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RANKINGS
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Montgomery Bears football team.
VYPE Houston 2026 Football Preview | District 9-5A DII: Montgomery Leads a Wide-Open Race
Kingwood Park Panthers
Huntsville Hornets
Lake Creek Lions
West Fork Gators
Spring Woods Tigers
Porter Spartans
Splendora Wildcats
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Keldric Ben, Montgomery
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jon Pavlatos, Kingwood Park
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nolan Carpenter, Montgomery
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zay Adolphe, Huntsville
ON THE CUSP: Spring Woods Tigers
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Kingwood Park Panthers
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
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It may ultimately come down to quarterback play, but Montgomery enters 2026 as the team to beat. Head coach Grant Cooper has one of the state's premier running backs in Oklahoma commit Keldric Ben, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Ben has the vision, burst and power to take over games, while Josh Warren gives the Bears another quality option out of the backfield to keep defenses honest. The passing game has plenty of weapons. Army commit Luke Piro is one of the district's most polished route runners, and Ryelin Johnson consistently finds ways to get open. The key is quarterback Bryce Miles, who doesn't have to force the issue. If he makes smart decisions, completes high-percentage throws and keeps the offense on schedule, Montgomery has all the pieces to make another deep postseason run. Veteran center Aaron Caro will handle the protection calls and anchor a physical offensive line. Defensively, the Bears are equally impressive. UTSA commit Nolan Carpenter brings speed and physicality off the edge, while linebackers Lance Ehlers and Keagan Gilbert patrol the middle. Bryson Havard and Elijah Davila headline an experienced secondary capable of creating turnovers. The biggest obstacle to another district title may be Huntsville, but Montgomery has the talent and experience to remain a serious postseason threat.
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The move from Class 5A Division I to Division II could be exactly what Kingwood Park needed. The Panthers narrowly missed the playoffs last season but return enough talent to emerge as one of the district favorites. Junior quarterback Jon Pavlatos accounted for more than 2,600 yards of offense and 27 touchdowns in 2025 and should take another major step forward with a full year of experience. Skill players Amaree Ware, Jonas Washington and Bennett Jones surround him with plenty of firepower, while linemen Maverick Grubbe, Ayden Britton and Cameron Frasier provide a solid foundation up front. Defensively, linebackers Owen Park, Abel Villareal and Elliott Warren give the Panthers one of the district's best second levels, while Connor Maple patrols the secondary. Don't be surprised if Kingwood Park is playing meaningful football well into November.
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Huntsville is closing the gap. Head coach Todd Moebes guided the Hornets to the second round of the playoffs in his first season, and expectations are even higher entering Year Two as his culture continues to take hold. Everything begins with dynamic quarterback Zay Adolphe, one of the area's most dangerous dual-threat playmakers. His ability to extend plays and create offense with both his arm and legs makes Huntsville difficult to defend. Running back Ja'Khavien Birks provides balance, while receivers Landon Fisher and KJ Betts give Adolphe reliable targets on the perimeter. On defense, linebacker Jarmiah Peterson is a relentless, downhill playmaker, while coach's son Kadon Moebes anchors the secondary with leadership and football IQ.
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There is renewed energy at Lake Creek. Former Kingwood head coach Cale Melton inherits a program many believe is a sleeping giant. With Lake Creek's athletic department enjoying championship success across multiple sports, expectations are high that football can follow suit. The biggest storyline entering fall camp is the quarterback competition between Asher Ryan, Wyatt Hoffart and Alfonso Lopez. Whoever earns the starting job will inherit an impressive collection of targets, including Juan Gonzalez, who surpassed 600 receiving yards last season, along with Chance Miller and Dane Doty. Tight ends Dakota Clarke and Logan Woods both possess Division I size and athleticism, giving the offense unique matchup advantages. Running back Canon Davis returns after rushing for more than 500 yards, while Lincoln Montecino and Ace Clarke anchor the offensive line. Defensively, Brock Busby and Carter Thibodeaux lead the defensive front. Linebackers Jaxson Smith, Nate Newton and Anson Melton headline the second level in the Lions' 3-4 scheme, while Jackson Bose and Haak Bean provide stability in the secondary.
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A new chapter also begins at West Fork, where head coach Brian Cope takes over with an infectious energy and optimism. The Gators return 10 starters but will rely heavily on several young players. Quarterback Tyler Gilliam must grow up quickly, throwing to athletic receiving corps of JJ Martinez, Landon Walker, and Emiliano Hinostroza. Running back Kaden Simmons leads the ground attack behind an inexperienced offensive line anchored by Jamarick Fontenot. The defense should keep West Fork competitive. Safeties Javen Nededog and Jayden Whitelow direct the unit, alongside standout corner De'Juan Kizzie, while sophomore defensive end Greg Rogers has all the physical tools to become one of the district's breakout stars. Juniors Mason Evans-Pickens and Jordyn Vaughn will each make an impact at various spots on the defense.
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Spring Woods returns 15 starters from a 5-5 team that narrowly missed the playoffs and now enters a new district with renewed optimism. Head coach Andrew Rohrs welcomes back quarterback Daniel Morales, who threw for more than 1,800 yards, and running back Emmanuel Quiroz, who eclipsed 1,200 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns. The biggest challenge remains the line of scrimmage. If Nick Gonzales, Anderson Hernandez and the offensive line can provide consistency, the Tigers have enough skill talent to surprise people. Defensively, Trevor Caylor leads an aggressive unit alongside defensive backs Victor Hamilton and Julian Robles.
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Porter also returns the majority of its roster after a 4-6 campaign. The Spartans bring back nine defensive starters, giving them one of the district's most experienced units. Linebackers Braylin Benson and Garrett Lawson headline a defense capable of keeping Porter in games every Friday night. The offense, however, remains the biggest question. Finding a quarterback and developing more explosive playmakers will determine whether the Spartans can break through into the playoff picture.
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At Splendora, quarterback Braydin Hinton returns as one of the district's most productive offensive players after accounting for nearly 1,800 total yards last season. Head coach Robbie Deheck also welcomes back bruising running back Aiden Washington, while tight end Kairee Williams may be the Wildcats' most versatile athlete. The defense quietly has the pieces to become one of the better units in the district. Defensive backs De'Merion Anderson and Ki'Juan Redmond headline a group that could make Splendora one of the league's toughest outs.
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The stars of 2025-26 Montgomery Football
DISTRICT 8-5A-DII: PNG aims to three-peat, while Huntsville, Montgomery emerge as challengers
Port Neches-Groves Indians
Huntsville Hornets
Montgomery Bears
Nederland Bulldogs
Dayton Broncos
Lake Creek Lions
West Fork Gators
Splendora Wildcats
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
...VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Traeshawn Brown, Huntsville
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Connor Bailey, Port Neches-Groves
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rakin Akmal, Dayton
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zarien “Zay” Adolphe, Huntsville
ON THE CUSP: Dayton Broncos
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Dayton Broncos
Doug Brown (VYPE)
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Fresh off a 12-2 campaign and back-to-back district titles, Port Neches-Groves approaches this campaign with their usual sense of momentum and championship pedigree. The Indians are just one year removed from capturing the program’s fifth overall state title in 2023, when they edged South Oak Cliff 20-17 at AT&T Stadium. While several key contributors have moved on, PNG remains stacked with experienced talent on both sides of the ball. Head coach Jeff Joseph, now in his fourth year at the helm and the son of coaching legend Gary Joseph (Katy), continues to build a consistent contender in Region III. Offensively, senior QB Connor Bailey and junior RB Tyson Henry return after earning second-team, all-district honors last fall. Up front, senior offensive lineman Aaron Wolford—an all-district, first-team unanimous selection and University of Houston-commit—anchors the line. The defense brings back a strong core as well. Senior defensive end Kooper Benoit, linebacker Jaxin Winfrey, and safety Dane Stewart all return after productive seasons that landed each of them second-team, all-district recognition. Despite some roster turnover, PNG’s veteran leadership and recent playoff success make them a serious threat once again in 2025.
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As Huntsville turns the page to a new chapter under head coach Todd Moebes, the expectations remain unchanged: compete hard, play fast, and remain firmly within the playoff picture. Moebes, who arrives from Lockhart, steps into a program coming off an 8-4 season that featured a dominant 45-0 playoff win over Whitehouse before a tough exit against eventual state finalist South Oak Cliff. While the Hornets will adjust to new leadership, the roster offers stability—and plenty of upside. Senior running back Traeshawn Brown returns as a first-team, all-district performer, bringing explosiveness and experience to the backfield. Sophomore quarterback Zarien “Zay” Adolphe, last year’s District 8-5A-DII Offensive Newcomer of the Year, showed flashes of dual-threat ability as a freshman and now has a season of varsity play under his belt. In the trenches, the Hornets are beefed up by standout linemen Tr’e Williams (unanimous first-team) and Laslalio Moreno (second-team). Versatile senior Jerious Singletary earned first-team honors at tight end, but it's his edge-rushing ability that’s turning heads on the recruiting trail – evidenced by offers from Houston, Washington State, North Texas, and Sam Houston State, among others. Defensively, Huntsville boasts proven experience, including Defensive Newcomer of the Year Sam Cleveland (Sr. LB), as well as Sr. DT Isaiah Lewis (unanimous first-team) and Sr. DE Fred Oladele (second-team), along with a seasoned secondary led by senior first-team corners Kenneth Scott and Brent Carroll.
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Momentum can be fleeting in high school football, but Montgomery is hoping to carry last year’s breakthrough into a new season—despite some notable changes. With coach Grant Cooper directing, the Bears posted an 8-3 record in 2024, finishing third in district and securing a long-awaited return to the playoffs. Though a first-round loss to Marshall ended their run early, the season marked a clear step forward for a program that had struggled for consistency in recent years. One of the biggest questions heading into this fall is how the team will replace the production and leadership of graduated Co-District MVP Reggie Williams. Signal-caller Jack Merryman, now a senior, steps in under center, tasked with keeping the offense on track. He’ll have help from senior utility standout Daequwan “DQ” Swapsy—a McNeese State-commit who totaled 744 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns last season, earning second-team, all-district honors. Jaxon Young-Davis (second-team) returns to anchor the offensive line, while linebacker Chase Abrantes (second-team) brings stability to the defense. The Bears also feature elite special teams play, with senior kicker Parker Crenshaw and punter Waylon Peters both earning first-team, all-district nods a year ago. Montgomery may face new challenges, but with a handful of familiar faces and growing confidence, they’re not planning to slow down.
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Nederland has turned a corner in recent years, posting a 7-4 record in 2024 and making consecutive playoff appearances. With a new culture firmly in place for second-year head coach Scott Rich, the Bulldogs will look to keep trending upward—even as they adjust to the loss of Offensive MVP Hubert Thomas. While questions remain on offense, there’s no shortage of potential. Several promising athletes from last year’s junior varsity squad are expected to step into bigger roles, giving the unit a chance to retool rather than rebuild. Defensively, junior Jaedon Nod returns as a key difference-maker. A first-team all-district selection, he’s listed as a safety but brings rare versatility, with the ability to contribute all over the field. Furthermore, special teams will be in good hands – or good feet – with senior kicker Lance Resch, a second-team, all-district honoree who provides a steady presence in that integral phase of the game.
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Dayton showed flashes of potential in 2024, concluding with a 4-6 record a sixth-place result in Jerry Prieto’s first season at the helm. Now entering year two—and with a strong group of returners—the Broncos are eyeing their first playoff berth since 2022. Junior QB Jerry Prieto Jr. will look to build on a promising campaign, supported by a veteran cast of weapons. Senior wideouts Jesse Price and Dalen Tobar give the passing game reliability, while senior back Denim Foster adds balance on the ground. Headlining the big-men will be second-team, all-district lineman Tyler Chavez, alongside ascending junior Cooper Burkes. On defense, senior safety Rakin Akmal (125 tackles, 12 PD, 2 FF, 2 FR) is back to elevate the secondary after earning unanimous first-team, all-district honors. Additionally, Merkle Judge (Sr. LB) should provide some toughness to the front seven. With experienced talent on both sides of the ball and another year in Prieto’s system, Dayton has a real opportunity to flip last year’s record and contend for a postseason spot. All that’s left for them to do is execute on that goal.
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For the first time since 2021, the Lake Creek Lions found themselves on the outside looking in after finishing 6-4 in 2024 and narrowly missing the playoffs. The unexpected setback comes amid the departure of several pivotal contributors, including Co-District MVP Tyvonn Byars (Rice) and first-team quarterback Eli Morcos (Texas A&M), leaving a leadership void to fill. Despite these losses, the Lions return some impactful players. Senior offensive lineman Hunter McKinney, a three-star collegiate prospect and second-team, all-district pick, anchors the offensive front. Junior WR Chance Miller, who posted 418 yards and five touchdowns last season, looks poised for an expanded contribution. With Pat Kennedy entering another year leading the program, Lake Creek aims to rebuild quickly and reestablish itself as a playoff contender in a competitive district.
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Entering just their second varsity season, West Fork looks to continue developing under the direction of head coach Dougald McDougald. Despite a challenging 2-8 record in 2024, the Gators earned a district win and gained valuable experience as a young team. Another cause for optimism is the return of several impact players who provide a strong foundation for improvement. Kylin Patin (Sr. QB) returns to lead the offense alongside Courtney Simmons (Sr. RB/WR). Senior Jack Spurlock should add depth to the line on both sides of the ball as a versatile TE/DE presence, alongside Brycen Cole (Sr. OL). Defensively, second-team, all-district selection Smith Rollins (Sr. S/RB) will play a critical role, both in the secondary and in the rushing attack. Joining him in the effort will be DeJuan Kizzie (Jr. CB) and Jailen Jones (Sr. CB/RB), rounding out a more adept unit.
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Splendora heads into 2025 with a fresh start, as first-year head coach Robbie Deheck makes his return to the program after previously serving as its defensive coordinator from 2014 to 2018, followed by a brief stint as the DC at Bridgeport High. The Wildcats are coming off a 2-8 season and aim to snap a four-year skid without a district win. The offense brings back proven production, led by senior wide receiver TJ Burch, a first-team, all-district pick who posted 826 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall. Fellow senior Kentrell Bowen (second-team) adds experience at wideout, while Wyatt Sepanio (Sr. ATH) is also back after registering nearly 600 all-purpose yards and four scores. On defense, senior linebacker Isaac Shumate—a second-team, all-district selection—will propel the group.