GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2025-26 Second Baptist School Football
PRIVATE SCHOOL RANKINGS: No. 1 Second Baptist Eagles
Coming off an impressive 11-3 campaign that ended just shy of a TAPPS-5A state title, Second Baptist gears up for their newest campaign with unfinished business and a veteran-heavy roster that’s hungry for more.
Now in his third year as head coach, Beck Brydon continues to guide a program that has become a consistent contender through each passing season. The Eagles steamrolled through the playoffs last fall, notching decisive wins over St. Joseph (42-7), St. Joseph Academy (29-10), and rival Fort Bend Christian Academy (35-16) before falling to All Saints Episcopal in the championship.
When it comes to their attack, SBS returns a dynamic duo in the backfield. Senior signal-caller Canon Toon, a second-team, all-district selection, brings a rare mix of size and mobility at 6-foot-4, giving the Eagles a steady presence under center and emerging as one of the more underrated dual-threats in the Houston area. He’s joined by standout tailback Langston Davis – a first-team, all-state recipient – and senior wideouts Allen Thomas (first-team AD) and Jordan Jones (second-team AD) providing Toon with reliable targets.
Second Baptist Sr. RB Langston DavisJamey Wright (VYPE)
On the other side of the ball, the Eagles boast a stout defensive front anchored by state second-teamer Kelvin Baptiste (45 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 4 sacks) and Edward Burnett, both returning starters with postseason honors. Versatile junior Jirius Khoury, a second-team, all-district athlete, brings speed and adaptability to the secondary and linebacker units. Considering how close they were to the title, Brydon won’t have to worry about the team’s motivation.
The pieces are falling into place. Now, it’s just about completing the puzzle.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
The stars of 2025-26 St. Thomas Football
PRIVATE SCHOOL RANKINGS: No. 2 St. Thomas Eagles
After a postseason surge that carried them to the TAPPS-6A State Semifinals, the St. Thomas Eagles enter the 2025 season with momentum – and a new head coach at the helm.
Raymond Davis, formerly the team’s assistant and defensive coordinator, steps into the lead role following Rich McGuire’s departure to Southeastern Oklahoma State. The Eagles finished 7-6 in 2024, highlighted by playoff wins over Trinity Christian (31-19) and St. Michael’s (21-7) before falling to powerhouse Liberty Christian-Argyle in the title game. Now, with a seasoned core returning on both sides of the ball, St. Thomas looks poised for another shot at the division crown.
Defensively, senior edge rusher Obinna Umeh headlines the unit after earning first-team, all-state honors. A recent Duke-commit, Umeh (58 tackles, 19 TFL, 5.5 sacks) brings elite athleticism and pass-rushing ability, paired with critical instincts. He’s joined by fellow seniors Liam McCarthy (125 tackles, 27 TFL) and Max Moore, forming a disruptive linebacking corps that gives St. Thomas a disciplined identity.
St. Thomas Sr. OLB/DE Obinna UmehDoug Brown (VYPE)
On offense, Nate Tidwell (Sr. WR) returns as a top playmaker after a 1,000-yard receiving season, while senior Javaughn Waldron adds versatility out of the backfield, having led the team with 11 combined scores a year ago. Junior quarterback Pierce Jacobson, who split snaps last year, is expected to take over full-time duties and could thrive with more opportunities.
Another notable target for Jacobson to utilize is senior second-teamer Derek Stevenson (566 yards, 6 TDs). Meanwhile, anchoring the line will be center Alexander Pompilus, also entering his senior year. Special teams remain in good hands – or good feet, rather – with Michael Taylor II, a second-team, all-state kicker who brings consistency and range.
With Davis being provided with such continuity to the program and a proven core returning, the Eagles will be eager to take the next step – and this time, finish the job.