GAMES
RANKINGS
Manvel's Emerson Chang
THE PLAYMAKERS: Crunching the Numbers // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, who have put up some major stat-lines through district play!
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Mady Powell -- Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As Clear Springs climbs to No. 7 in Houston’s citywide rankings with a 25-8 record, much of the spotlight has shone on standout hitters like Caylee Young and veteran defensive specialist Lianna Kearns. But behind the Chargers’ recent surge is the steady, unflashy brilliance of junior setter Mady Powell.
Following a narrow five-set loss to Fulshear in early September, Clear Springs has bounced back with wins in six of its last seven matches — including a commanding 4-0 start to their 24-6A schedule. Powell has been central to that resurgence, orchestrating the Chargers' offense with a team-high 523 assists while also anchoring the back row with 258 digs.
Her consistency and court vision have become a cornerstone for head coach Shannon McClellen’s squad, which is aiming for its fourth consecutive district title. With Powell quietly powering the engine, Clear Springs appears poised to make a deeper playoff push than last year’s Area Round finish.
Aaron Tenner -- Iowa Colony Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Pioneers have stormed to a 4-0 start this fall, most recently dismantling Baytown Lee in a dominant 57-0 showing.
Under head coach Ray Garza, Iowa Colony has leaned on a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Carson White and Houston-commit Jayden Warren have kept secondaries honest, opening the door for senior tailback Aaron Tenner to thrive on the ground.
Tenner has made the most of his opportunities. So far, he’s piled up over 400 yards of offense and tallied eight total touchdowns—tied with Warren for the team lead. His physical, downhill running style has added a punishing edge to an already versatile offense.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Thursday night’s high-stakes showdown against district rival and reigning 5A-DII State Champion Randle—a rematch of last year’s Region III Final.
With momentum on their side and playmakers across the board, the Pioneers look poised for a statement win. And if recent performances are any indication, expect Tenner to remain a driving force in Iowa Colony’s impending championship push.
Emerson Chang -- Manvel Volleyball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
In a district that’s currently headlined by top-ranked Dawson, Manvel has quietly built a strong case as a serious contender. Now 22-8 overall and unbeaten (7-0) in 22-6A, the Mavericks are riding momentum into Tuesday’s highly anticipated matchup on the Eagles’ home court.
Amidst the offensive prowess of Jasmyn Walker (Sr. MB) and Nevaeh English (Sr. OH), fellow senior Emerson Chang has delivered on the defensive side time and time again. A relentless presence in the back row, Chang recently surpassed 1,000 career digs and has already collected over 400 this season alone.
Given those numbers, last year’s second-team, all-district nod seems modest in hindsight. With her consistency, leadership, and elite instincts, Chang’s performance this fall has also reaffirmed her next step: a collegiate career at St. Mary’s University.
As the district race tightens, Chang’s role only becomes more critical — and she continues to rise to the moment.
Luke Brown -- Dawson Football
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Led by head coach Mike Allison, Dawson has opened 2025 with a 3-1 mark, highlighted by back-to-back district shutouts over Dobie (26-0) and Pasadena Memorial (55-0).
While much of the plaudits should be extended to the defense and the schemes that allow the unit to flourish, there’s something to be said of the poise displayed by senior signal-caller Luke Brown.
Through four weeks, Brown’s stat line is the picture of efficiency—averaging just under 150 passing yards per game with five touchdowns and no interceptions. On the ground, he’s added 215 rushing yards and two more scores, further underscoring his dual-threat reliability.
It’s that level-headed playmaking that will be crucial as Dawson faces its toughest test yet: a Friday night clash at Alvin ISD’s Freedom Field against reigning District 22-6A champion Shadow Creek.
Mia Eason -- Clear Creek Volleyball
Clear Creek’s 16-15 record may not leap off the page, but the Wildcats’ strength of schedule tells a different story. With early-season battles against powerhouses like Tompkins, Cy Ranch, Dripping Springs, and Tomball, Coach Scott Simonds’ squad has been tested—and sharpened—by elite competition.
Now, as the stakes rise, Clear Creek is finding its rhythm. A 3-1 start in 24-6A has them firmly in the playoff mix, and leading the charge is senior outside hitter Mia Eason. Eason has emerged as Coach Scott Simonds’ go-to weapon, racking up a team-best 285 kills through the heart of the season.
She’s not alone—freshman Lily Sanchez has added an impressive 215 kills—but Eason’s leadership and firepower remain central to the Wildcats’ postseason hopes.
While Clear Springs holds the early edge after a 3-1 win in their first meeting, don’t count Clear Creek out. Historically strong down the stretch, the Wildcats have the tools—and talent—to make another playoff run.
Shadow Creek Sr. S Carter Stewart (Utah-commit)
THE PLAYMAKERS: Leaving Them Speechless // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we approach the District portion of the Fall season.
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Ashton Ruffin -- La Porte Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Through two weeks, La Porte’s offense hasn’t just been productive — it’s been unpredictable. At the heart of that versatility is Ashton Ruffin, whose role has expanded well beyond the defensive reputation he built last season.
Primarily known as a linebacker — and a first-team all-district selection in 2024 — Ruffin has brought a downhill edge to the Bulldogs’ backfield, pairing with sophomore Sean Simon to form a punishing one-two combination. Their contrast in styles has evoked comparisons to the NFL’s “Sonic and Knuckles” duo, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery (Detroit Lions).
As it stands, the senior has already posted 293 rushing yards, 68 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns, giving La Porte a physical spark on offense while continuing to anchor the defense.
The Bulldogs are 2–0 after tight wins over Class 6A opponents Deer Park (35–31) and Kingwood (34–28). Furthermore, with Port Neches-Groves visiting this Friday, this dual-threat approach may once again be the key to capping off La Porte non-district schedule with even more momentum — and a perfect record.
Carter Stewart -- Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
In a Shadow Creek program known for churning out Division I talent, senior safety Carter Stewart still manages to carve out distinction.
The three-star Utah-commit doesn’t just affect the game with his speed and athleticism; it’s his instincts and split-second timing that make him the defensive centerpiece for the Sharks.
That football IQ has helped Stewart rise in a locker room loaded with next-level players, including his brother, standout wide receiver Chris Stewart, who’s committed to Texas. But Carter’s impact lies in disruption — breaking up plays before they develop and setting a tone from the secondary.
After dropping a hard-fought 37–32 season opener to 6A-D2 State Semifinalist Summer Creek, Shadow Creek bounced back with a commanding 39–0 shutout over Clear Creek.
With district play set to begin Friday against Alvin, Stewart and the Sharks aim to carry that same edge into the heart of their schedule — and assert themselves as contenders once again.
Haley Patton -- Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood’s 23-7 start is no fluke — and Haley Patton is a major reason why. The senior libero and reigning District 20-5A Defensive MVP has been nothing short of reliable, already surpassing 250 digs as the Mustangs roll through their schedule.
Patton, a North Dakota-commit, continues to elevate a team already loaded with talent. Her poise and control in the back row have set the tone for a Friendswood squad that hasn’t just lived up to expectations — it’s raised them. Ranked No. 1 in the area, the Mustangs have emerged as one of Houston’s most credible threats to reach the 5A State Tournament.
While individual accolades follow her, Patton’s game remains rooted in consistency and team-first instincts — exactly what Friendswood will need as the stakes rise.
Lorenzo Aguirre -- Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
On a roster where star power is nothing new, junior quarterback Lorenzo Aguirre is making an early case to join the list of Dickinson greats.
While senior running back Malachi Gamble — the reigning Co-District 24-6A MVP — remains the focal point for opposing defenses, it’s Aguirre’s emergence under center that has added a new dimension to the Gators’ attack.
Entering Week 3, Aguirre has thrown for nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing poise, arm talent, and command well beyond his years.
His production has been central to Dickinson’s 2–0 start, which includes a 34–21 statement win over perennial powerhouse Katy, followed by a 47–40 shootout victory against C.E. King. The Gators’ balance on offense — powered by Gamble’s explosiveness and Aguirre’s efficiency — has made them one of the more dangerous units in the region heading into Week 3.
If Aguirre continues to ascend, Dickinson’s ceiling may prove even higher than expected.
Sophia Green -- Clear Falls Volleyball
VYPE Graphics
As Clear Falls (14-13) gears up for its District 24-6A campaign, senior libero Sophia Green is hitting her stride at just the right time. With over 300 digs already this season, Green’s consistency has anchored the Knights’ back row. But it was during last Tuesday’s exhibition against Crosby that she etched her name into the program’s history books—surpassing 1,000 career digs.
Long regarded as one of the district’s steadiest defenders, Green earned second-team all-district honors last season and seems poised to raise that bar in her final year. Her impact, however, goes beyond accolades. A vocal leader and relentless presence on the court, she will be central to Clear Falls’ playoff push in the coming weeks.
Set to continue her career at Blinn College after graduation, Green leaves little doubt about her next step. For now, though, she remains laser-focused on helping the Knights make a statement in district play.