Shadow Creek has owned District 23-6A since it started up its varsity football program four years ago. It’ll be hard for anyone to take down the Sharks this year but there will be plenty of suitors.
It starts with Pearland and new coach B.J. Gotte, fresh off leading Katy Paetow to the Class 5A-DI State Title.
It continues with Pearland Dawson, which returns a lot of firepower to also take its shot at the crown. District 23-6A football figures to be a fun ride this year, with fresh blood on the sidelines and plenty of talent to go around.
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PREVIOUS DISTRICT PREVIEWS (2022)
- 13-6A Preview
- 14-6A Preview
- 15-6A Preview
- 16-6A Previe
- 17-6A Preview
-18-6A Preview
- 19-6A Preview
-20-6A Preview
-21-6A Preview
-22-6A Preview
PRESEASON RANKING
Shadow Creek Sharks
Pearland Oilers
Pearland Dawson Eagles
Strake Jesuit Crusaders
Alvin Yellowjackets
Alief Taylor Lions
Elsik Rams
Hastings Bears
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Duke Butler, Shadow Creek
OFFENSIVE MVP:Bryce Fucik, Strake Jesuit
DEFENSIVE MVP:Maurice Williams, Shadow Creek
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR:Jackson Hamilton, Pearland
SLEEPER TEAM:Alief Taylor
SHADOW CREEK SHARKS
In its four years as a varsity football program, Shadow Creek has been district champion three times. This year likely won’t prove any different, as the Sharks return 13 starters (7 defense) from a 9-3 Area finalist. The offense is high-powered thanks to senior 6-foot-1, 170-pound QB Duke Butler (1,891 yards, 29 TDs), junior RB Tylik Burton (760 yards, 8 TDs), senior RB Felix Buchanan (401 yards, 6 TDs) and senior ATH Jacob Washington (162 yards, TD). Sophomore WR Jacorey Watson could make an immediate impact for a thin receiving corp. But it’s defense where Shadow Creek will shine, led by senior DE and Washington State-commit Theorin Randle (11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks), junior 6-foot-2 DE Zion Taylor (8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks), senior LB Robert Edmonson Jr. (77 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 INTs) and junior 6-foot-2, 185-pound DE Maurice Williams (47 tackles, INT), an LSU-commit. Coach Brad Butler said senior leadership is a strength this year while he will need new starters at key positions to mature quickly.
PEARLAND OILERS
The Oilers are under new leadership in B.J. Gotte, who led Katy Paetow to the Class 5A-DI State Title last year. Gotte, a Katy native, came to Pearland for its tradition and homey, small-town feel, where the Oilers are the big game in town every Friday night. He has a chore on his hands in Pearland, which has not made it past the Area playoffs since 2013. But Gotte does have talent as nine starters (6 offense) return from last year’s 7-4 Bi-District finalist. Leading the way is sophomore 5-11, 170-pound QB Jackson Hamilton (232 yards, 3 TDs), son of Houston Texans OC Pep Hamilton. Hamilton is ideal for Gotte’s multiple pro-style attack, and he will have weapons in senior RB Kennedy Lewis (552 yards, 7 TDs), senior WR Christian Pitts (331 yards, 3 TDs) and senior WR Aiden Glasper (223 yards, 3 TDs). The defense is led by senior 6-foot-2, 200-pound LB Zander Winter (65 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5 sacks), junior DB Ashton Hampton (25 tackles, 2 INTs) and senior DL Abraham Diaz (11 tackles, sack). Keep an eye on newcomers like sophomore RB LaDamion McDowell, junior DL Wesley Willingham, junior DL Jaden Wincher and senior LB Andre Duke. Gotte said concerns are both lines and safety play. The strengths are the offensive skill positions, cornerbacks and linebackers.
PEARLAND DAWSON EAGLES
After a dominant 10-1 2020 season, Dawson finished 8-4 last year with a team that returned five starters (one on defense). Not too shabby for what was supposed to be a reloading year. Now 13 starters (7 defense) return and the Eagles could be a darkhorse to make some serious noise in 2022. Dawson has some serious firepower in the dynamic duo of senior 6-foot-3, 185-pound QB Colin Johnson (1,955 yards, 17 TDs) and junior RB Bryce Burgess (1,423 yards 16 TDs). They combined for 33 of the Eagles’ 42 offensive TDs last season. Defensively, an experienced unit is anchored by senior 6-foot-1, 220-pound LB Jackson Cody (15 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, INT) and aided by the playmaking of senior 6-foot-1, 305-pound DL Chris Herpin and junior 6-foot-6, 220-pound DL Edward Smith (8 tackles for loss, 6 sacks), each of whom has no problem getting to the quarterback.
STRAKE JESUIT CRUSADERS
After missing the playoffs, the last two seasons, this could be the year Strake Jesuit, which returns 10 starters (6 offense) from a 4-6 team, gets back in. The Crusaders have one of the more prolific performers in the district in senior 6-foot, 175-pound QB Bryce Fucik (2,548 yards, 29 TDs passing: 211 yards, 4 TDs rushing). He makes the Crusaders go. But Fucik will need help to make the final four of a rough and rugged district. So, keep an eye on senior 6-foot-4, 220-pound TE Chico Holt (213 yards, 4 TDs in 8 games), a Northwestern-commit, and senior WR Bryce Lanier (316 yards, 16 yards per catch, 3 TDs). Defensively, Strake Jesuit will be paced by senior 6-foot, 185-pound LB Jake Jongebloed (59 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 6 sacks) and junior 6-foot, 230-pound DL Jackson Priesmeyer (49 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks).
ALVIN YELLOW JACKETS
Coach James Gage expects the offense to be a strength this year as it enters year No. 4 in his flex-bone system. The Yellow Jackets averaged 13 more points per game last year compared to 2020 (23.3 to 10.2), and Gage expects to see more considerable progress this season. Senior 6-foot-2, 200-pound FB DayShawn Peterson (1,200 yards, 12 TDs) and senior 6-foot-1, 175-pound RB Cole Erndt (450 yards, 4 TDs) are entering their third year as starters and are the rocks behind the running attack. The line will be steadied by RT Finn Madding. Defensively, Alvin will be led by senior CB Gio Gutierrez (25 tackles, 3 pass breakups) and senior DL Eddie Parker (30 tackles, 3 sacks). Keep an eye on senior S Sear Lomeli, junior K Austin Hill and junior RB Ezaiah Vaughans to make some noise as well. Gage said depth and special teams are concerns for a team that returns 13 starters (7 offense) from a 4-6 team.
ALIEF TAYLOR LIONS
Taylor returns 10 starters (7 defense) from a 6-5 Bi-District finalist. It will be a bit of a reloading year for the Lions. The offense will be built around senior QB Chase Jenkins (1,800 yards, 17 TDs-1 INT) - a Rice-commit - and senior 6-foot-2, 165-pound WR Bricen Brantley (539 yards, 7 TDs). Jenkins is also the team’s top returning rusher, having gained 695 yards for seven TDs on the ground last season. Defense will have to carry Taylor, at least early in the season. The front is formidable with 6-foot-5, 205-pound senior DE Collins Simpson (37 tackles, 3 sacks) and 6-foot-1, 245-pound senior NT Samuel Robles (26 tackles, 3 tackles for loss) running around. Robles is versatile enough to play any position on the line, and he figures to play some tight end as well. Watch for sophomore LB Collin Germany, senior WR Terrence Naulings, junior WR Brandon Barrera and senior DB Aaron McCardell to have opportunities to make their names known this year.
ELSIK RAMS
Elsik has not made the playoffs since 2015 and has only eight wins over the last six seasons. But it’s a fresh start for the Rams as alum Shea Rodriguez takes over a program that returns 17 starters (9 offense) from a 1-9 team. Junior ATH Eric Dadzie Jr. is the centerpiece of an experienced offense. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder rushed for 807 yards and 7 TDs last year while throwing for 407 yards and 2 TDs. He could find himself at QB this year after playing all over the field last season. The O-line is in good shape behind senior Oke Akpoborie and Amara Sylla. Junior 6-foot-3, 200-pound DL Adeyini Adewola and sophomore LB Sam Marcelin headline the defense. Keep an eye on senior two-way dynamo Arik Dennis, senior DE Richard Alvarado, senior ATH Anthony Calderon and junior TE Tony Pretzantzin.
HASTINGS BEARS
Hastings is hoping to avoid a fourth consecutive year of not making the playoffs. The Bears have only made the playoffs twice since 2014. Eleven starters (8 offense) return from a 1-9 team. The offense is in good shape with junior RB Jae’Don Webster and a tough, physical and big OL of junior 6-foot-2, 325-pound Tristan Shandy, junior 6-foot-4, 255-pound Darian Snell and junior 6-foot-3, 260-pound Pablo Membreno. Keep an eye on senior 6-foot-3, 200-pound QB Victor Mbajiofor and sophomore 6-foot-2, 147-pound WR Triston Brooks to make some noise on offense. Both are physical, athletic talents. The defense is young and inexperienced and will need more time to gel early on. Senior LB Deundre Willis (89 tackles), junior LB Reece Bender (43 tackles, 2 sacks) and senior CB Kingsley Okafor are the anchors. The Bears are hoping having their first full offseason in two years leads to immediate results
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VYPE ATX Preseason Public School Offensive Linemen of the Year Fan Poll Presented by Sun and Ski Sports
18 Aug, 2022
Football season is right around the corner, so it's time to see who you, the fan, thinks is the Preseason Offensive Linemen of the year.
The Sun & Ski Sports ATX Fan Poll for the Preseason Offensive Linemen of the Year is now live. Vote as many times as you like from now until Noon on August 25th!
Please note that the use of voting software or bots will result in a deletion of votes and a potential DQ from the contest. PLEASE try to keep this fair and fun for all involved!
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The district will be interesting due to the parity that permeates through it. Deer Park won the district championship last year but graduated a bunch of key seniors. Channelview returns a lot from a promising team and has a bunch of playmakers that fill up the stat sheet with ease.
Perhaps the more intriguing race might be for playoff positions number three and four, as four teams have a strong shot at sneaking in. Between Dobie, Memorial, Sam Rayburn and South Houston, there is not much separation in competition or level of talent.
It will be fascinating to see how 22-6A shakes up in 2022, particularly around playoff time. For the second straight year, no 22-6A team advanced past the first round.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE MAGAZINE
PREVIOUS DISTRICT PREVIEWS (2022)
- 13-6A Preview
- 14-6A Preview
- 15-6A Preview
- 16-6A Previe
- 17-6A Preview
-18-6A Preview
- 19-6A Preview
-20-6A Preview
-21-6A Preview
PRESEASON RANKING
Channelview Falcons
Deer Park Deer
Dobie Longhorns
Memorial Mavericks
Sam Rayburn Texans
South Houston Trojans
Pasadena Eagles
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Marques Neal, Channelview
OFFENSIVE MVP:Moe Canales, Deer Park
DEFENSIVE MVP:Miguel Ceja, Channelview
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR:Esteban Nava, Sam Rayburn
SLEEPER TEAM:Pasadena Memorial
CHANNELVIEW FALCONS
The Falcons finished third in district play last season but have what it takes to make a serious run at the district title. Fourteen starters (7/7) are back from a 6-5 team. The star of the bunch is senior WR/ CB Marques Neal (832 yards, 13 TDs receiving; 156 yards, TD rushing; 2 kickoff return TDs). Senior WR Darreon Williams (393 yards, 4 TDs) will also be key. Keep an eye on junior Darius Clark-James as he takes over at QB. Defensively, Channelview has some nice talent in senior LB Miguel Ceja (88 tackles, 3 sacks), senior LB Malachi Martin (46 total tackles) and senior S Jimmy Guzman (64 total tackles). Coach Averion Hurts said offensive experience and linebacker play will be strengths this year. Overall team depth is a concern. “I hope we remember selfinflicted mistakes that cost us (last year),” Hurts said.
DEER PARK DEER
The Deer are defending 22-6A champs but are in a bit of a reloading mode this season. Ten starters are back from last year’s 8-3 Bi-District finalist, seven of those on defense. The offensive line and quarterback are positions of concern, but there is potential stardom in senior RB Moe Canales (743 yards, 14 TDs) and junior WR Hayden Smith (446 yards, 4 TDs). The question is who is going to block for them and get them the ball. Senior 6-foot-3, 275-pound center Wiley Sills has the chops to steady the front. Otherwise, sophomore OL Roberto Rodriguez, sophomore WR Trey Martinez and junior WR King Phillips will be counted on to assume significant roles. The defense is the strength, no doubt. There are playmakers galore in junior 6-foot-3, 255-pound DL Caleb Dilley (18 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) and 6-foot-3, 280-pound Luke Webb (15.5 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks), senior S Tudi Gustave (2 INTs) and senior LB Dino Demetriou.
DOBIE LONGHORNS
A new boss is in town—kind of—as Demond Stafford makes the short drive from Rayburn to take over Dobie. Nine starters (5 defense) return from an 8-3 Bi-District finalist. The Longhorns have a plethora of talent for their vaunted Wing-T attack in senior RBs Jalen Baldwin (509 yards, 5 TDs) and Raynard Hall Jr. (725 yards, 9 TDs), and sophomore RB Cameron Mathews (344 yards, 4 TDs). The offensive line is young. Dobie will also have a young defensive secondary, but it’s got some firepower elsewhere in senior 6-foot, 215-pound LB Nigel Hill (32 tackles, INT) and senior 6-foot-1, 195-pound DE Anforny Lee. Lee is a three-year starter. Keep an eye on junior DT Roderick Drumgo and junior DB Charles Richard. Stafford expects to have a strong rushing attack this season. He said inexperience is a concern.
MEMORIAL MAVERICKS
Memorial started 11 sophomores and four others saw significant varsity time as the Mavs went through a trying season in 2021, finishing 3-7. Twelve starters return from that team, seven on defense. Coach Jamie Crocker is hoping experience will be a strength this time around and not an adversary. The Mavs will have a potent 1-2 punch on offense in senior 6-foot-1, 185-pound QB Hayden Stallings (1,050 yards, 9 TDs) and junior RB Jaylon Bell (911 yards, 8 TDs). The defense will be the cornerstone of this team, particularly early on, behind the talents of senior LB Everett Epps (50 tackles) and junior DB Jamal Robinson (61 tackles). The offensive line and cornerback depth are points of concern.
SAM RAYBURN TEXANS
Sergio Gonzalez takes over the Texans after leading Houston Chavez last year. Rayburn had a breakthrough year of sorts in 2021, going 5-5 after winning a total of three games in the previous eight seasons combined. Fifteen starters (9 offense) are back to ease Gonzalez’s transition. The offense has some standout pieces in senior QB Esteban Nava (1,017 yards, 10 TDs passing; 442 yards, 2 TDs rushing), senior WR Jesus Mendoza (529 yards, 7 TDs) and senior OL Ramiro Torres, a steady veteran presence. Defensively, the Texans will lean on junior DB Jermaine Calvin (2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery) and senior LB Joseph Duron (110 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, INT, sack).
SOUTH HOUSTON TROJANS
Coach Patrick Longstreet said skill players, linebackers and defensive backs are the strengths of his team this season. Ten starters (5/5) return from a 4-7 team that finished as a Bi-District finalist. Headliners are junior 6-foot, 295-pound QB Kam Webb (considered one of the top athletes in the district), junior 6-foot-3, 190-pound WR Jacob SheppardRubio, junior RB Christian Epps, senior 6-foot-2, 175-pound LB Jeremiah Sheppard (3-year starter who led the team in tackles and sacks last year), senior DB Jason Hampton (3-year starter), senior 6-foot-2, 220-pound LB Mi’Jai Mickles (2-year starter) and junior ATH Abraham Escareno, who plays on both sides of the ball. Sophomores Braden Mayberry and Angel Rodriguez will be asked to steady the O-line, a group Longstreet said is a point of concern. Longstreet is also hoping for a faster start after the team had to rally from a 2-4 start in 2021 to make the playoffs.
PASADENA EAGLES
The bad news for Pasadena is it has just four wins since 2016. The good news is the Eagles have a solid shot of snapping an ugly 19-game losing skid as 18 starters are back, nine on each side of the ball. Experience is a strength. Senior RB Ruben Lara (845 yards, 2 TDs) will be the Eagles’ workhorse back. Junior 6-foot-1, 165-pound QB Cameron Murray (374 yards, 3 TDs passing; 224 yards, TD rushing) is due for a breakout year. Senior 6-foot-1, 245-pound OL Humberto Baez and junior OL Fernando Villegas are rocks up front. Sophomore DB Richard Solis (45 tackles) has quickly emerged as a leader following an impressive freshman campaign.
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