GAMES
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Fulshear LB Dukes earns right to participate in the 2026 Patriot Games on ESPN and ABC
America's next generation of leaders, competitors, and champions will take center stage Aug. 9-11 at the 2026 Patriot Games, a national athletic competition celebrating the character, determination, and excellence that define the American spirit.
Freedom 250 announced that the 2026 Patriot Games will bring together outstanding young Americans from across the nation to compete, inspire, and showcase the values that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years.
The competition will award a $250,000 scholarship prize pool to one male and one female champion, creating life-changing opportunities for young Americans while inspiring millions across the country.
Competition coverage will stream on the ESPN App, culminating in a one-hour primetime ESPN on ABC special on Thursday, Aug. 13.
Each state has one representative and the Texas Patriot is RT Dukes III of Fulshear, a linebacker on the football team.
VYPE's Matt Malatesta caught up with this elite student-athlete on the eve of the Patriot Games to talk about this tremendous opportunity.
Emily Hubacek of Lake Highlands
THE STANDARD: Lake Highlands' Hubacek intentional in building power program
Building a program from the ground up is never easy, but Lake Highlands head coach Emily Hubacek has wasted little time establishing a championship standard.
In just its first season, the new program exceeded expectations by finishing undefeated in district play and capturing a district championship. While the results were impressive, Hubacek knows sustaining success presents an entirely new challenge as the Wildcats prepare for a much tougher district in 2026.
"When you're starting a new program, the biggest challenge is getting everyone to buy in," Hubacek said. "Not just the players, but the parents as well."
That buy-in has become the foundation of everything Lake Highlands does. Hubacek has built an intentional culture that extends far beyond the volleyball court. Every workout has a purpose. Every practice has a standard. Even the relationships her players build away from the gym are viewed as an extension of the program.
"Our culture is very intentional—from how we work out, to who we hang out with off the court, to how we play every point," she said.
With a tougher schedule looming, much of the offseason emphasis has centered on conditioning and preparing for the physical demands of competing against stronger opponents. One message has been repeated throughout the offseason.
No complacency.
Winning a district title in Year One was an accomplishment, but it doesn't guarantee future success. Every position must continue to be earned, and competition is embraced rather than avoided.
"This is not for everyone," Hubacek said. "If it were easy, everyone would do it. Our kids have to have the mentality to compete every day—for their spot, for that game, for that match. We feed on competition."
That mindset has quickly become the identity of the program. Lake Highlands isn't satisfied with simply having a successful inaugural season.
The Wildcats are focused on building a culture capable of sustaining success year after year, regardless of who graduates or which district they compete in.