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Columbus' Keyon "Big Key" Hemphill-Woods (Texas commit)
THE BIGGER PICTURE: “Big Key” Hemphill-Woods closes his Columbus chapter before starting his Texas journey
“My mom gave me the nickname ‘Big Key’ because I’ve been big all my life,” Hemphill-Woods said with a smile. “Then my coaches always preached that it’s ‘you vs. you.’ So I put the two together, and it’s been my motto ever since eighth grade. Eventually I got the chain, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, that’s gonna be me from here on out.’”
Hemphill-Woods’ self-driven approach has elevated him into one of the state’s premier talents along the offensive front. Primarily known as an interior force, the senior has proven more than capable of sliding outside to handle bookend tackle duties when called upon. His adaptability and physicality earned him District 12-3A Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year honors last fall, paving the way for his commitment to Texas in April.
As a team, the Cardinals turned in an 11-3 season a year ago, highlighted by a Region III Final appearance. Though former district rival Yoakum denied Columbus the opportunity to defend its 2024 UIL state title, all signs point toward another pursuit of the throne — especially with Hemphill-Woods protecting the trenches and quarterback Adam Schobel directing the offense.
The featured standouts of the 2026-2027 Columbus Cardinals football teamMatt Powell (VYPE)
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Still, the path to becoming “Big Key” wasn’t built overnight.
“Freshman year was a time for me to learn from the seniors in front of me and recognize the work ethic that goes into training,” Hemphill-Woods said. “I needed that because during my sophomore season (2024 State Championship), I had to put it all on the floor as my first year starting on varsity. At this point, I look at it like I have to play at a college level now — not just as a senior. I gotta go bigger and better, show up for my teammates, and represent Columbus as a whole.”
That same confidence extends into his everyday interactions, where his charisma and influence allow him to connect with younger athletes and teammates alike.
“I think my character shows through how I communicate with my team, the middle schoolers, and just being myself,” Hemphill-Woods said. “I’m normally the funny, goofy type, but when it’s time to work, I’ll flip the switch and get to it. Overall, it’s about giving back to the younger groups and helping make them better, because we were them once.”
Hemphill-Woods’ Texas roots run deep, making one potential partnership a natural fit.
“I’ve always wanted to be sponsored by Whataburger. That’s just been one of my dreams,” he said, once again flashing his signature grin. “I’ve spent a lot of time and money there, so Whataburger, please help me out.”
And if that partnership ever comes to fruition, Hemphill-Woods already knows exactly what will be on the menu.
“You can’t go wrong with the honey barbecue chicken-strip sandwich, or just a regular double meat bacon cheeseburger.”
The name “Big Key” represents something more profound than size, recognition, or the attention that comes with being a Texas commit. It reflects the example Hemphill-Woods strives to set — competing against himself, uplifting those around him, and leaving Columbus better than he found it.
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The Huffman Hargrave Falcons lead our preseason district rankings
VYPE Houston 2026 Football Preview | District 9-4A DI: The Battle for SETX Bragging Rights
Lumberton Raiders
Bridge City Cardinals
Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears
Liberty Panthers
Vidor Pirates
Livingston Lions
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Drayden Bacon, Huffman
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nick Cratic, Lumberton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryce Breeden, Bridge City
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jackson Struwe, LCM
ON THE CUSP: Liberty Panthers
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Bridge City Cardinals
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The Falcons enter year five under head coach Joey Buchta and are coming off a 7-4 mark in 2025. Huffman reached the Bi-District round. A total of nine starters return for Huffman, including running back Drayden Bacon, who holds an offer from Lamar and tallied 1,657 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. He also had 159 yards receiving and one score. Bacon will have a pair of second-team all-district offensive linemen to pave the way for him in 2026 as Kaleb Smith and Peyton Burrow both return to the offensive line. Burrow enters this year with offers from Rice, FAU, Louisiana Tech and UTSA. Maurice Clark (WR/DB) and Dailen Bacon (WR/DB) are also players to watch after the duo recorded 167 and 257 receiving yards, respectively. Both found the endzone three times apiece. Dailen currently holds offers from Washington State, University of Houston and Louisiana Tech. Wally Hallum (DB/WR/K) will be another to watch as he enters this year with 65 career tackles and three interceptions. Keys to success for Buchta’s team include developing the defensive line, getting off the field on defense and spreading the ball to a variety of playmakers.
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Lumberton went 7-4 overall a year ago and reached the Bi-District Round of the playoffs. The Raiders return first-team all-district running back Nick Cratic, who rushed for 1,138 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. Honorable mention all-district QB Nolan Mitchell returns after passing for 1,114 yards and seven scores. The front will return experienced as offensive linemen Koltin Morales (first-team), Wyatt Millican (second-team) and Nic Graff (honorable mention) are all set to return. Defensively, second-team all-district defensive back Madden Dean (29 tackles, 1 INT) and all-district punter/kicker Luke Cody are set to return.
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Josh Smalley enters his third year of leading the Bridge City program. In his two years, Smalley has guided the team to a 19-5 overall record. Last year, they went 11-2 and reached the Regional Semis against Kilgore. Bridge City is fresh off back-to-back playoff appearances and now look for another in 2026 with 10 starters returning. The Cardinals will be led by reigning District Defensive MVP Bryce Breeden, who is also an Arkansas commit. Breeden was named an all-state linebacker last season. Other key returners include all-district LB Keagan Traha, QB Hudson Hoffman and TE/WR Luke Nelson.
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Little Cypress-Mauriceville coach Eric Peevey enters his sixth season of leading the Bears program. LCM has made the playoffs five straight years including going 5-6 overall in 2025 and reaching the Bi-District round. The Bears bring back some talent to the huddle in 2026 including second-team all-district QB Jackson Struwe. Other key returners include honorable-mention all-district picks Ronnie Garcia (OL), Brycen Chargois (TE), Ethan Pope (LB), Christian Corrillo (DB) and Isaiah Watzlavik (K).
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Liberty is coming off a season where it went 3-7 overall. A total of 12 starters return for third-year coach Kedrick Harrison, including reigning Defensive Newcomer of the Year Connor Schultz at linebacker for the Panthers. Another player to watch is Defensive Newcomer of the Year Logan Ross. Other key returners include honorable mention all-district picks Jaydon Holmes (RB), Jackson Harris (OL), Korbin Lawson (DB) and Jakob Rawlinson (DE). Also watch for Eli Nichols, John Key and Thomas Marberry. They are looking to make their first playoff appearance since 2018 this season.
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Vidor is coming off a 2-8 season and went 2-5 in district play. The Pirates missing the playoffs snapped a streak of five straight seasons of making the postseason. They will look to get back into the dance this year and return second-team all-district defensive back Bryce Collins to the field to try and do that.
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Livingston is fresh off a season where they went 2-8 overall and 0-7 in district play. Last year was an improvement off the 2024 year, which saw them go 0-10. Second-team all-district offensive lineman Ty Thomas is set to return for the Lions.
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