Roger Smith
Roger Smith is the play-by-play voice of Fort Bend ISD high school games on vypefortbend.com. Listen throughout the school year for multiple games every week during the school year, featuring all 11 FBISD schools: Austin, Bush, Clements, Dulles, Elkins, Hightower, Kempner, Marshall, Ridge Point, Travis and Willowridge.
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VYPE Football 2020 Preview: District 11-5A-DII
Sep 18, 2020
Welcome to the 2020 football season. What a weird offseason it was for everyone. There was not a summer camp circuit for players to go showcase their talents at. In-person recruiting came to a screeching halt and the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected everyone.
But VYPE has still done what we have always done when it comes to previewing Texas high school football here in Houston. With that said - here is the District 11-5A-DII Preview!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE 2020 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO ORDER PHOTOS
<h3></h3><p><strong>PRESEASON RANKINGS<br/></strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Fort+Bend+Marshall" target="_blank">Fort Bend Marshall</a><br/></strong><strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Fort+Bend+Willowridge" target="_blank">Fort Bend Willowridge</a><br/></strong><strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Houston+Sterling" target="_blank">Houston Sterling</a><br/></strong><strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Galena+Park" target="_blank">Galena Park</a><br/></strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Houston+Northside" target="_blank">Houston Northside</a><br/><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Houston+Madison" target="_blank">Houston Madison</a><br/><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Houston+Austin" target="_blank">Houston Austin</a><br/><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Houston+Waltrip" target="_blank">Houston Waltrip</a><br/><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Houston+Sharpstown+" target="_blank">Houston Sharpstown </a></p><p><em><strong>(Bold Denotes Playoffs)</strong></em></p><p>...</p><p><strong>VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS</strong></p><p><strong>Most Valuable Player: </strong>RB <a data-linked-post="2639805960" href="https://www.vype.com/the-marshall-buffs-will-stampede-through-district-11-5a-dii" target="_blank">Jamarcus Buckner</a>, <em>Willowridge</em></p><p><em></em><strong>Offensive MVP: </strong>QB <a data-linked-post="2641561531" href="https://www.vype.com/northside-high--recruit-ronald-holmes" target="_blank">Ronald Holmes</a>, <em>Northside</em></p><p><strong>Defensive MVP: </strong>DB <a data-linked-post="2641661089" href="https://www.vype.com/fort-bend-marshall-athlete-of-the-week-presented-by-t-mobile-christian-jackson" target="_blank">Christian Jackson</a>, <em>Marshall</em></p><p><em><em></em></em><strong>Breakout Player of the Year: </strong>QB <a data-linked-post="2640047213" href="https://www.vype.com/the-crystal-ball-breaking-down-predicting-goose-creek-isds-week-1-matchups" target="_blank">Roland Harvey</a>, <em>Marshall</em></p><p><strong>Sleeper Team: </strong>Northside</p>
<p><br/></p><p>THE MARSHALL BUFFS WOULD NEVER ADMIT THIS, BUT WITHOUT MANVEL TO SCRAP<br/> WITH IN THE NEW DISTRICT 11-5A-DII, THE ABSENCE OF A REGULAR SEASON NEMESIS PRESENTS A MENTAL CHALLENGE. FELLOW DISTRICT-MATE WILLOWRIDGE, GALENA PARK AND A HOST OF HOUSTON ISD PROGRAMS MAKE UP THE REST OF THIS DISTRICT. </p><p><strong>...</strong></p><p><strong>FORT BEND MARSHALL BUFFS</strong> </p><p>Coach <a data-linked-post="2639449568" href="https://www.vype.com/fort-bend-marshall-football" target="_blank">James Williams</a>' amazing teams lost to an eventual state champ the last three seasons (College Station in<br/> 2017, and Aledo in the last two state title games at AT&T Stadium). They've said goodbye to their two biggest superstars – touchdown-maker extraordinaire Devon Achane (Texas A&M), perhaps the fastest football player in the state and super QB Malik Hornsby, who is now at Arkansas. Inside Marshall's attendance boundary, there are more gifted sprinters per capita than in Jamaica. But there are strong, silent O-line sentinels who open the holes. Four starters (Kameron Square, LaMont Vaz, Christian Williams and Jared Baylor) are back, who blew open holes to the tune of 400+ yards/game and 50+ points per game in 2019. Hornsby worked out well as a transfer QB, and the Buffs have another move-in with junior <a data-linked-post="2639842220" href="https://www.vype.com/district-18-6a-up-for-grabs-looking-for-postseason-success" target="_blank">Roland Harvey</a> from Sharpstown. WRs Ja'Vion Matthews and Lawrence Armstrong will compete to be Harvey's favorite target. Jy'Adrian Wortham tops the depth chart at RB. The defense is loaded with DI quality guys to include DBs Christian Jackson, Daryius Brown and Jakobe Chester; LB Kenneth Seymour (Rice-commit); and DL Tristin Drones-Mouton (HBU-commit). </p><p><strong>...<br/></strong></p><p><strong>FORT BEND WILLOWRIDGE EAGLES</strong> </p><p>The Eagles will make the race for the top two spots a <a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Fort+Bend+ISD" target="_blank">Fort Bend ISD</a> sweep under new coach Ramon Chin-Young. He succeeds Rich Lazarou, who always got the absolute most out of what he had at 'Ridge. Chin-Young has 38 players on last year's varsity returning to the nest. QB Rufus Scott (2,235 yards passing, 26 TDs, 569 rush yards) and RB Jamarcus Buckner (1,143 rush yards) give Willowridge a one-two offensive punch. Stud senior Jeremiah Strickland anchors the offensive line. Chin-Young concedes that the defense needs work. He'll count on Joshua Edwards, Steven Olvera and Raymond Olvera to be the cogs. That trio was in on a total of 241 tackles in 11 games. </p><p><strong>...</strong></p><p><strong>HOUSTON STERLING RAIDERS</strong> </p><p>Coach Kanavis McGhee, a five-year NFL veteran, has a star in QB Anthony Brown (1,981 passing yards., 26 pass TDs in 2019). RB Vernon Mosley (286 yards) is poised for a breakout year, along with versatile talent John Foster (472 rush yards, 7 TDs, 5 INTs). Finding where to play Foster will be the only challenge. Pick your poison. </p><p><strong>...</strong></p><p><strong>GALENA PARK YELLOWJACKETS</strong> </p><p>One more win in 2019 would've meant a break-even season for coach <a data-linked-post="2639826054" href="https://www.vype.com/new-caney-porter-the-kingpins-of-district-9-5a-di" target="_blank">Spiro Amarantos</a> and his Yellowjackets. Galena Park hasn't reached the playoffs since 2010, so the Jackets will playing different district foes after UIL realignment provide better odds of reaching the postseason. Amarion Kelly and his 4.5 speed are as important to the Jackets' chances as Brown is to Sterling's. Playing QB and RB in 2019, he ran for 1,418 yards and scored 15 TDs. He'll play both ways and the Jackets' defense goes as edge-rushing DE Brice Hernandez (3-year starter) goes. </p><p><strong>...</strong></p><p><strong>HOUSTON NORTHSIDE PANTHERS</strong> </p><p>Coach Michael Porter's Panthers are another HISD team in this district who'd just like to experience a winning season. They might. QB Ronald Holmes is a flat-out stud who can dominate a game himself. It would be fun to see him in a playoff game. At 6-foot-2, 210-pounds with 4.5 speed, Holmes produced 4,061 yards running and passing and threw for 28 TDs and ran for 15 more. In 10 games, he was the Offensive Player of the Year in a district that included Devon Achane. Holmes won the award legitimately. Other names to take note of on this team include OL Russell Doggett, WR/CB Devondre Moore and G/DT Jontae Winn.<br/></p><p><strong>...</strong></p><p><strong>HOUSTON MADISON MARLINS</strong> </p><p>The 2019 finale hurt coach Shawn Narcisse and his Marlins, falling 68-0 to FB Marshall. Prior to the game, Narcisse talked about new buildings on Madison's campus as a metaphor for restoring the football program to its former glory – and who could forget Vince Young in the Madison powder blue and red? With <a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=Houston+ISD" target="_blank">Houston ISD's</a> open enrollment and fresh infrastructure to attract more students, Narcisse foresees a rebirth. He's got 10 starters back, and the bell-cow is RB Avant Porter. WR Chris Palmer is as fast as Porter and caught five touchdowns. As a freshman last year, Chase Devaughn displayed huge talent. If Narcisse's renaissance dreams come true, a developing Devaughn might be one of the reasons why. </p><p><strong>...</strong></p><p><strong>HOUSTON AUSTIN MUSTANGS</strong> </p><p>The Austin Mustangs led by coach Kody Brinson are also newcomers to this district. The last three seasons they've missed the playoffs. Half the starters are back from a 2-8 team and they'll load up for 2020 with determined leaders. Speedy, 5-foot-9 RB Michael Mata racked up 1,050 all-purpose yards and scored six touchdowns, while DE Walter Ward also played big in 2019 – logging five tackles-for-loss and three sacks.</p><p><strong><span></span><span></span>...</strong></p><p><strong>HOUSTON WALTRIP RAMS</strong> </p><p>For Waltrip, the bulk of the experienced players coming back are the big boys. The offensive and defensive fronts are units coach Jeremy Kirt can count on as known quantities. DL Jacob Escobedo, LBs Joseph Amaya and Adam Granado, and offensive linemen Dalton Lang and Matthew Pico (both three-year starters) have something in common -- they weren't blessed with great size, but they can play. Many of the Rams' most important players in 2020 will be sophomores, like their talented QB Jared Sutton.</p><p><strong>...</strong></p><p><strong>HOUSTON SHARPSTOWN APOLLOS</strong> </p><p>None of 11-5A-DII's HISD teams had a winning overall record in 2019. It was the second straight "failure to launch" year for the winless Apollos. In his first year, there's nowhere for new coach Cirilo Ojeda's club to go but up. He worked toward his first head job in a quality program at Clear Springs. Sharpstown's a one-platoon team due to lack of depth. Two-way players Ojeda will count on the most are Kashala Kapyamba (WR/CB), Kenyon Watts (OL/DL) and Fechal Koudiati (TE/DE). We'll name one more for good fortune's sake -- Luckyboy Collins (RB/LB). </p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQyNDE5MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzAyMTE2OH0.2XpD64Kxp4HWHMYaYYpUW___r-huE6-cghQKYjVrMcE/img.jpg?width=980" id="b927d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="625981d3b22ae7b422449005f25cd1b7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
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Austin LaFavers, Ridge Point
Jaime Wright / VYPE Media
VYPE Football 2020 Preview: District 20-6A
Sep 11, 2020
Welcome to the 2020 football season. What a weird offseason it was for everyone. There was not a summer camp circuit for player to go showcase their talents at. In-person recruiting came to a screeching halt and the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected everyone.
But VYPE has still done what we have always done when it comes to previewing Texas high school football here in Houston. Here is the District 20-6A Preview!
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE 2020 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
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<br/>
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<strong>PRESEASON RANKINGS</strong>
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<strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/Texas/Houston/vype-football-2020-preview-class-6a-no-10-ridge-point" target="_blank">Ridge Point</a> </strong>
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<strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/Texas/Houston/the-whos-who-in-lamar-consolidated-isd-powered-by-texas-citizens-bank" target="_blank">George Ranch</a> </strong>
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<strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/search/?q=fb+travis" target="_blank">Travis</a></strong>
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<strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/nfl-factory-fort-bend-elkins-could-see-two-first-round-picks-on-thursday-four-total" target="_blank">Elkins</a></strong>
</p><p>
Austin
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<span></span>Bush
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<span></span>Dulles
</p><p>
Clements
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</p><p>
<span></span><em><strong>(Bold Denotes Playoffs)</strong></em>
</p><p>
<em><strong>...</strong></em>
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<strong>VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS</strong>
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<strong>Most Valuable Player</strong>
</p><p>
Davion Jenkins,
<em>George </em><em>Ranch </em>
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<em></em><strong>Offensive MVP</strong>
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<a href="https://www.vype.com/ridge-point-wr-has-mindset-of-playing-anywhere-in-the-country" target="_blank">John Paul Richardson</a>, <em>Ridge Point </em>
</p><p>
<em></em><strong>Defensive MVP</strong>
</p><p>
Cameron Oliver,
<em>Travis </em>
</p><p>
<em></em><strong>Breakout Player of the Year</strong>
</p><p>
Josh Tarver,
<em>Austin </em>
</p><p>
<strong>Sleeper Team</strong>
</p><p>
Elkins
</p>
<p>
<em><strong><br/>
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<em></em>PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS IN FIVE OF 10 VARSITY SEASONS INCLUDING A 2015 5A STATE TITLE, THE GEORGE RANCH LONGHORNS WANT TO DOMINATE THEIR NEW RIVALS – AS RIDGE POINT DID AFTER MOVING UP FROM 5A FOUR SEASONS AGO. RIDGE POINT AND TRAVIS FINISHED FIRST AND SECOND (NOT ALWAYS IN THAT ORDER) IN 20-6A, BUT THE NEWCOMERS FROM GEORGE RANCH MIGHT CREATE A DOMINANT TRIUMVIRATE. THE PANTHERS DIDN'T LOSE A 20-6A GAME UNTIL TRAVIS BEAT THEM LAST OCTOBER EN ROUTE TO A 10-0 SEASON. RIDGE POINT ALWAYS BRINGS TALENT AND DEPTH; RENEWED DETERMINATION SHOULD WRESTLE BACK THE CROWN. <br/>
</p><p>
<strong>...</strong>
</p><p>
<strong><a href="https://www.vype.com/who-is-nd-kalu" target="_blank">RIDGE POINT PANTHERS</a></strong>
</p><p>
New coach Rick LaFavers succeeds Brett Sniffin (now at Belton), taking over a perennially strong program. NFL pedigree abounds. Senior wide receiver and fourth-year starter Oklahoma State-commit John Paul Richardson (son of Bucky, Aggies' and Oilers' QB) and QB Bert Emanuel Jr. lead the offense. His dad, the ex-Rice QB, played eight NFL seasons as a WR.
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Huge Caleb Rodkey (6-foot-5, 300-pounds) anchors the O-line along with newcomer Austin LaFavers. You won't find a better and faster (4.5) hammer in the hardware section than 205-pound RB Keith Jackson. Also, watch for Parker Menefee.
</p><p>
Defensively, the Panthers are fearsome again. Senior LB Frank Osagiede and DL D.K. Kalu (son of former Texan N.D. Kalu) will get noticed.
</p><p>
<strong>...</strong>
</p><p>
<strong>GEORGE RANCH LONGHORNS</strong>
</p><p>
In a new district, Coach Nick Cavallo's weapons include RB Hymond Drinkard, "a downhill runner who can run away from you or over you." Three-year starting QB Sam Miller will target WR Javon Gipson. The 6-foot-4 track star (Baylor-commit) can torch defenses. Another sprinter WR is Davion Jenkins, who can score from anywhere. Also watch for Josh Ross this year.
</p><p>
George Ranch is aggressive defensively led by DE Dave Babalola ('19 sack leader) who is long, fast and wanted by New Mexico St., Lamar and Abilene Christian. Stephen Woods (son of Hightower's boys' hoops coach) is a four-year, dual-sport starter and a big shutdown CB. Also watch for Chris Lee on the line.
</p><p>
<strong>...</strong>
</p><p>
<strong>TRAVIS TIGERS</strong>
</p><p>
Travis' Trey Sissom says his club and Ridge Point are co- favorites, but "underdog" whispers could give the Tigers a motivational push. Offensively, P/K Sergio Rubio is a weapon and set a school record 53-yard field goal and 44 PATs last year. In the pocket, new QB Anthony Njoku will look for WRs Mike Samba and Marcus Chretien. OL Ryder Wall is his best protector, but "unproven talent needs to play well for us," says Sissom. A catalyst to the offense is RB Aundre Smith, who has vision and quickness in his arsenal.
</p><p>
The powerful, twin-cam defense (DBs Cameron Oliver and Cameron Moore), plus S Mason Muchaw and LB Jace Marsters) is the strength of the team. Last year's Tiger D-line produced three college players. Joe Cadette moves over from 2019's offense to help re-build the defensive front.
</p><p>
<strong>...</strong>
</p><p>
<strong>ELKINS KNIGHTS</strong>
</p><p>
Coach Dennis Brantley likes Elkins' chances because he welcomes back newcomers from a 9-1 JV team and his defensive front. Malik Rugley (6-foot-3, 220-pounds), Taurean Crawford, Nicholas Tristan and Kyle Evans are tough to run on. DB Blake Thompson might become as good as brother Corey (Buffalo Bills). Blake has six offers, including LSU, where his big brother went.
</p><p>
COVID-19 kept Brantley from evaluating QBs Jonathan Rhodes and Jason Woods in the spring. One will start and get great targets in senior WRs Savion Sims and Jordan Roberson (both 2019 second-team, all-district). The O-line is unproven beyond senior captain Armando Morales, but beastly RBs Bryce Bradley and Christian Peluse make holes for themselves.
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<strong>...</strong>
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<strong>AUSTIN BULLDOGS</strong>
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In his second year, coach Mike Arogbonlo switches talented junior Braeden Abboud to WR due to QB Josh Tarver moving over from Travis. Tarver has a great "frame, leadership, arm strength and speed," Arogbonlo says. Arogbonlo says goodbye to star WR Troy Omeire (Texas) and will have to develop some playmakers on the edge.
</p><p>
Keelian Bryant is joining the secondary, while Jamal Franklin could join the receiving corps or move to RB and share carries with Julian Young. The defensive front includes DL Chase Myers (first- team, all-district) and LBs Hunter Blanchette and Nathan Casas, who might lead Austin to their first playoff berth since 2013.
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<strong>...</strong>
</p><p>
<strong>BUSH BRONCOS</strong>
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Bush went 5-5 in the regular season then lost to Mayde Creek in the 2019 playoffs -- their fourth loss in five games. They dropped the final five games in 2018. They have experience (13 of 22 starters return), but a few returners must emerge as difference-makers.
</p><p>
Coach Allen Aldridge didn't have spring practices to cull a starting QB from the herd, so the job is open. He's high on RB Donovan Nixon. A strong running game could carry Bush. Nathaniel Ibarra leads five returning starters on the O-line. The Broncos' LB corps looks like thoroughbreds with Brandon Chambers, Preston Davis and Charlton Bibb all run sideline to sideline.
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<strong>...</strong>
</p><p>
<strong>DULLES VIKINGS</strong>
</p><p>
Coach Shane Byrd and Dulles want to rid the bad taste of a 2-8 record in 2020, his second season. The Vikes were 8-3 in 2018. Only four starters return, so it's a mostly clean slate. One returnee who will led the way is WR/KR Ryan Alaniz (5-foot-7, 155-pounds). He is lightning quick. Undersized but super-strong OL Myles Chapman (all-district in 2019) and LB Jaxon Tilley are assets. Byrd feels the pain of Brantley at Elkins and Aldridge at Bush. Blame it on COVID-19 – he's uncertain who'll be his QB, too. Opportunity knocks for talented sophomore Gerald Hayes to be the feature RB.
</p><p>
<strong>...</strong>
</p><p>
<strong>CLEMENTS RANGERS</strong>
</p><p>
Clements has to use talented players on offense and defense. When Clements is still in it in the fourth quarter, fatigue hits coach Bobby Darnell's always well-conditioned players. If the injury bug bites, it's lethal for the Rangers' chances. Senior TE David Kasemervisz (three-year starter) is a former WR who bulked up. He makes the catch no matter how hard he's hit. Junior WR/CB Patrick Smith has 4.5 speed. OL/DLs Jordan Matallana and 300-pounder A.J. Henry play both ways effectively. LB Matt McGinnis' motor has no "off" switch. Clements need at QB and the OL to develop on the fly.
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzgwMDAxMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzA3MjQ3OH0.1uSm44nqDmZn4YQe3dHGPhFOD4-aMymnOvVKjlpbAOY/img.jpg?width=980" id="b9dca" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="57e6e3a138099320cd841c51d254d2e5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
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