior Coliseum this Friday (7:00 pm) to find out.
VYPE SATX Coaches Corner: New Braunfels Volleyball Coach Kate Zora
The real fight begins on the TXHS Volleyball scene, with district matchups coming in full force.
Now that a trip to the playoffs is on the line, this is when audiences can examine the threat that each team poses, in terms of postseason vitality.
As one of the top teams to emerge out of Class 5A in the San Antonio-area, New Braunfels is aiming to claim a top spot in District 26-5A, in addition to rewriting their early exit to the 2023 playoffs at the hands of Reagan.
We spoke with New Braunfels Head Coach Kate Zora, discussing the Unicorns' game-plan in a competitive division, who to watch on her talented roster, the culture she's fostered at NBHS, and more.
Check out the interview below!