GAMES
RANKINGS
Hugh Smith is all of 6-foot-5, 300-pounds of Ridge Point Panther
STRAIGHT OUT OF CENTRAL CASTING: Ridge Point’s Smith is built for Texas High School Football
If Hollywood needed to cast a Texas high school offensive lineman, they wouldn’t have to look much further than Hugh Smith.
“Yep, I like to hunt, fish, play video games… and a good nap,” the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Ridge Point junior laughed. “Oh, and Whataburger, Raising Cane’s, and Chick-fil-A before a game, too.”
And there you have it.
Smith anchors one of the best returning offensive lines in the state alongside fellow DI prospects Avery Morcho and Jordan Burnett. Together, they form the heart of a Ridge Point squad looking for more in 2025.
“We just make each other better,” Smith said. “If I see something at the line of scrimmage or they do, we’re communicating. The heart of every great team is their offensive line.”
The Panthers have won five-straight district championships under coach Rick LaFavers and made it to the Regional Semis in 2020. But Smith believes there’s something special about this year’s team.
“We’ve got dudes at every position,” he said. “We know we can get to AT&T Stadium this year. There’s just something different about this team.”
While Smith preps for his senior season, his future is also coming into focus. The recruiting game has heated up, and he’s ready.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of playing college football and maybe beyond,” Smith said. “When I got my first offer from the University of Houston, it hit me—it was a moment.
“Since then, I’ve worked hard on my craft. Last year, it was about technique, using my hands, and being aggressive—finishing my blocks. This offseason, it’s about speed, endurance, and strength. I want to beat my man every play, all game.”
Smith has a trio of official visits lined up: Arizona State, Arkansas, and Houston.
“I’m trying to go somewhere that will develop me to get to the pros,” he said. “It’s all about fit, too… the atmosphere, college life, academics, and the fans.
“I don’t mind watching and learning as a freshman. Seeing my teammates compete against the best in the country and picking up the speed of the game isn’t lost on me.”
A 4.2 GPA student, Smith envisions a future in finance. But for now, he’s focused on being a great teammate—with his eyes on Jerry World.
Straight out of Friday Night Lights, with a little Whataburger on the side.
High School coaches from across Houston were hosted by Jim McIngvale and Gallery Furniture
THE BIG GAME: McIngvale gives once-in-lifetime opportunity to Houston HS coaches
Houston was at the epicenter of the college football landscape last night as the Bayou City hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship at NRG Stadium.
While Michigan knocked off Washington, 34-13, to hoist the hardware and earn at National Championship, Gallery Furniture’s Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale hosted dozens of high school football coaches from across the city, opening his luxury box to those leaders of young men from Greater Houston.
“Truthfully, this is my Super Bowl,” Grand Oaks coach Shaun McDowell said. “I love NFL football, but I have a passion for college football. Not just a single team but for all the great college football coaches who come through my office. They really inspire me.
“A big thanks to Mattress Mack for doing this. It just shows his overwhelming support for high school coaches. Seeing him speak at the Regional Meeting at Coaches’ School plus the Touchdown Club, he’s just a hometown hero.”
College assistant coaches and 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware also passed through the suite to pay their respects to Houston-area high school football coaches.
“Dickinson High School meant everything to me,” Ware said. “It changed my life. I’m still very connected to Coach (James) Farris and we talk or text on a weekly basis. Our relationship still holds true today.”
McIngvale’s nephew and Atascocita assistant coach Thomas Dunson played a huge role in coordinating the event.
“It’s always been my goal to reinvest in the Houston,” Jim McIngvale said of the event. “I align with high school coaches because they are reinvesting in their own communities and building future Texas leaders. I support all that they do.”
As handshakes and hospitality were the fare of the evening, coaches genuinely appreciated the support of one of Houston’s most legendary citizens.
“It’s the best feeling in the world to have someone like Mattress Mack appreciate the grind that we, as coaches, go through,” Sam Rayburn coach Sergio Gonzalez said. “From what we do for our community and our kids, he makes us feel very appreciated.”
“This is amazing. It shows his contribution and respect for coaches in the area,” Fulshear coach Nick Codutti said. “Having an opportunity to be with your peers… people you don’t get to spend a lot of time with and just have some fun, it’s a one in a lifetime experience.”
For Lamar coach Michael Lindsey, the evening meant a little more as one of his former players, Jaivion Green, played in the game for the Washington Huskies.
“I’m so proud Jaivion and his accomplishment,” Lindsey said. “This is pretty surreal to see him playing in this game. Honestly, when I got the text to come to the game, I didn’t know it was real. It’s really cool to see everyone here… it’s really special. We have a two-year-old, so what a great date night.”
Some coaches were dialed into the game at the edge of their seats as a fan.
“The energy in the building is phenomenal,” Ridge Point coach Rick LaFavers said. “To be a fan and not on the sideline is really fun. You can sit back and question the calls and hang out with our community of coaches is something I’m honored to be a part of.”
“This is an awesome experience for us to bring a loved one to something like this and just enjoy the night,” Bridgeland coach Lonnie Madison said. “It was really exciting for us to have an opportunity like this.”
Another touchdown for "Mattress Mack" as he continues to show his support for local sports with a big gesture to the generals of high school football.