GAMES
RANKINGS
WHATABURGER TEAM OF THE WEEK: Ridge Point dominates to remain No. 1
The Ridge Point Panthers have officially climbed to the top spot in the city, earning VYPE’s No. 1 ranking after knocking off No. 3 Bridgeland in last week’s VYPE Thursday Night Showdown.
The Panthers also picked up the honor of being named the Whataburger Team of the Week following their dominant 31-3 victory.
Offensively, Ridge Point looked sharp and balanced. Quarterback Brody Bartee delivered a strong performance through the air, connecting with playmakers DJ Darling and Bailen George to keep the chains moving. On the ground, running back Aiden Akins provided a steady presence, punishing the Bears’ defense with his physical style.
Defensively, the Panthers were suffocating. The defensive front consistently pressured Bridgeland’s quarterback, disrupting timing and rhythm all night long. Linebackers Dyllon Bennett and Braydon Bonik controlled the middle of the field, while the secondary shut down big plays with speed and discipline. The unit as a whole set the tone, holding a high-powered Bridgeland offense to just a field goal.
With confidence riding high, the Panthers now turn their attention to the Elkins Knights. If Ridge Point continues to play with the same intensity and precision, they’ll remain the team to beat in Greater Houston.
Whataburger Team of the Week: La Porte captures statement win over Kingwood; now gears up for PNG
Two games into the 2025 season, La Porte is already proving it belongs in the conversation among the state’s most competitive programs.
The Bulldogs improved to 2-0 with a 34-28 win over Kingwood last Friday — a victory that speaks volumes. Not only did they knock off a Class 6A opponent, but they did so against a team that made it all the way to the Region III Final a year ago.
Of course, La Porte isn’t short on postseason pedigree themselves. The Bulldogs advanced to the fourth round of the 5A-D1 playoffs in 2024 before falling to district rival Angleton — a team they’ll see again in a much-anticipated Halloween night rematch later this fall.
For now, though, the focus shifts to this Friday’s clash with Port Neches-Groves — a matchup that should be on the radar for any Texas high school football fan looking for another tightly contested game.
Offensively, La Porte’s bread-and-butter continues to be its ground game, headlined by the two-headed rushing attack of Sean Simon and Ashton Ruffin.
Simon, a standout sophomore and four-star recruit, has already racked up 500 yards and four touchdowns through just two weeks. Ruffin, a senior and two-way force, has tallied 356 total yards and six scores while also anchoring the defense as an all-district linebacker.
Senior QB Aiden Saenz provides stability under center, while sophomore wideout Payton Smith adds a youthful spark in the passing game. Up front, senior lineman Jake Hayman — last year’s District Offensive Lineman of the Year — leads a physical unit that’s opened up lanes for the backs to thrive.
Defensively, the Bulldogs are anchored by senior nose guard Luke Mora and safety Blake Stout, providing experience and toughness on a unit that will be tested against PNG’s dynamic offense.
Now in his fourth season at the helm, head coach Kevin Berneathy has built a team with the depth, discipline, and edge to compete deep into November once again. If early results are any indication, La Porte is picking up right where it left off.