TRENDING
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RANKINGS
Pearland's Joseph Credit (Kansas-signee)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Gridiron Game-Wreckers // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Football Defensive Players of the Year, giving some well-earned credit to a handful of Southside's dynamic disruptors.
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Kah'ni Watts -- Iowa Colony Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior safety Kah’ni Watts has undoubtedly flourished in his expanded role this fall, proving capable of fulfilling virtually any task for the Iowa Colony defense. His production speaks for itself: 73 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 passes defended, and 2 fumble recoveries — numbers that make a first-team, all-district selection all but assured.
Watts also made headlines recently by flipping his commitment from Houston to Wisconsin, officially signing with the Badgers on Thursday.
His rise comes as Iowa Colony (12–1) prepares for a familiar showdown with district counterpart Randle in the 5A-D2 Region III Final. As noted in the UTMB Offensive Players of the Year edition, both sides can score in bunches, placing a premium on which defense can limit mistakes and generate timely takeaways.
Regardless of how Friday plays out, IC’s Kah’ni Watts deserves recognition for the multi-faceted impact he has delivered throughout 2025.
Joseph Credit -- Pearland Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Seldom does one find an individual athlete who can contribute at the level Joseph Credit demonstrated for Pearland’s defensive unit. Granted, an off-ball linebacker like Credit can typically rack up tackles — but the recent Kansas-signee managed to do considerably more.
Of the 94 tackles he accumulated this fall, an impressive 29 came behind the line of scrimmage, including 9 sacks, showcasing his impeccable instincts as a senior captain for the Oilers. He also added an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries — one of which he returned for a touchdown — further highlighting his all-around impact.
Suffice it to say, Credit was ultimately named the District 22-6A MVP, a distinction rarely awarded to a defensive player. Yet this one feels entirely fitting, considering he served as the heart and soul of a Pearland squad that capped off 2025 with an undefeated district title and an 11–1 final record.
Ashton Ruffin -- La Porte Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After earning first-team all-district honors for his work on defense a year ago, senior Ashton Ruffin affirmed this fall that he could be equally valuable to La Porte on the other side of the ball — if not more so. In a season that saw the Bulldogs finish 9–2 and secure back-to-back undefeated district championships, Ruffin’s influence was patently unmistakable.
From his linebacker post, Ruffin delivered a team-leading 7 sacks and 48 total tackles, production impressive enough on its own. Factor in that he also piled up nearly 1,300 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns from the tailback spot, and it becomes coherent how he ultimately earned District 11-5A-D1 MVP honors by season’s end.
And while his college recruitment currently remains open, it seems only a matter of time before Ruffin lands with a future program — one sure to benefit from the same versatility and consistency he brought to La Porte over the years.
Tommy Baker -- Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Tommy Baker — also known as Giavani Baker — was a genuine difference-maker for Shadow Creek this fall. As a senior linebacker and team captain, he anchored a defense that allowed just 18 points per game, guiding the Sharks to an 8–4 finish and a run to the 6A-DII Area Round.
Baker’s numbers stand out: 69 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 passes defended. Yet stats only tell part of the story. His timing and ability to read plays before they developed made him a constant threat — a disruptor who forced opponents to adjust their game plan.
For the second consecutive year, he was named District 22-6A Defensive MVP, a testament not only to his production but also to the leadership and consistency he delivered on every snap. Replacing that level of tenacity will be no small task, but one thing is certain: Tommy Baker left an indelible mark on Shadow Creek football.
Brynden Mack -- Angleton Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Angleton’s front-seven set the tone for the Wildcats this fall, combining relentless pressure with shutdown run-stopping to make life difficult for every opponent. Central to that effort was Brynden Mack, a senior defensive end whose performance earned him District 11-5A-D1 Defensive MVP honors.
Mack recorded 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and led the team with 7 sacks, sharing the spotlight with fellow senior Kawarren Scott on the line. His ability to disrupt plays before they developed created momentum-shifting opportunities and consistently put Angleton in control of games.
The Wildcats allowed just 15 points per contest, a figure that reflects both Mack’s impact and the cohesion of the unit in front of him. In totality, the group finished the 2025 campaign with a 9–2 record, taking second in the district and marking the program’s fifth straight postseason appearance (excluding the COVID-impacted 2020 season).
Iowa Colony Jr. QB Carson White
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Stat Sheet Stuffers // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Football Offensive Players of the Year, recognizing some of the region's most explosive weapons.
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Sean Simon -- La Porte Football
Photo taken/provided by: Carlyle Henry (Premier Sports Photos)
Despite drawing a tough matchup in the opening round of the playoffs against a surging Weiss squad — which went on to reach the Regional Semifinals — La Porte’s 9-2 season and second consecutive undefeated District 11-5A-D1 title speak for themselves.
Building on a monumental breakout campaign in 2024, sophomore tailback Sean Simon somehow elevated his game even further this fall, finishing just shy of 2,200 rushing yards — a new single-season program record — to go with 25 touchdowns. While credit is certainly due to LP’s stout offensive line, it’s Simon’s blend of vision, burst, and physicality that makes him one of the most difficult backs in the region to contain.
Recently named District Offensive Player of the Year, Simon’s ascent — and La Porte’s trajectory as a whole — is far from finished. The four-star recruit continues to solidify his status as one of the most intriguing prospects in the Class of 2028, already holding offers from Vanderbilt, Houston, TCU, Tennessee, and others.
Malachi Gamble -- Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Dickinson’s offense has been nothing short of electric this fall, piling up points at a staggering pace and powering the Gators to an unblemished 13-0 record. At the center of that surge is Malachi Gamble, the defending District 24-6A Co-MVP whose impact continues to define the team’s identity.
The senior running back has helped fuel a unit averaging more than 50 points per game, most recently showcased in Dickinson’s commanding 55–16 dispatching of Strake Jesuit. Now, Gamble and the Gators prepare for a marquee showdown with North Shore in Friday’s 6A-D1 Region III Final. Should they upend the historic H-Town heavyweight, Dickinson would clinch its first State Final Four appearance in nearly 50 years — the program’s only other trip coming during the 1977 3A State Championship season.
As the stakes rise, so does Gamble’s influence, anchoring a campaign that’s pushing Dickinson into truly rare territory.
Carson White -- Iowa Colony Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Ray Garza-led Pioneers have produced yet another enthralling performance this fall, echoing the excitement of 2024 — and it all starts with the young man under center.
Iowa Colony quarterback Carson White has combined remarkable consistency with the ability to create big plays at any moment. That was on full display during the Pioneers’ resilient 31–30 win over Brenham last Friday, when White threw two touchdown passes to his favorite target, Jayden Warren (Texas A&M commit), before sealing the victory himself with a rushing touchdown just under seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Through the season, the junior signal-caller has amassed over 1,800 passing yards and 31 touchdown passes, alongside 580 rushing yards and 14 more scores — numbers that cement his case for back-to-back District 9-5A-DII Offensive MVP honors.
As Iowa Colony enters the Region III Final this week, the Pioneers carry a 12–1 record, with their lone setback coming against district rival and defending 5A-D2 State Champion Randle — a team that once again stands between IC and a UIL Final Four appearance. Considering September’s 49–42 meeting, the two programs are poised for another offensive showcase when they meet Friday at 7:00 PM at Legacy Stadium.
Under these high-stakes conditions, expect White to continue thriving in the spotlight.
Ja'Maurey Champion -- Pearland Football
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
The Oilers’ ground game was undeniably a defining feature of Pearland’s season, and it was unquestionably bolstered by Ja’Maurey Champion, whose presence often felt like a highlight reel in motion.
The team’s lead back rushed for 1,610 yards and 25 touchdowns this fall, earning unanimous first-team, all-district honors while guiding Pearland to an 11-1 record and an undefeated District 22-6A title. Though the Oilers’ season ended in the 6A-D1 Area Round against Dickinson, Champion’s impact was unmistakable, providing the spark that carried his team throughout the year.
As the senior enters the next stage of his journey, his recruitment window remains wide open. Programs in search of a dynamic, versatile running back will find no shortage of reasons to pursue him, as Champion’s combination of finesse and toughness makes him a talent capable of making an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Jaylen Addai -- Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Four-star wideout Jaylen Addai — son of former Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai — emerged as one of Shadow Creek’s brightest revelations this fall. Still only a sophomore, he already retains offers from major programs such as Texas A&M, Miami, Texas Tech, and Houston, a testament to the early buzz surrounding his talent.
By season’s end, Addai hauled in 38 passes for 771 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the Sharks in all three categories and earning a conspicuous, well-deserved District 22-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year nod. His production was the X-factor for a Shadow Creek squad that closed 2025 by going 8–4 overall, before bowing out of the 6A-D2 playoffs to C.E. King — a team now set to face Summer Creek in the Region III Final.
And while the Sharks’ postseason run concluded earlier than hoped, the foundation ahead remains promising. With phenoms like Addai in their ranks, optimism is more than justified as Shadow Creek turns the page toward next season.