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The reigning UIL 5A-D2 State Champions -- Randle Lions
DISTRICT 9-5A-DII: Randle primed to defend State Title; Iowa Colony, FB Marshall remain legit contenders
Randle Lions
Iowa Colony Pioneers
Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos
Texas City Stingarees
Baytown Lee Ganders
Santa Fe Indians
Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
Terry Rangers
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
...VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Landen Williams-Callis, Randle
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Carson White, Iowa Colony
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Noriel “Pac-Man” Dominguez, Randle
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Dazjhon Taylor, Fort Bend Marshall
ON THE CUSP: Baytown Lee Ganders
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Iowa Colony Pioneers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Fresh off a perfect 16-0 season and the program’s first-ever state title, the Randle Lions approach 2025 with sky-high expectations. Their thrilling 38-35 victory over South Oak Cliff at AT&T Stadium not only crowned them UIL 5A-DII State Champions but also delivered Randle High its first championship in any sport since opening in 2021. With much of their high-octane offense returning to the fold, the Lions are poised for another precedent to be established. Junior RB Landen Williams-Callis headlines the group after a jaw-dropping 2024 campaign that saw him rack up nearly 2,400 all-purpose yards and 45 touchdowns. Already a two-time District MVP and the reigning 5A-DII State Offensive MVP, Williams-Callis is widely considered one of the nation’s top backs. Senior signal-caller Tyler Skrabanek (first-team, all-district) is also back after throwing for over 2,100 yards and 25 touchdowns, with additional firepower coming from fellow first-teamer Dacorian Rubin (Lamar-commit), who led all receivers with 608 yards. Tight end Mason Mixon, as well as linemen Nicholas Ortiz and Logan Reed – each all-district selections – bolster a unit that averaged 51 points per game. Defensively, Randle will look to reload after graduating several key pieces, including standout Chace Sims (Texas A&M). Still, the Lions bring back State Defensive MVP Ryan Mallory at outside linebacker, as well as versatile senior Jalyn Burton and rising junior Patrick Oliver, the district’s Defensive Sophomore of the Year. Furthermore, the return of LB Noriel “Pac-Man” Dominguez (TCU-commit) – who had to sit out a year, due to UIL transfer regulations – will automatically boost the Randle D that held opponents to roughly 9 points a contest last fall. With proven stars on both sides of the ball and momentum on their side, the Lions won’t be sneaking up on anyone — but they may just be getting started.
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After bursting onto the Class 5A scene with a 12-2 finish and a run to the Region III Final, Iowa Colony has quickly proven they belong among the state’s top contenders. Though their season ended in a narrow 21-14 loss to eventual champion Randle at NRG Stadium, the foundation is set for coach Ray Garza and co. to have a similar run, if not better. At the center of the program’s rise is junior quarterback Carson White, who dazzled as a sophomore en route to District Offensive MVP honors. A true dual-threat, White threw for nearly 1,900 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 832 yards and 18 more scores. With offers from Baylor, Houston, Kentucky, and SMU, his reputation will only continue to build. He’ll be joined by a strong supporting cast of first-team, all-district selections, including senior wideout and recent Houston-commit Jayden Warren (613 yards, 14 TDs), senior tailback Aaron Tenner (1,100 total yards, 7 TDs), as well as an O-Line beefed up by junior Chukwuemeka Tasie (first-team) and senior Aaeden Elizondo (second-team) — forming a balanced and explosive offensive unit. On the other side of the chains, the Pioneers will look to retool after numerous impact players were lost to graduation. However, the likes of defensive tackle Daniel Swiney (first-team), linebacker Henry Kalu (92 tackles, 10 TFL), and San Diego State-bound Jeremy Garner II should keep the unit competitive. Seniors Corey Anthony Jr. and Kah’ni Watts (Houston-commit) are also expected to step into larger roles. With a dynamic quarterback, veteran leadership, and last year’s playoff experience in tow, Iowa Colony will be aiming to finish the job this time around.
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Fort Bend Marshall enters this fall with momentum and tradition on its side. After posting a 10-3 record and advancing to the third round of the playoffs a year ago, the James Williams-led Buffalos look to build on their legacy as one of the region’s most consistent forces. Though they fell to Iowa Colony in the postseason, the program’s championship pedigree – including a trip to the 2019 5A-DII State Final – remains a guiding standard. Back to elevate the offense is senior QB Kaeden Johnson (Texas A&M-commit), a dual-threat gunslinger who accounted for more than 2,700 total yards and 31 touchdowns in 2024. He’ll be joined in the backfield by fellow first-team, all-district selection Peyton Long, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 scores. Rising junior Jordan Simmons, the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year, adds playmaking ability out wide, while junior lineman Blake Chacier Jr. helps anchor the front. Also, the return of Dazjhon Taylor (Sr. ATH) should provide the team with a dynamic X factor. On defense, Marshall returns key contributors like first-team linebacker Dectric Brown (72 tackles), junior standout Ashton Lofton (71 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks), along with second-team DBs Dylan Waters (Utah-commit) and Myles Ratcliff. Additionally, senior safety Isaiah Williams (Illinois) should be another shutdown specialist in the secondary, after missing three games last fall. The Buffs will also have the special teams covered with first-team kicker Tamir Williams back in the mix.
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Consistency has kept Texas City in the playoff picture, but the Stingarees are hungry for more after a 5-5 finish and a first-round postseason loss to Brenham last year. Now entering his fourth season at the helm, head coach Shone Evans will look to guide a veteran-led roster back into contention. Senior wide receiver Jayden Johnson (Coastal Carolina-commit) returns as a go-to target after earning first-team, all-district honors, while the backfield features a tough, two-way tandem in Eric Garrett and junior Justin Stephens — the latter a second-team selection in 2024. Sophomore lineman Cardae King made an early impact and was named the district’s Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year, and should have plenty of help in the trenches with senior Adriel Paredes also returning. Meanwhile, the Stingarees bring back a strong nucleus of defensive weapons, including senior safeties Patrick Evans and Tory Hall, along with junior d-linemen Trey Lampkin and Dustin Taylor. Senior linebacker Rashard Hamilton is also set to be a key presence in the middle.
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Baytown Lee came up just short of a postseason berth in 2024, despite posting a solid 6-4 record under head coach Tim Finn. With a handful of difference-makers returning, the Ganders will look to take the next step and break back into the playoff mix this fall. Senior Elijah Brown, a dynamic two-way threat and first-team, all-district selection at wide receiver and DB, will be a cornerstone on both sides of the ball. Up front, junior lineman Luis Gonzalez Jr. returns to anchor the offense after earning second-team recognition. Defensively, Lee features an experienced front seven, led by senior end Rylen Barrientos and junior tackle Aedan Squires. Sophomore Nehemiah Louisy, the district’s Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year, adds some promise to a group that’s looking to continue trending upward.
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As the Santa Fe Indians prepare for the upcoming season, a tough and determined defense could be the key to improvement. Coming off a 4-6 finish in 2024, including a 2-5 district record, head coach Blake Ryder will rely on veteran leadership and emerging talent to push the program forward. Senior safety Jackson Smith returns as a first-team, all-district selection and dangerous return specialist. He’ll be supported by senior linebacker Jaidyn Bailey and defensive end Johnathan Baccinelli, both second-team honorees, while sophomore Teegan Woitna – the district’s Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year – brings some muscle up front. Offensively, Santa Fe faces some questions at the skill positions, but senior center Gerardo Rodriguez provides a reliable anchor in the trenches after earning second-team recognition.
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With new head coach Chris Lane taking the reins, Lamar Consolidated is hoping to turn the page after a tough 1-9 campaign in 2024. Lane, coming over from Alief Hastings, inherits a roster with individual talent looking to translate into team success. The offense brings back several all-district performers, including senior wideout Kameron Daliet and versatile junior Edgar Garcia, who earned first-team honors at tight end but is also capable of taking snaps at quarterback. Defensively, senior edge rusher Trevor Onuegbu returns to lead a unit eager for improvement. Simply put, expect a hungry, rejuvenated Mustangs squad this fall.
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Heading into the fifth year of directing the Terry program, head coach Darnell Jackson is aiming to guide his alma mater back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Despite a tough 2-8 finish last fall, the Rangers return a reasonable assortment of all-district picks who provide a spark on both sides of the ball. Senior QB Everett Gary and H-back Mathew Eben bring experience to the offense, while linebacker Jayden Robertson and defensive back Trey Reyes look to bolster an improved defense.
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Four-Star Randle RB Landen Williams-Callis
STAYING GROUNDED: Randle’s Williams-Callis Focused on the Work, Not the Hype
“We aren’t going to let all the praise and accolades from last year get to our heads,” he said. “It’s back to work for us, and we won’t let any of the noise from the outside keep us from making another run to State.”
That kind of focus has defined both Williams-Callis and the Lions, who completed a perfect 16-0 campaign in 2024 – capped by a thrilling 38-35 win over South Oak Cliff to claim the school’s first-ever UIL State Championship. It was a crowning moment not only for the team, but for head coach Brian Randle, whose father, Dr. Thomas E. Randle, is the school’s namesake.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It was unbelievable,” Williams-Callis said of the title win. “Honestly, it didn’t feel like we had won it at that moment. But once everything settled down for a second, we could all take it in and appreciate what we had done. I’ll never forget the celebration we had at the Airbnb afterwards.”
Williams-Callis was named the UIL 5A-DII State Offensive MVP and earned his second straight District MVP nod. With nearly 2,400 yards of total offense and 45 scores to his name, he was unquestionably the engine behind the Lions’ historic season – and remains at the heart of a program looking to do it all over again.
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The four-star recruit already holds offers from some of college football’s elite – Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame among them. But for now, the junior star is taking it in stride.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I do my best to not take it for granted,” he said. “Of course, I’ve been enjoying all the attention, but I make sure that it doesn’t interfere with who I am and what my goals are. I don’t let it stress me out because I still have plenty of time before I make a decision.”
That level-headed approach didn’t happen by accident. It was shaped by faith and by family – both of which Williams-Callis credits for keeping him grounded.
“I’m a big family guy, so I can shout out just about everyone,” he said. “From my parents, to my cousins – James and Jacquizz Rodgers (former NFL RB) – and my grandma, whose name I got tattooed on my arm after she passed away. Of course, I know that God will get me through anything. I’ve been blessed, so I know that I can always call on Him to be there for me.”
Given that there are two years of eligibility still ahead and a legacy already in motion, Williams-Callis isn’t chasing noise. He’s chasing greatness – one carry, one season, one title at a time.