Join our VYPE Live crews for these Texas High School match-ups on Tuesday, September 21:
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Join our VYPE Live crews for these Texas High School match-ups on Tuesday, September 21:
Ridge Point is the familiar name, having firmly established itself as a premier brand in the Greater Houston area.
Coach Rick LaFavers has the Panthers on the up, up, up. Hightower, however, is the new kid on the block; not just in 20-6A, but 6A. The Hurricanes are making the move up in class but return much of the dynamic athleticism and potent playmaking that led it to the 5A-DI Regional Final last year.
As far as the rest of the district, Clements is hoping to sustain last season’s momentum and Travis is a playoff contender year in and year out. But don’t sleep on anyone else. All—as in, every other team—return substantial experience and could upset anyone if taken lightly.
PREVIOUS DISTRICT PREVIEWS (2022)
PRESEASON RANKINGS
Ridge Point Panthers
Hightower Hurricanes
Clements Rangers
Travis Tigers
Bush Broncos
Dulles Vikings
George Ranch Longhorns
Elkins Knights
Austin Bulldogs
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jeremy Payne, Hightower
OFFENSIVE MVP:Ezell Jolly, Ridge Point
DEFENSIVE MVP:Taylor Davis, Ridge Point
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR:Joseph Stewart Jr., Hightower
SLEEPER TEAM:Dulles
RIDGE POINT PANTHERS
With 13 starters returning (8 defense) from a Regional Semifinalist, coach Rick LaFavers is hopeful the Panthers are “on the road to AT&T (Stadium).” Finding a way to go deeper in the playoffs is the next step for the perennial Region III-6A power (five double-digit win seasons in the last eight years). LaFavers likes his team’s overall speed and athleticism, playmaking and defense. Depth on the O-line is a concern. Leading the pack for the Panthers are senior DB Taylor Davis (87 tackles, 4 INTs, 2 pick-6s), senior 6-foot, 190-pound RB Ezell Jolly (864 yards, 12 TDs), senior DB Ryan Ramey (32 tackles, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 INTs), senior 6-foot-7, 270-pound OT Peyton Farmer, senior 6-foot-2, 215-pound LB James Walley (73 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks) and junior 6-foot-1, 180-pound ATH Mason Dossett (433 yards, 5 TDs rushing; 127 yards, 3 TDs receiving). Senior 6-foot-3, 270-pound DT DK Kalu will be welcomed back with open arms after missing most of last year due to injury. Keep an eye on senior DT James Eaglin, junior WR Ashton Bethel-Roman, senior 6-foot-3, 210-pound TE Carter Groen and junior QB Samson Wheeler.
FORT BEND HIGHTOWER HURRICANES
Cornelius Anthony had a terrific debut leading his alma mater to the Class 5A-DI Regional Final last year. Now the Hurricanes make the step up to 6A. Twelve starters (7 offense) return, including a pair of dynamic skill players in junior RB Jeremy Payne (1,099 yards, 9 TDs) and junior 6-foot-3, 195-pound WR Zion Kearney (233 yards, 2 TDs). Payne is rapidly emerging as one of the elite talents in the Class of 2024. Defensively, senior CB Santana Wilson (27 total tackles, 2 fumbles caused, INT) and senior 6-foot-1, 225-pound DE Treylon Beloney (18 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries) star, along with steady complement of playmakers in junior 6-foot-2, 235-pound DE Robert Staten Jr. (14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 fumbles caused) and junior 5-foot-11, 290-pound DT Dailon Ellis (5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks). Hightower has question marks in depth along the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at quarterback. Speaking of QB, keep a close eye on sophomore Joseph Stewart Jr., who could be special because of his athleticism and raw ability.
FORT BEND CLEMENTS RANGERS
Clements enjoyed its best season since 2009 last year, going 7-4 and making it to the playoffs. What’s the encore? Well, for one, 13 starters (8 offense) are back, which is a nice start. The Rangers will be led by junior 6-foot-2, 195-pound QB Gunner Chenier (1,164 yards, 8 TDs), senior WR Gabriel Moacyr (126 yards, 12.6 yards per catch), senior 6-foot-2, 195-pound ATH Michael Kasemervisz, senior WR Joey Mongogna (55 yards), junior 6-foot-1, 360-pound OL Carson Talley, junior 6-foot-4, 250-pound OL Zack Yuan, senior OL Lex Demeris and senior OL Brian Navarro on offense. Defensively, it’s senior 6-foot-1, 225-pound ILB Ferris Refai (95 tackles, 2 sacks) and senior DL Alex Aguirre (15 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks in 8 games) pacing Clements. Key newcomers are junior RB John Lewis, sophomore WR Max Cimino and senior RB Julian Wilson. Coach Bobby Darnell said he hopes the offensive and defensive lines are strengths. The secondary has the least experience as a unit and is a concern.
FORT BEND TRAVIS TIGERS
The Tigers are on a streak of nine straight years of making the playoffs. It’s likely they make it 10 in a row. Nine starters (6 offense) return from a 6-5 Bi-District finalist. Travis is young on defense and will need to find a No. 1 back. Still, there is still enough talent in the cupboard. Senior 6-foot-1, 175-pound WR Robert Sims (589 yards, 9 TDs) and junior 6-foot-1, 165-pound WR Brent Johnson make for a dynamic duo for senior QB Dru Sissom, the coach’s son. Sissom played sparingly as a backup last season but completed 4 of 6 passes for a TD. Defensively, the linebackers are solid in senior Anthony Oliver (35 tackles, 2 fumbles caused, sack in 6 games), junior Tomison Olorunfemi (51 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 fumbles caused) and junior 6-foot, 185-pound Temi Osinaike. The Tigers are otherwise thin on defense.
FORT BEND BUSH BRONCOS
Bush coach Allen Aldridge likes what he has coming back this season. Thirteen starters (7 offense) and 26 lettermen return from a 5-6 Bi-District finalist. Leading the way is senior 6-foot-2, 185-pound DB/WR Paul Omodia (26 tackles, INT), senior 6-foot, 220-pound RB/LB Allen Aldridge III, senior 6-foot-1, 200-pound LB/DE Isaac Buoye (36 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 fumbles caused), senior 6-foot-3, 230-pound TE Broc Boutte, senior 6-foot-2, 315-pound OL/DT Ikenna Nwakor, senior 6-foot, 195-pound DB/LB Bryce McDonald (43 tackles, 5 tackles for loss), senior 6-foot, 195-pound LB Preston Davis (24 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries in 4 games), senior 6-foot, 220-pound LB/DE Kosy Okoroafor (39 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) and senior WR Jamon Cooley. Bush will need to find stability at QB and RB. Keep a watch out for senior OL Douglas Lawson, senior WR Jose Citan, junior WR/DB Nathaniel Walker, junior LB Joachim Nicolau, junior QB Antione Eakins, junior DB/WR Reginald Williams and junior OL Fernando Padilla.
FORT BEND DULLES VIKINGS
Twelve starters (7 defense) return from a 4-6 team. Coach Shane Byrd said the linebackers and secondary are strengths. The O-line is a concern. Paving the way in Dulles’ Wing-T offense is senior RB Cole Hodges (161 yards), junior 6-foot-3, 225-pound TE/DE Victor Aderungboye (108 yards, TD receiving), senior OL Chaseton Bobino, senior OL/DL Tyler Clayton and junior Jonah Talamantez. Leading the defense is senior DE/TE Anthony Garza (13 tackles, sack), senior 6-foot, 220-pound LB Trayveon Richard (44 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, INT), junior 6-0 DB/WR Carter Truscott (42 tackles, 10 passes defensed, 3 INTs), senior DB Maxwell Cotton (40 tackles, INT) and senior LB Justin Ofoma (38 tackles). Newcomers expected to make an impact are junior 6-foot-2, 170-pound QB Kason Byrd, senior RB Ade Simaze, senior DL Jackson Prong, sophomore Micah Owens and junior Adrien Phan.
RICHMOND GEORGE RANCH LONGHORNS
The Longhorns return eight starters (5 offense) from a 5-5 team that missed out on the playoffs. Three of those five returning offensive starters are linemen. Senior 6-foot-3, 300-pound tackle/guard Hanzlah Rana is the rock of that line. George Ranch will go with some experienced, yet unproven, skill players in junior QB Deion Drinkard (238 yards, 2 TDs passing; 32 yards, TD rushing), senior 6-foot-4, 180-pound WR Gregor Jones (101 yards, TD) and junior RB Jaden Shelton (270 yards, TD, 6.8 yards per carry). Defensively, the Longhorns have some consistent playmakers in junior CB Kennard McGuire (24 total tackles, 5 passes defensed), senior 6-foot-3, 200-pound DL Jacques Franklin (24 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) and junior LB Trevion Aikens (27 total tackles TD), but will need others to step up big-time, especially in the secondary.
FORT BEND ELKINS KNIGHTS
Knights coach Dennis Brantley said the offensive line, quarterback and defensive line are strengths this year. Depth is a concern. Fourteen starters (8 offense) return from a 2-8 team. There are viable stalwarts on offense in senior 6-foot, 195-pound QB Isaiah Smith (803 yards, 3 TDs passing: 89 yards, 8 TDs rushing), senior 6-foot-2, 220-pound RB/LB Avion Stewart (178 yards, 2 TDs), senior WR/DB Assad Abbas and senior WR Jakson Hart (361 yards, 3 TDs). Defensively, Abbas and Stewart will also have a profound effect. Other key returners are junior OL Armond Owens, senior OL Ben Feit, junior OL Deandre Pittman, senior center Cameron King, junior LB Israel Cheers, senior OL/DL Noah Tristan, senior DB/WR Dexter Jackson, senior DL Ashton Payne and junior DB/WR Braelon Thompson.
FORT BEND AUSTIN BULLDOGS
Austin coach Mike Arogbonlo said there are no glaring holes this season as 15 starters (8 defense) return from an 0-10 team. Arogbonlo said he feels very good about where the Bulldogs are as a team. They only lost eight seniors, and the strengths? QB play, O-Line, secondary, D-Line and receivers. Not shabby. Leading the charge are senior ATH Jamal Franklin (373 yards, 4 TDs receiving; 229 yards, 4 TDs rushing), senior 6-foot-2, 195-pound WR Daniel Oloso (391 yards, 5 TDs), senior 6-foot-3, 255-pound OL Aries Stevens, senior OLB Martell Jones, senior WR/DB Jayson Tanifum, senior 6-foot-3, 230-pound DL Lotanna Ume-ezeoke, sophomore WR Mason Cress, senior RB Thusuan Gibbs, junior DB Hugh Rolls (52 tackles), senior DB Royell Salmon, junior OL Da’leyon Benard and junior OL Cooper Rodden. Key newcomers are sophomore RB David Bishop, senior ILB Raylon Holmes and junior DL Mike Ume-ezeoke. Arogbonlo said he is excited about the defense under new coordinator Trey Herrmann, previously head coach at Danbury and Katy Taylor.
Baytown Lee Football
Tim Finn has worked his magic at Baytown Lee, which has resulted in a pair of solid seasons back-to-back for the Ganders.
In 2020, they reached the playoffs for the first time since 2009 – a huge accomplishment. They followed that up last season going 7-3 and just barely missing the playoffs. Now, what can they do this year having to replace quite a few big-time pieces – including Trudell Berry (Vanderbilt) – on both sides of the ball?
The Ganders do return second-team, all-district offensive lineman Keven Ortiz to lead the line. On defense, first-team, all-district outside linebacker Josh Huerta is back along with second- team, inside linebacker Harold Gibson, who is a four- year starter for the Ganders.
At quarterback expect LeVay Duncan Jr. to be slinging the rock and can let it fly. Some of his targets will include Josiah Joseph in the slot and Huerta, who will also flip to receiver at times. Ehret Calloway will be a nice big target as well, while Dominic Medina and Carlos Zamarripa hold it down up front. Watch for Wanyae Barnes and Denzel Taylor to come rumbling out of the backfield as well.
Defensively, Taylor will play some free safety for the Ganders along with Nelson, while Gibson holds it down at linebacker.
Top to bottom, this all-Katy ISD district will be one of the toughest in the state. There are no pushovers, and four teams have a great shot at making deep runs into December. Katy, of course, is a state power and seeking State Title No. 10. Tompkins is a perennial monster in the region.
Paetow is coming off a Class 5A-DI State Championship and makes the jump to 6A. Cinco Ranch is coming off its best season since 2016.
There will be teams left out of the playoff picture that would finish third or fourth in almost any other district. Buckle up!
PREVIOUS DISTRICT PREVIEWS (2022)
PRESEASON RANKINGS
Katy Tigers
Tompkins Falcons
Paetow Panthers
Cinco Ranch Cougars
Taylor Mustangs
Morton Ranch Mavericks
Mayde Creek Rams
Seven Lakes Spartans
Jordan Warriors
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Seth Davis, Katy
OFFENSIVE MVP: Wyatt Young, Tompkins
DEFENSIVE MVP: Alex Kilgore, Paetow
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Dakyus Brinkley, Seven Lakes
SLEEPER TEAM: Taylor
KATY TIGERS
Katy is Katy. Only one program has more state titles than Katy’s nine—Aledo (10). Only two have more playoff wins than Katy’s 125—Refugio (134) and Mart (128). Expect nothing less than more greatness as the Tigers return 11 starters (6 offense) from last year’s 14-1 State Semifinalist. Three-year starters in senior QB Caleb Koger (2,068 yards, 22 TDs) and senior RB Seth Davis (2,460 yards, 28 TDs) are back to lead the offense. Davis is a Mississippi State-commit. Junior OL Jacob Egg is the anchor up front. The defense is, per usual, stacked with premier talent like senior Colorado-commit DB Johnathan Hall (99 total tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 INTs), senior CB Damian Neveaux (111 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss), senior 6-foot-2, 230-pound DE Broderick Johnson (8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks), senior DB Arian Parish, senior DB Micah Sweat and senior DB Torik Aigbedion. Legendary coach Gary Joseph said the run game, experience at QB and the O-line are strengths. The secondary, consistency at outside linebacker, wide receiver play, and overall depth are concerns.
TOMPKINS FALCONS
The Falcons look to sustain optimism and momentum from a tough 6-point loss in the Regional Semis to eventual State Champ North Shore and return nine starters (5 offense) from last year’s 11-2 team. Tompkins’ only losses were to Katy and the dynastic Mustangs. Top returners are senior DB/RB Caleb Komolafe (86 tackles, 8 pass breakups; 331 yards, 6 TDs rushing), junior WR/QB Wyatt Young (539 yards rushing; 670 yards receiving; 20 total TDs), junior RB Caleb Blocker (1,017 yards, 13 TDs), junior 6-foot-6, 290-pound LT Ashton Funk (40 pancakes), senior OL Pedro Da Silva (20 pancakes), senior 6-foot-1, 170-pound WR Matthew Ogunrin (375 yards, 3 TDs), junior 6-foot-2, 205-pound DE Eduwa Okundaye (26 tackles, 2 sacks) and senior DB Cody Chapman (31 tackles, 4 INTs). Keep an eye on newcomers in junior 6-2, 215-pound TE Rhys Phillips and senior QB Chris Gilbert. Coach Todd McVey said skill positions are strengths. Depth on the offensive and defensive lines is a concern.
PAETOW PANTHERS
Can Paetow duplicate the success it had in Class 5A in 6A? We’re about to find out. Only seven starters (4 defense) return from last year’s 15-1 Class 5A-DI State Champion. Also, in is a new head coach in former Denton Ryan offensive coordinator Lonnie Teagle. Paetow’s defense is absolutely LOADED. Senior 6-foot-3, 270-pound DE David Hicks, the No. 4 overall player in the country who transferred from Allen, and junior 6-foot-3, 205-pound DE Loghan Thomas (43 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 9 sacks) are beasts up front, 6-foot-2, 210-pound Alex Kilgore (116 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks) and 6-foot-2, 200-pound Daymion Sanford (91 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 13 sacks) are dominant senior linebackers, and senior DBs Christian Hurd (58 total tackles, INT) and CJ Johnson are gifted playmakers on the ball. Offensively, Paetow has a workhorse in junior RB Damyrion Phillips (1,358 yards, 21 TDs), but lacks experience and stability at QB, WR and on the line outside of 6-foot-1, 240-pound senior Nicolas Lira. Keep a watch on sophomore CB Deyjohn Pettaway, senior QB Koby Truehill and 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior DL Jarra Anderson, a transfer from Cy-Park.
CINCO RANCH COUGARS
The Cougars reached the Regional Semifinals for the first time since 2016 last season and return eight starters (6 offense). The offense could be one of the best, if not THE best, in the city behind senior 6-foot-1, 195-pound QB Gavin Rutherford (2,752 yards, 29 TDs; 401 yards rushing) and a trio of chain-moving senior pass-catchers in 6-foot-1, 187-pound Seth Salverino (1,034 yards, 12 TDs), Noah Abboud (13.4 yards per catch, 9 TDs) and Fischer Reed (436 yards, 2 TDs, 12.5 yards per catch). Senior 6-foot, 185-pound RB Sam McKnight (566 yards, 11 TDs) is back. He gave Cinco the productive ballcarrier it desperately lacked in 2020. Junior CB Taytum Johnson (63 tackles, 2 INTs), senior 6-foot-2, 207-pound LB Braden Williams (59 tackles, 5 sacks) and junior DB Yetxiel Perez-Gilbes (61 tackles, 3 pass breakups) lead an otherwise inexperienced defense. Keep an eye on sophomore newcomers HB/Rec Kellen LeCronier and CB Superior Hill. Coach Chris Dudley likes what he has coming back at the skill spots and secondary. Inexperience at defensive tackle is a concern.
TAYLOR MUSTANGS
After making the State Semifinals in 2019 and the Regional Final in 2020, Taylor took a step backward last season, finishing 2-8 largely because of youth and inexperience. But the Mustangs return 18 starters (10 defense) and are once again a team to be wary of. Leading the offense is senior WR/K/P Alei Sabek (195 yards, 2 TDs), junior RB Dante Archie (245 yards, 3 TDs), senior 6-foot-2, 170-pound QB/WR Joe Jefferson (433 yards, 3 TDs passing; 157 yards, 2 TDs rushing), junior 6-foot-2, 160-pound WR/QB Chase Cobbin, senior RB Alexandro Zubia, junior 6-foot-5, 240-pound TE Ian Flynt, senior WR Brandon Wallace and junior 6-foot-1, 170-pound RB/IR Daniel Bruns. Pacing the Mustangs’ 3-4 defense are senior C Jamon Hines, senior OLB Andrew Meza, senior OLB Jase Forester, junior C Josiah Rodriguez, sophomore ILB Landon Saurage, senior ILB Jayden Williams (47 total tackles, sack), junior S Ethan Jacobson, junior DB Cyrus Reyes (31 total tackles, INT), junior DL Ashton Coker (55 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 passes defensed) and senior DL Jose Abreu. Coach Chad Simmons likes his roster’s improved experience and player leadership. His concerns are overall team speed and depth.
MORTON RANCH MAVERICKS
Going into his sixth season at the helm of the Mavs, coach Ron Counter said this year’s senior class is probably the best he’s had since he’s been at Morton Ranch. The Mavs return 12 starters (6/6) and 20 lettermen from last year’s 4-6 team. Standout returners include senior 6-foot-2, 185-pound QB Josh Johnson (1,080 yards, 8 TDs passing; 280 yards, 8 TDs rushing), senior RB Santana Scott (1,242 yards, 12 TDs; 369 yards, 4 TDs receiving), junior RB Ryan Hall (326 yards, 2 TDs), senior 6-foot-4, 300-pound OL Zach Session, senior C Adrian Covarrubias, senior OL Jamill Lindsay, senior OL Nicholas Rial, junior WR Mike Gerald, senior DL Danny Alequin, senior DL Jamall Lindsey (43 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks), junior LB Dean Ford, senior LB Carsen Luna, senior LB Colbie Pullin, senior LB Matthew Ortiz and senior CB Vontez Hood. Counter said he hopes his team can win the close games this year. The Mavs lost two last season that doomed their playoff hopes.
MAYDE CREEK RAMS
The Rams return 14 starters (7/7) from last year’s 2-8 team and have a year’s worth of experience in head coach J Jensen’s systems. There is an ideal blend of youth and veterans. Leading Mayde Creek are senior 6-foot-3, 205-pound QB Carldell Beard (917 yards, 6 TDs), senior DB/ATH Tay’Shawn Wilson (32 tackles, INT, 4 pass breakups), senior DB/ATH Braden Turner, senior LB Donovan McKey (69 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries), senior RB Marvin Bodden (145 yards rushing; 185 yards, 2 TDs receiving), senior OL Chidi Adighibe, senior DL Nicholas Buena (17 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks), senior DL Nic Johnson (22 tackles, 3 tackles for loss), junior LB Trevin Lucius (55 tackles, 3 tackles for loss), sophomore DS Tate Dietz and junior OL Anthony Escoto. Newcomers to watch are sophomore WR/RB Eric Nelson, sophomore QB Reggie McNeal Jr., sophomore DB/WR Zaylen Cormier and senior 6-foot-3, 190-pound WR Beau Bankston. Jensen likes his team’s leadership, speed and competitive spirit. Depth, experience and size are concerns.
SEVEN LAKES SPARTANS
In his four years at the helm, coach Jimmy Hamon has turned the Spartans into a consistent playoff contender. The next step is winning a playoff game for the first time, which won’t be easy to do in a tougher district. Seven Lakes returns eight starters (5 defense) from last year’s 7-4 team. The key talents are junior 6-foot-4, 219-pound OLB Dakyus Brinkley (38 tackles, sack), senior DE Chika Ezima (30 tackles, sack), senior S Bryce Turner (53 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups), junior RB Barrett Hudson (862 yards, 6 TDs) and senior 6-foot-3, 215-pound TE Landon Ross (281 yards, 2 TDs). Keep a close eye on newcomers like junior RB Jake Ferris, junior DL Tripp Cox and junior ILB Ayden Fletcher. Hamon likes what he has in the running game, which he hopes will open the play-action, and the physicality of the defensive front seven. The passing game is an unknown with unproven quarterbacks and receivers, and the O-line is inexperienced as well.
JORDAN WARRIORS
Jordan is the newest Katy ISD high school. The Warriors went 3-6 against a rogue varsity schedule last year. Jordan will feature seniors for the first time and already boasts an impressive number of athletes that are being highly recruited, such as sophomore 6-foot-1, 160-pound WR Andrew Marsh, junior WR Zechariah Sample, senior WR Nathan Salz and senior 6-foot-2, 270-pound DL Eli Fullerton. Other names to watch are junior QB Colin Willetts, junior RB Ifeanyi Monye, sophomore RB Chad Gaspar, junior OL Jovanni Melchor, sophomore DB Zion Jones, junior WR Deacon Stanfield, senior LB Josh Gulizia, senior DB Ryan Miller, senior DB Brayden Franklin, senior DL Tosin Odulate, sophomore RB Patrick Broadway and junior DL Tyler Beascochea. Coach Mike Rabe likes his team’s experience and chemistry. The concern, of course, is inexperience at the 6A level.
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