PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
CLASS 6A
Ashton Dubose
Junior
QB
Brennan High School
CLASS 5A
Anthony Hill Jr.
Junior
LB
Billy Ryan High School
CLASS 4A
Rueben Owens
Junior
RB/DB
El Campo High School
CLASS 3A
Xavier Wishert
Senior
RB/LB
Jim Ned High School
CLASS 2A
Kanon Gibson
Junior
QB/DB
Wink High School
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Andrew Paul
Senior
RB
Dallas Parish Episcopal
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Conner Weigman
Senior
QB
Bridgeland High School
Class 6A
Three years ago, as a new school on the far western edge of the Houston metro area, “recruiters didn’t know where we were,” said coach David Raffield. Now, in his third year as a starter, Conner Weigman “is the poster child for Bridgeland football.”
In the opener against Klein Cain, quarterback Weigman completed 23 of 33 for 358 yards and five TDs, ran 10 times for 104 yards and a score and caught a 47-yard touchdown pass. As for recruiters beating a path to Bridgeland’s door, Texas A&M got there first and won a commitment from one of the state’s most highly recruited players.
“We wanted to build a program that would carry on year in and year out, and his play has elevated us quickly.”
-Bridgeland Head Coach David Raffield
Richard Torres
Senior
QB
Southside High School
Class 5A
San Antonio Southside quarterback Richard Torres completed 13 of 17 passes with no interceptions for 302 yards and a school-record eight TDs in a 62-14 rout of Brownsville Lopez. Torres, who has committed to Nebraska, was pulled from the game by Coach Ricky Lock after he threw his last TD pass on the third play of the second half. Torres’ scoring strikes covered 33, 51, 56, 61, 12, 17, 36 and 28 yards. He threw TD passes to six different receivers. Torres, 6’6” and 215 pounds, checks all the boxes as a dual-threat quarterback. An honor student, Torres was a backup as a sophomore before becoming Southside’s starting quarterback at the start of the 2020 season. He was voted District 14-5A Offensive MVP after passing for 1,149 yards and 18 TDs in only seven games. Torres also starts at point guard on the Southside basketball team.
“Richard is much improved from a year ago. He put in a lot of work in the offseason and the summer to improve his game. You can tell that he’s been in the weight room and made a conscious effort to gain strength and bulk up a little bit. He’s gained about 25 pounds. I thought he was very cool, calm and collected in our opener. He’s always been an even-keeled kind of player. Richard is also very coachable and is a good leader. His teammates follow his lead.”
-Southside Head Coach Ricky Lock
Epi Hinojosa
Junior
RB
Calallen High School
Class 4A
Corpus Christi Calallen running back Epi Hinojosa rushed 20 times for 313 yards and two TDs in the Wildcats’ 41-19 victory against Gregory-Portland. The latest in a long line of outstanding Calallen running backs, Hinojosa keyed a ground game that piled up a school-record 614 yards on 48 attempts. Hinojosa set the tone for the Wildcats’ big rushing night when he broke loose for an 82-yard TD on the second play of the game. Hinojosa’s single-game rushing total ranks No. 5 in Calallen history. Hinojosa (5’9”, 195 pounds) saw limited duty last year as a backup to Jeremiah Earls, who graduated this spring. With Hinojosa running behind an offensive line anchored by senior center Cole Hobbs, the Wildcats wore down the Gregory-Portland defense with their physical play. Five of the Calallen’s six TDs went for at least 50 yards. Calallen coach Phil Danaher, who missed the game with an unspecified illness, watched his team’s season-opening victory via live stream.
“You’re talking about a tough runner in Epi Hinojosa. He runs over people. And then when he does, he breaks it, and they don’t catch him very often. Epi has excellent speed. His 82-yard touchdown really got us going. It would motivate anybody. After losing Jeremiah Earls to graduation, we’re lucky that Epi came around like he did. He didn’t play much at all last year because we had Jeremiah, but Epi worked really hard this spring. All of our kids did.”
-Calallen Head Coach Phil Danaher
De’Anthony Gatson
Senior
QB
Newton High School
Class 3A
If you know anything about Newton Eagles football, you know their incredible tradition with five state championships (’74, ’98, ’05, ’17, ’18). Their deep history of record-breaking running backs dates to Anthony Byerly in the early-80’s, to most recently Darwin Barlow, who led the Eagles to their two latest state titles. Welcome their newest star in senior De’Anthony Gatson, who is already committed to the University of Southern California. Everyone knows the incredible tradition of Heisman Trophy running backs at USC and Trojans fans have to like Gatson’s career-record 335-yards on 38-carries and four TDs during the Eagles 46-26 opening week win against Woodville.
“He always thanks his teammates, always and especially his offensive linemen for his success. De’Anthony wants to win and make a run this year and tells me he will do what he has to do for our team. De’Anthony is always energetic, and an excited guy and I tell people all of the time he has never met a stranger and I am so glad I’m the one getting to coach him.”
– Newtown Head Coach Drew Johnson
Zane Zeinert
Senior
QB
Rosebud-Lott High School
Class 2A
Rosebud-Lott football hasn’t had much to celebrate in recent years, but second-year head coach Brandon Hicks and his program are getting better and for the second-consecutive year they have a player honored by Built Ford Tough as a Class 2-A Texas High School Player of the Week. A year ago, it was Jordan Landrum with his amazing four-interception defensive performance against Wortham. Senior quarterback Zane Zeinert gets the honor this season. He completed 20-28 passes for 406-yards and six TDs in a 60-22 victory against Leon. Zeinert, who is ranked fifth in his senior class is also a captain on the football team and Coach Hicks couldn’t be prouder.
“Zane is in great standing on and off the field and has become a great leader and sets an example for all of the kids in our program. Zane does an outstanding job of leading our offense and his instincts are second to none and that sure does make my job a lot of fun as his coach.”
–Rosebud-Lott Head Coach Brandon Hicks
Zak Johnson
Senior
RB
Shiner Catholic High School
Private School
Shiner St. Paul coach Jake Wachsmuth was impressed by what he saw from senior running back and linebacker Zak Johnson in the team’s scrimmages. But he had no idea what was in store for the Cardinals’ season opener against Yorktown.
Johnson carried 22 times for 380 yards and seven touchdowns, had a 28-yard reception, ran for five two-point conversions, kicked an extra point, and had nine tackles, including one for a loss.
Johnson scored on runs of 62, 34, 2, 64, 1, 2 and 85 yards to lead three-time defending TAPPS Division IV state champion St. Paul to a 59-36 win. Johnson also kicks off and punts for the Cardinals and earned first-team all-state honors last season at running back, linebacker and as a punter.
“He had really good scrimmages and he was making big plays in those. He just had a lot of big runs, and he also had the 4 or 5 yards to get first downs. To do it on 22 carries, I think he had four or five really big chunk yardage plays, and on those plays he just made things happen.”
–Shiner Catholic Head Coach Jake Wachsmuth
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Gavin Session
Senior
QB
Atascocita High School
Class 6A
Atascocita posted one of the year’s most significant victories in a 41-20 win at Allen, ending Allen’s 84-game regular-season win streak and its 122-game home win streak. Gavin Session contributed to the Eagles’ win in both phases of the game, completing 17 of 29 passes with an interception for 318 yards and four touchdowns and rushing 16 times for 107 yards and a score.
“Gavin is a great competitor who not only loves to play but enjoys practice and preparing as well. He’s a tough kid and a great teammate who represents the program on and off the field.”
–Atascocita Head Coach Craig Stump
Jah’Mar Sanders
Senior
QB
Memorial High School
Class 5A
Port Arthur Memorial quarterback Jah’Mar Sanders opened the season with a bang, leading the Titans over Lancaster while combining for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. That was nothing compared to what Sanders was able to accomplish behind his talented offensive line in week two as Port Arthur Memorial pulled away for a 56-28 win against Barbers Hill. The senior, who also plays basketball and runs track, completed 15 of 24 passes for 468 yards and four touchdowns, while also torching the Eagles on the ground for 202 yards and two scores.
“He’s just a first-class kid. Just comes to work every day. He’s developed over the last year into a vocal leader. He didn’t have to before because we had some older guys ahead of him. But he always comes to work. He’s locked in, focused in meetings. He’s really, really sharp. His football IQ is off the charts. They see his speed and see all that, but his football IQ is really, really high. That and his leadership show up on Friday night.”
–Memorial Head Coach Brian Morgan
Demario Albert
Senior
RB
Yates High School
Class 4A
A longtime Houston powerhouse that has fallen on harder times in recent years, Yates is on the way back with help from players like Demario Albert, a senior who ran for 301 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries in the Lions’ 45-7 win over a traditional rival in Houston Madison. He also had an interception on defense.
“Demario shows a great deal of maturity in our program and provides leadership by being extremely coachable. We look forward to him making plays on and off the field in his senior season.
–Yates Head Coach Troy DeGar
David Johnson
Senior
WR
Hooks High School
Class 3A
Hooks receiver David Johnson did damage all over the field in his team’s 41-35 victory over Winnsboro, even playing the part of “closer” when the Hornets needed him to step under center and finish off the game. Johnson finished the night with seven receptions for 190 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 10 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown. He also returned a blocked extra point 98 yards for two points.
“We needed every yard and everything he did. He just sort of took over. Late in the game, both of our quarterbacks were hurt, and we had to put him in at QB to finish it off. We needed two first downs to be able to kneel it out. He hadn’t taken a snap all year. He played a little QB as a freshman, but he’s a senior now and he just went in at QB and it looked like he had been there forever.”
-Hooks Head Coach Chris Birdwell
John Hendricks
Senior
RB
Frost High School
Class 2A
In a 50-42 win over Meridian, Frost High’s John Hendricks ran over, around and through the opposing defense. The senior rushed for 358 yards and accounted for all seven of Frost’s touchdowns in an 8-point win. Hendricks averaged nearly 14 yards per carry, which was highlighted by an 86-yard touchdown run in the win.
Hendricks also played a role on defense, collecting two solo tackles.
The Bears are 1-1 to begin their 2021 season and will look to lean heavily on Hendricks’ ability to run the football moving forward into next week.
Luigi Cristiano
Senior
WB
Saint Joseph Academy
Private School
Saint Joseph Academy played their first home game this past Friday against Santa Rosa and treated the fans to a convincing 38-14 victory. The Bloodhounds were led by senior quarterback Luigi Cristiano who had an exceptional night.
He had 29 completions for 375 yards and six touchdowns. Cristiano was in complete control of the game as the passing attack was too much for the Warriors’ secondary.
“Luigi has emerged as not only a vocal leader but a coach on and off the field. He can make plays with both his arms and feet as he extends plays while looking downfield for open receivers, making him a very dangerous threat to defenses. His performance week 2 was just incredible!”
-Saint Joseph Academy Head Coach Tino Villareal
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Godspower Nwawuihe
Sophomore
QB
North Garland High School
Class 6A
Whether he had the benefit of divine intervention or not, North Garland sophomore quarterback Godspower Nwawuihe authored a thrilling comeback in a 57-51 overtime win against Richardson Berkner. Nwawuihe sent the game to overtime with a four-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion with 36 seconds left in regulation. He ended the game with a one-yard touchdown run in overtime. Nwawuihe accounted for 393 yards and eight touchdowns, four rushing and four passing. North Garland is 3-0 this year after going 1-5.
“Godspower is athletic and extends plays. He has great leadership, and he has the ‘it’ factor you find in special people. He has great parents and he’s a really, really good kid.”
-North Garland Head Coach Joe Castillo
Jacob Brown
Senior
RB
Paetow High School
Class 5A
Fans in the Katy area were treated to an incredible rushing performance on Friday night as Paetow Senior running back helped erase the only blemish on the 2020 schedule as the Panthers defeated Falcons from Foster High School 30-14.
Brown dominated with 18 carries for 294 yards and fired off several long TDs to help his team cruise to the victory.
“Jacob’s hard work this off-season and summer have been paying off for him and his teammates. His offensive line has provided him with opportunities to showcase his ability and he has definitely taken advantage of it.”
-Paetow Head Coach William ‘BJ’ Gotte
Jason Thomason
Senior
QB
Caddo Mills
Class 4A
Jason Thomason waited his turn to be the quarterback at Caddo Mills, but he wasn’t just sitting around. Thomason was a key defensive player for the Foxes the past two seasons and saw limited action as the team’s backup QB.
He’s getting his chance to lead the offense now, and if Friday’s 63-41 win over Canton is any indication, he plans to take full advantage of the spotlight. Thomason completed 29 of 47 passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns and carried 10 times for 118 yards and two scores.
“He’s always been our backup quarterback and hasn’t really taken many meaningful snaps at QB since he was a freshman. He’s really just now discovering what type of quarterback he can be. He works as hard as any kid I’ve ever been around: in the weight room, getting friends together to throw routes, going to camps in the summer. It’s just really important to him.”
–Caddo Mills Head Coach Kodi Crane
Omarion Smith
Junior
QB
Hemphill
Class 3A
Hemphill and West Sabine, schools located just 10 minutes apart, have played the Pine Cone Bowl since 1968. Hemphill quarterback Omarion Smith etched his name in the books with one of the top performances in the series, leading the Hornets to a 53-26 win and giving Hemphill a 27-15 edge in the series.
Smith completed 10 of 13 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns and carried 13 times for 200 yards and two more scores.
“This is really the first year he has taken any snaps at quarterback. He played receiver and defensive back for us last year. As the season goes along, if he stays healthy, he’s going to be someone to really pay attention to.”
-Hemphill Head Coach Tod Stark
Korbin Covarrubiaz
Senior
QB
Eldorado High School
Class 2A
Eldorado quarterback Korbin Covarrubiaz accounted for 48 points to lead the No. 10-ranked Eagles to a 56-29 win over Coahoma. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 379 yards and six touchdown passes, while rushing 12 times for 51 yards and a score. He also ran for two 2-point conversions, passed for a 2-point play, and had eight total tackles. The well-rounded senior is involved in Eldorado’s agricultural program, is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and does welding. He also competes in baseball, basketball, and track.
“He’s special. I really think we can probably put him anywhere on the field and he would excel and do well. He’s one of our stronger kids. He’s definitely one of our faster kids. He’s a great leader. He’s one of our captains. This is his second year to be voted captain. He’s just an overall good guy and a great athlete.”
-Eldorado Head Coach Jon Long
Ryver Rodriguez
Senior
QB
Midland Christian School
Private School
Midland Christian quarterback Ryver Rodriguez accounted for five total touchdowns to give head coach Greg McClendon his 200th career win with a 47-22 road victory over Boerne. The dual-threat Rodriguez completed 17 of 32 passes for 274 yards and three TD passes, while rushing 25 times for 95 yards and two scores to propel MCS to a 3-0 record. Rodriguez is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society, and he volunteers his time reading the Bible to first graders, feeding the homeless, and as a vacation bible school counselor.
“He’s the best kid ever. I love that kid to death. He’s the most humble kid. He’s smart. He cares about other people. He’s just so different than most kids today. They’re consumed with themselves, and this kid is so different. He’s a heck of a player, but he’s 10 times that as a person and a young man. He’s wise beyond his years.”
–Midland Christian Head Coach Greg McClendon
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Santana Scott
Junior
RB
Morton Ranch High School
Class 6A
Santana Scott did all he could to help bring home a victory for Katy’s Morton Ranch High School this past week versus Lake Creek, but the Mavericks came up one point short in a 41-40 loss. The junior running back ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run in the 3rd quarter giving Morton Ranch a 12-point lead.
Scott finished with 472 all-purpose yards including 20 carries for 239 yards and four touchdowns.
“He’s small in height but has a big heart. He is quick and tough to bring down. Santana is pound for pound one of the toughest young men I’ve ever had the honor to Coach.”
–Morton Ranch Head Coach Ron Counter
Mateo Llanas
Senior
QB
Rowe High School
Class 5A
McAllen’s Rowe Warriors opened up District 16-5A play with a resounding 49-21 road win over Brownsville Pace on Thursday, September 16, thanks to the play of their senior quarterback Mateo Llanas, who scored a total of six touchdowns and amassed 465 yards of offense.
Through the air, Llanas, who is a three-year starter for the Warriors, passed for 445 yards and five touchdowns, going 24-of-35 on the night with no interceptions. His five TD passes went to three different receivers, including teammate Nelson Ramirez, who hauled in three.
Meanwhile, on the ground, Llanas only had five carries for 20 yards, but one of those carries included an 11-yard power run where he plowed into a Pace defender at the goal line to hit pay dirt.
“On offense, he came out and controlled the pace of the game and was able to make key plays. The offensive line and several players did a fantastic job.”
-Rowe Head Coach Bobby Flores
Jaedyn Brown
Sophomore
QB
Miller High School
Class 4A
Corpus Christi Miller quarterback Jaedyn Brown started his sophomore season facing the challenge of replacing prolific Andrew Body, who finished his run with the Buccaneers last year as the fourth-ranked passer on the Texas all-time career list with 13,261 yards. Brown has gone through the usual growing pains of a first-year starter, but he had a memorable breakout game in Miller’s 62-28 trouncing of Class 6A Brownsville Hanna last Thursday in a non-district game.
Brown threw for a school-record eight TD passes and completed 17 of 29 attempts for 474 yards. His scoring passes covered 69, 75, 38, 62, 8, 34, 7 and 32 yards. Brown keyed an offense that piled up 688 yards and scored on 9 of its 10 possessions. Six of Brown’s scoring strikes went for 30 yards or longer and three were for 60 yards or longer. He threw TD passes to four different receivers, including three each to sophomore Damare Lister and junior Jayden Moreno. Through four games, Brown already has passed for 1,300 yards and 17 TDs.
“We knew coming into this season that we were going to have big shoes to fill, with Drew (Body) being a senior and graduating. J.B. (Brown) has not really shocked us because we knew the work that he put in and we knew the potential that he has. But for him to be playing so well at this stage, in only his fourth start on the varsity level and be able to do what he did is phenomenal. I can’t remember Drew being that proficient that early. J.B. has done some great things, and that’s a credit to him, but also the receivers and the offensive line.”
-Miller Head Coach Justen Evans
Chad Lorenz
Senior
QB
McGregor High School
Class 3A
McGregor High School defeated Clifton High School 35-20 last week, but the real story was the efforts of Senior quarterback Chad Lorenz. Lorenz contributed to all phases of the game including three touchdowns.
Lorenz finished the night with 15 rushes for 311 yards and the three TD’s. He went two for four passing for 12 yards and to top things off he had six tackles on defense.
“Chad is the true leader of our team and our offense. He is a two-year captain and a 3-year starter. Chad is one of the toughest ball carriers to bring down that I have seen in my 25 years of coaching.”
–McGregor Head Coach Mike Shields
J.D. Solis
Sophomore
RB
Iraan High School
Class 2A
Iraan sophomore running back J.D. Solis contributed in all three phases of the game to help the Braves snap a 23-game losing streak with a 34-28 win over Tornillo. J.D. had 26 rushing attempts for 277 yards and five touchdowns, caught a 50-yard pass, returned a kick for 43 yards, compiled 370 all-purpose yards, and had four tackles and a forced fumble. It was a confidence-building win for Iraan, which is mostly comprised of freshmen and sophomores. The Braves hadn’t won a game since the 2018 postseason. Solis also participates in basketball, track, and is in Future Farmers of America.
“J.D. is a great kid. On and off the field, he works really hard. He got dinged up a little bit during the game and I went over there to him and asked him could he go? We need him. Is he ready? He was just vigorously yelling, ‘Absolutely. Let’s go.’ He helps a ton.”
-Iraan Head Coach Berry Bowman
Levi Hancock
Senior
QB
Brazos Christian School
Private School
This was Levi Hancock’s first game back after sitting out with a minor injury – and boy did he come out firing! He amassed 438 yards and seven touchdowns. He went 16 for 21 passing for 357 yards and five TD’s. He connected with eight different players and had two touchdowns of over 50 yards. He also managed to gain 81 yards on 10 carries including two TD’s.
The Texas A&M commit also led by example by staying behind to ensure the locker room was picked up and clean as he does after most games.
“Levi Hancock is an incredible young man, leader and football player. He demonstrates remarkable discipline, work ethic and is an amazing servant leader. His teammates would follow him anywhere. He focuses with laser-like precision on his goals. He has already committed to Texas A&M as one of the nation’s elite long snappers and in doing so fulfilled a lifelong dream that he has been working towards for years.”
–Brazos Christian Head Coach Ben Hoffmeier
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Zach Evans
Senior
RB
Rockwell-Heath High School
Class 6A
Rockwall-Heath’s epic 79-71 double-overtime win against crosstown rival Rockwall was headlined by an epic performance. Senior running back Zach Evans ran 33 times for 270 yards and five touchdowns, including both touchdowns in overtime. Evans, a Minnesota commit, has eclipsed 100 yards four times this year and has helped push the Hawks to a 4-1 start.
“I truly believe Friday was Zach’s best game ever. He ran hard. He ran fast. He ran angry.”
–Rockwall-Heath Head Coach Mike Spradlin
Braeden Fuller
Senior
QB
Floresville High School
Class 5A
A standout dual-threat quarterback, Braeden Fuller amassed 349 yards of total offense and accounted for four touchdowns in Floresville’s 37-35 victory against La Vernia. Fuller completed 7 of 9 passes for 237 yards and three TDs and rushed for 112 yards on only 10 carries and another score. He averaged 11.2 yards a carry. Fuller transferred to Floresville from St. John Bosco High School in California last spring. His father is a Floresville High School graduate. Fuller has teamed with senior running back Dareion Murphy, who has committed to Princeton, to give the Tigers one of the best offensive tandems in the San Antonio area. Fuller was the catalyst for a Floresville offense that piled up 479 yards – 242 rushing and 237 passing – against La Vernia.
“Braeden is the type of kid you want in your program. Not just because he’s a good football player and a tremendous athlete, but because he is a great young man. He’s a good teammate. He’s very appreciative of the people around him. He roots for the other guys’ success. He’s a fierce competitor. He’s all the things you want out of a football player, a student-athlete. Braeden takes care of his business.”
–Floresville Head Coach Andrew Rohrs
Dylan Sanchez
Junior
QB
Lampasas High School
Class 4A
Lampasas got a hard-fought victory last week as they held on to win against Gatesville 41-33. The Badgers were led by an all-around team effort, but junior QB Dylan Sanchez certainly was up to the task. Sanchez, coming off ACL surgery this past spring, put up a spirited effort in their final non-district game.
Sanchez completed 14 of 24 passes for 151 yards and two TD’s; he also registered a 69-yard rushing TD at the end of the quarter to help the Badgers take the lead into the second quarter.
“Dylan has a very easy-going demeanor, the highs and lows of a football game don’t bother him. He has a tremendous amount of athletic ability and can make any throw on the field. This is all very impressive coming off having ACL surgery in the spring. Of course, this would not be possible if not for his teammates.”
-Lampasas Head Coach Troy Rogers
Ryan Muniz
Senior
QB
Cameron Yoemen High School
Class 3A
Cameron Yoemen High School senior Ryan Muniz is taking advantage of his opportunity to lead one of the state’s great programs after winning the battle to be the starting quarterback. Muniz was nearly flawless completing 14-15 passes for 411-yards and six touchdowns in a 70-0 rout of Caldwell. Muniz completed touchdown passes of 29, 41, 50, 58, 69 and 83 yards and didn’t take a snap in the fourth quarter. According to his coach he is a stellar student with a 3.8 GPA and is also very active in the Cameron Yoe Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a youth ambassador at First United Methodist Church in Cameron where he coaches a flag football team of 1st and 2nd graders.
Muniz and the Yoemen started the season with four consecutive losses against teams who are currently 17-2 overall and perhaps they received enough momentum entering their District 11-3A Division I showdown against arch-rival Rockdale.
“I am very proud of Ryan, he has worked extremely hard in the offseason, summer, and two-a-days to make himself the best quarterback he can be. The results you are seeing on the field are the results of the many hours he spent preparing for the. He is one of the best leaders on the team through the example he sets as far as work ethic and the encouragement that he gives his teammates.”
–Cameron Yoemen Head Coach Rick Rhoades
Ryan Harris
Senior
QB/LB
Beckville High School
Class 2A
The Beckville Bearcats started out slowly on the way to a 10-win season in 2020, losing back-to-back games to open the year before getting on a roll. Senior quarterback/linebacker Ryan Harris wanted no part of another slow start this season, and he’s doing something about it.
In a Week 5 50-27 win over Carlisle that moved the Bearcats to 5-0 on the year, Harris put in major work on both sides of the ball. He carried 13 times for 246 yards and a touchdown, completed 6 of 12 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns and recorded eight tackles and an interception on defense.
“Ryan is a great kid with an incredible work ethic. He comes to work every day ready to go and never makes excuses or has a bad day. He is the ultimate competitor and he’ll do whatever it takes to help his team win. The kid is just a winner.”
-Beckville Head Coach Cody Ross
Keller Jackson
Senior
QB
Brentwood Christian School
Private School
According to his coach, Senior QB Keller Jackson gets better every week. This week was no different, as he led Brentwood Christian to a 58-14 victory against district opponent Hyde Park.
Keller was 13-21 for 301 yards and three TDs connecting with five different receivers. He also had nine carries for 76 yards and a TD on the ground. Keller’s work ethic and willingness to get better is what makes him special, he invests a lot of time into his craft. Whether it’s watching film or working on throwing mechanics, he is a true student of the game.
Jackson has accumulated 701 yards passing and eight TD’s, 432 yards rushing and nine TDs on 42 carries and has one interception through four games.
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch Keller grow into a special football player, he is a two-way starter. He plays DB on defense. Keller is a natural leader. His teammates respect him and so does the entire community at Brentwood Christian. We talk about being the type of people that others want to root for, Keller is the perfect example of this. He has a servant-like attitude and has a big heart. I am excited to see what the future has in store for him.”
-Brentwood Christian Head Coach Correy Washington
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Robert Fitzgerald
Senior
DB
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
Class 6A
Jesuit coach Brandon Hickman told Robert Fitzgerald to get plenty of sleep before the Rangers’ district matchup with Lake Highlands. The senior would need to be well-rested because he would rarely come off the field. Sure enough, playing a combination of running back, safety, wildcat quarterback, punt returner, and punter, Fitzgerald led Jesuit to a wild 48-45 comeback win. Fitzgerald carried 24 times for 159 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead score. He added a 14-yard reception for a touchdown. On defense, Fitzgerald made 7 tackles, forced and recovered a fumble, and sealed the game with an interception with 55 seconds left.
“It was single-handedly the best performance I’ve ever seen at Jesuit from a player. Really, I mean he did everything. He was on the field probably 95% of the time. The best performance I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ve been here 11 years. It was unbelievable.”
–Jesuit Head Coach Brandon Hickman
Devin Matthews
Junior
WR
Seguin High School
Class 5A
Junior wide receiver Devin Matthews did something this past week that will stand in the record books forever. He scored a 99-yard TD. It was just one of four TDs on the night as Matthews led the Seguin Matadors to a 48-21 victory over the La Vernia Bears.
Matthews finished with eight receptions for 345 yards, which according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football ranks in the top 10 for all-time most receiving yards in a game.
“Devin is a very explosive player that is developing into a big-time playmaker. His ceiling is high and continues to grow as a player and leader each week.”
-Seguin Head Coach Craig Dailey
Gabriel Baeza
Senior
QB
Big Spring High School
Class 4A
Senior dual-threat Gabriel Baeza had 532 total yards of offense and accounted for seven total touchdowns during the Steers’ 47-29 win over Littlefield last Friday. Baeza completed 27 of 41 passes for 325 passing yards and four TD passes, all to four separate receivers. He also had 18 carries for 207 rushing yards and three rushing TDs. Big Spring coach Cannon McWilliams said Baeza’s offensive line opened big holes for him, and he was able to gain chunks of yardage with his elusiveness in open space. Baeza has guided the Steers to a 5-1 record, the program’s best start since 2014.
“What makes him special is his work ethic. He never misses a day. He comes prepared. He works hard. He is humble. He usually wants to give all the credit to his teammates. He’s always quick to talk about his offensive linemen. Again, he’s just a team guy. As far as physical attributes and what makes him special, he’s (6-foot-2), 220 pounds. He can make every throw. It also helps that he can run the football a little bit, too.”
-Big Spring Head Coach Cannon McWilliams
Kamran Williams
Freshman
RB
Jefferson High School
Class 3A
Kamran Williams refuses to play like a freshman, and the Jefferson Bulldogs couldn’t be happier about that. Williams carried 28 times in a 38-22 win over White Oak, rushing for 318 yards and scoring three times as Jefferson improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in district play just one year removed for a 3-7 season. Williams scored on runs of 11, 61 and 73 yards, and has piled up 525 yards on the ground in the past two games.
“He’s just a great kid who always has a smile on his face but is a great competitor. The two things that really stood out to me last week were early in the game he came out and was standing by me and the running back coach and he said ‘I see what you’re saying. I just need to slow down and let the hole open.’ Then, when we pulled him late in the game, he was the biggest cheerleader for his backup. After the night he had – to handle things that way really made me feel good.”
–Jefferson Head Coach Antwain Jimmerson
Logan Cope
Junior
QB
Windthorst High School
Class 2A
A year after winning the Class 2A Division II state championship, Windthorst isn’t missing a beat even with a new quarterback. Logan Cope accounted for six touchdowns in a 45-0 win over Hamlin, the lone team to beat Windthorst last season. Cope threw for 312 yards and five scores and ran for 23 yards and another touchdown. The junior has helped the Trojans to a 5-0 start.
“He’s taken hold of the job. He knows he has to perform and has big shoes to fill, but he’s doing everything he can to keep it going. Friday, he came in, executed the game plan and had a great game.”
-Windthorst Head Coach Chris Tackett
Dillon Bell
Senior
WR
The Kinkaid School
Private School
Wide receiver Dillon Bell helped lead the Kinkaid Falcons to a runaway 64-27 victory over St. Mark’s last week and contributed running, catching, and even throwing the ball.
Bell had 11 receptions for 215 yards and four TD’s. He also rushed for one TD and completed a 32-yard pass to round out his performance. His 274 all-purpose yards and five TDs in this game is a night he won’t soon forget.
“Dillon has a tremendous work ethic and is always in a great mood. His coaches and teammates will be just as thrilled for him as they know he earns everything he gets.”
-Kinkaid Head Coach Nathan Larned
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Donny Bishop
Senior
RB/WR
Legacy Senior High School
Class 6A
Midland Legacy running back Donny Bishop lined up in the backfield and on the outside during the Rebels’ 68-28 win over Wolfforth Frenship. Bishop carried the ball seven times for 123 rushing yards and two rushing TDs, while hauling in four passes for 175 receiving yards and scoring three TDs at receiver. Bishop became the first player in the storied history of the program to eclipse both 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game. Bishop’s TDs went for 44, 56, and 45 yards through the air, and 24 and 64 yards on the ground. Bishop does it all for the Rebels, including returning kicks and punts and being the team’s best tackler on special teams. He also competes in basketball and track and is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“He’s as good of a kid that I ever coached in my life. We’re blessed to have him at Midland Legacy. I think Donny can play for anybody in the country. When you look at the history of Midland Lee/Midland Legacy, you think about that this is the first time ever that this has ever happened. It’s a testament to him. It’s a testament to our offensive line. He just got here, and he just kept working. It took him a little while to get him going because he was still trying to learn everything. But he’s a hard worker. He always has a smile and I’m blessed to coach him.”
–Legacy Head Coach Clint Hartman
Mason Standerfer
Senior
QB
John L. Chapin High School
Class 5A
Junior wide receiver Devin Matthews did something this past week that will stand in the record books forever. He scored a 99-yard TD. It was just one of four TDs on the night as Matthews led the Seguin Matadors to a 48-21 victory over the La Vernia Bears.
Matthews finished with eight receptions for 345 yards, which according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football ranks in the top 10 for all-time most receiving yards in a game.
“Devin is a very explosive player that is developing into a big-time playmaker. His ceiling is high and continues to grow as a player and leader each week.”
-Seguin Head Coach Craig Dailey
Charles Hodge
Senior
WR
Smithville High School
Class 4A
Senior wide receiver Charles Hodge helped lead the Smithville Tigers to a 50-28 victory over district rival Navasota. It was the first victory ever for Smithville against Navasota and it took a herculean effort by Hodge to ensure the win.
Hodge racked up eight receptions for 212 yards and an unbelievable six touchdowns. He also recovered two forced fumbles and had four tackles.
“Charles is an exceptional talent, a hard worker and very goal-driven. It’s a pleasure coaching him. He had two goals this year: one – win a championship, which he’s helped lead us in that direction, and two – get a Division 1 scholarship – which he has with Tulsa. He can accomplish whatever he sets his mind to.”
-Smithville Head Coach Cyril Adkins
Sheldon Springer
Senior
QB/DB
Lexington High School
Class 3A
On Friday night against Riesel, Lexington quarterback Sheldon Springer was electric: completing 18-31 passes for 413-yards and four TDs, along with 10-carries for 60-yards and four TDs on the ground. And on defense Springer finished the game with four tackles and broke up three passes during the Eagles’ 69-24 win against Riesel.
Springer excels on and off the field. In the classroom he has a 3.5 GPA, is in the National Honor Society, Academic UIL competitions, Interact Club, and Fellowship of Christian Students.
“Sheldon’s greatest attribute to the quarterback position is not allowing anything to bother him and plays the next play making sure we as a team find a way to win and he doesn’t need the spotlight. Sheldon learned sign language as a very young boy with his mother being deaf and those challenges allowed the family to become even closer. He enjoys working with kids at Vacation Bible Study at church and volunteers mowing yards and doing work for the elderly or those who aren’t physically able to do it themselves.”
-Lexington Head Coach Kirk Muhl
Marc Ramirez
Senior
RB/LB
Wellington High School
Class 2A
Senior RB/LB Marc Ramirez had an exceptional game as he helped lead the Rockets to a 44-14 win over Shamrock in District 4 – 2A Division II. The Dave Campbell’s Preseason Offensive MVP gained 239 yards on 21 carries and scored five touchdowns behind his powerful offensive line. He did this in just three quarters of action. However, his offensive output is just part of the story, because the 5’10” 180-pound two-way player also led defensively with 13 tackles – four of which were for a loss.
“Marc had a great game against a good Shamrock team. He is finally getting back to full health.”
-Wellington Head Coach Greg Proffitt
Sylas Gomez
Senior
QB
Central Catholic High School
Private School
Sylas Gomez racked up 344 yards of total offense and accounted for five touchdowns in San Antonio Central Catholic’s 49-26 victory against Tomball Concordia Lutheran in a TAPPS Division I District 2 game. Gomez completed 11 of 16 passes for 280 yards and three TDs (27, 25, 24), and rushed for 64 yards and two TDs (4, 5) on only seven carries.
Gomez was the catalyst for a Central Catholic offense that amassed 486 yards – 206 rushing and 280 passing. The Buttons improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in district.
Gomez has completed 75 of 112 passes, with two interceptions, for 1,217 yards and 14 TDs this season. He also has rushed for 440 yards and six TDs on 63 carries, an average of 7.0 yards per attempt. Gomez is in his second season as Central Catholic’s starting quarterback after playing wide receiver as a sophomore. He committed to the U.S. Military Academy this summer.
“Sylas has only thrown the ball 15 to 20 times a game this season, but he doesn’t miss much. He’s very accurate. His accuracy amazes me at times. We only played six games last year because of COVID, so his development has really been abbreviated. He’s done a good job, though. He’s good at learning and listening. He’s really tuned into the game, to what we’re doing and what he’s doing. He’s a good leader, too. I always say guys who are quarterbacks, they’re not leaders because they’re quarterbacks. They’re quarterbacks because they’re leaders.”
-Central Catholic Head Coach Michael Santiago
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Elijah Uribe
Senior
RB
Eastlake High School
Class 6A
In a 59-41 district win over Eastwood last Friday, Eastlake senior running back Elijah Uribe had a record-setting day, totaling eight touchdowns (school record) in the win. Uribe carried the Falcons with 45 attempts for 292 yards and seven touchdowns. He also totaled 55 receiving yards on four receptions and another score. Uribe accounted for all eight of the Falcons’ touchdowns in their fifth win of the season.
While Uribe is getting recognized for his Week 8 performance, he has been producing at a high level all season long for the 5-1 Falcons. He has tallied 2,000 total yards and 19 touchdowns in six games this season and has Eastlake in position for another playoff berth in District 1-6A.
“We were running the ball so well with our offensive line up front, and something we’ve learned is to get [Elijah Uribe] touches in the redzone. Work ethic is at the top with him, and that’s on-and-off the field. He’s a 4.0 [GPA] student, he’s involved with the veterinarian program on campus, and he volunteers at different veterinarian programs across the city. He’s just a guy that you know is going to bring his best effort at whatever it is he’s doing.”
-Eastlake Head Coach Ruben Rodriguez
Koby Trahan
Senior
RB
Port Neches-Groves High School
Class 5A
Port Neches-Groves senior Koby Trahan has always done whatever it takes to help his team. After spending most of his playing career at running back, Trahan made the switch to linebacker last season, earning All-District honors. This fall Trahan moved back to his usual position of running back and has not disappointed. A week after setting a school record with a 99-yard touchdown run, Trahan broke Jeff “The Jet” Bergeron’s single game PNG rushing record that dated back to 1971. He would carry the ball 28 times for 365 yards and three touchdowns in the Indians’ 56-40 win at Kingwood Park.
“Koby is everything you would want in a RB. He’s a leader, an extremely hard worker, and a great teammate. Our offensive lineman did a wonderful job leading the way for him and he made some incredible runs. His speed, quickness, and toughness were on full display. We are extremely blessed that he’s a PNG Indian, and I couldn’t be more proud to be his coach.”
-Port Neches-Groves Head Coach Brandon Faircloth
Rueben Owens
Junior
RB/DB
El Campo High School
Class 4A
El Campo wasn’t anticipating an offensive shootout in its District 12-4A, Division I game against Brazosport, but when a score fest broke out, El Campo coach Chad Worrell knew the Ricebirds had an answer.
Junior running back Rueben Owens rushed for 342 yards and five touchdowns to lead El Campo to a 69-47 win. Owens carried 20 times and scored on runs of 20, 43, 6 and 32 yards in the first half. He added a 92-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Owens has rushed for 1,666 yards and 26 touchdowns this season and is averaging 13.3 yards per carry. Owens’ performance helped El Campo improve to 2-0 in district and led to his selection as the Class 4A Built Ford Tough High School Football Player of the Week.
“You’re just so lucky to be able to coach someone like him. He’s got a talent that comes around once in a lifetime really. I’ve been fortunate to coach several really good players and really good running backs especially, and he’s a special talent and he’s a good kid on top of that. He wants to be a good leader and he wants to lead by example.”
-El Campo Head Coach Chad Worrell
Xavier Wishert
Senior
RB/LB
Jim Ned High School
Class 3A
Senior running back/linebacker Xavier Wishert accounted for 80% of the Indians’ total offense in their 37-20 road win over District 3-3A Division I rival Wall. He carried the ball 20 times for 313 rushing yards and three touchdowns, leading No. 1-ranked Jim Ned to their 21st consecutive victory.
His 313 rushing yards set a new school record and was his fifth 200-yard rushing performance of the season. He has 1,465 rushing yards in seven games. Wishert was also active on defense, finishing with 13 total tackles. Wishert helped guide Jim Ned to the Class 3A Division I state championship last year. He also plays point guard on the Indians basketball team and runs track.
“Xavier is obviously an outstanding football player, but he’s also a leader. He’s a natural born leader. He brings a ton of energy and excitement and positivity. He’s a great teammate. When he’s not on the field, he’s the biggest cheerleader we’ve got. He’s a guy who leads by example. He’s humble and he’s going to play hard every snap and does whatever we ask him to do, which is kind of what we want our kids to be like.”
-Jim Ned Head Coach Matt Fanning
Keegan Gilbreath
Sophomore
QB/DB
Seymour High School
Class 2A
Sophomore 2-way player Keegan Gilbreath contributed to all phases of the game versus Olney as he helped lead the Panthers to a 42-28 victory. The undersized QB/DB had a role in every touchdown scored as he filled up the box score.
Gilbreath was 17-28 passing for 269 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed the ball 22 times for 172 yards and one touchdown. He returned a kickoff 95 for a touchdown. Finally, as if his offensive and special teams’ output wasn’t enough, he was in on 10 tackles.
Gilbreath also plays basketball and baseball and is the class president.
“Keegan is a very respectful and hard-working young man. He deserves every accolade that he receives. He is a model student and athlete and is a true leader by example.”
-Seymour Head Coach Hugh Farmer
Jake Wright
Senior
QB
Houston St. Thomas
Private School
Houston St. Thomas quarterback Jake Wright stepped into the role vacated by University of Houston signee Madison Kopp, a 2020 Built Ford Tough award honoree, and has excelled. Wright completed 26 of 34 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-14 win over San Antonio Antonian.
For the season, he has 30 touchdowns and just one interception, which attests to his decision-making ability.
“He has a good arm and can make all the throws, but above everything is his decision making. He’s not a super vocal kid but is a leader. He does a good job of showing the younger players how to behave yourself.”
-St. Thomas Head Coach Rich McGuire
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Cameron Byrd
Senior
QB
Franklin High School
Class 6A
Franklin senior quarterback Cameron Byrd was nearly perfect in a rivalry win over Coronado on Thursday night. Playing under the lights at Sun Bowl Stadium on the campus of UTEP, Byrd completed 27 of his 28 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns. He also called his own number six times, rushing for 48 yards and another score on the ground. The Cougars cruised to a 48-0 win to improve to 6-2 (5-0) on the season and are widely considered the top team in the city, having won their last six games.
While Byrd is getting recognition for his Week 9 performance, the senior has been performing at a high level all season long for the Cougars. He has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, while rushing for 516 yards and five touchdowns.
“Cameron has been fully invested in the betterment of himself and our team from day one. He’s our unquestioned leader and does so through positive encouragement and support. He can throw, run, and has an aptitude for everything that we want to do in our offense. His decision making and poise take him to another level. This intelligence you see on Friday nights extends beyond the field; he has a 3.85 GPA. Cameron is an outstanding young man, and we are blessed to have him represent Franklin High School.”
-Franklin Head Coach Daren Walker
Alex Alva
Senior
QB
San Antonio Veterans Memorial High School
Class 5A
Alex Alva piled up 494 yards of total offense and accounted for six touchdowns in leading San Antonio Veterans Memorial to a 62-46 victory against New Braunfels Canyon in a District 12-5A Division I game. Alva completed 26 of 31 passes for 384 yards and five TDs and rushed for 110 yards and one TD on 16 carries as Veterans Memorial kept its playoff hopes alive.
Alva was the catalyst for a balanced Pats offense that amassed 748 yards – 364 rushing and 384 passing. After rotating at quarterback last season and the first half of the 2021 campaign, Alva became the team’s full-time starter four weeks ago. He has completed 117 of 175 passes, with six interceptions, for 1,544 yards and 17 TDs this season. His 67 percent completion rate ranks among the best in Greater San Antonio. Alva also has rushed for 585 yards and six TDs.
An exemplary student who plays center field in baseball, Alva has a 4.0 grade-point average in the classroom and is enrolled in upper-level classes.
“We call him the bus driver around here. Our coaches came up with that nickname for him. He drives the bus. He’s a safe driver and we know our offense is in good hands with him. He takes care of the ball. Alex was outstanding against Canyon. He’s just a good Texas high school football player. He’s a great kid. He comes to school every day and works hard. He doesn’t say a lot. He’s not a real loud guy, but he’s a good leader and has the respect of his teammates. To be honest with you, I think he’s got the respect of the entire campus.”
-San Antonio Veterans Memorial Head Coach Richard Mendoza
Dario Bressler
Senior
RB
Canyon High School
Class 4A
Senior running back Dario Bressler had 415 total yards from scrimmage and scored eight touchdowns to lead Canyon to a 75-60 win over Pampa in a wild shootout to open up District 3-4A Division I play. Bressler carried the ball 26 times for 320 yards and six rushing TDs, while making two catches for 95 yards and two receiving yards to push the Eagles to a 7-1 record.
His performance put him over the 1,000-yard mark with 1,177 rushing yards this year. Bressler is a favorite of everybody at school, in his senior class, and the locker room. He makes the room better when he walks in with his positivity. He’s also a key part of Canyon’s track & field program.
“Me and my wife always joke, he’s got the prettiest smile on campus, and I have four daughters. Dario is just that guy, he’s an infectious smile. He just likes to be happy. He just likes to make everybody feel good. Anytime he does an interview, he loves to talk about the linemen and not himself. He’s so humble. But then he’s just a hard worker. He’s overcome so many things. He broke his collarbone right when he first got here and he kind of got into the mix late with us. But he’s just worked his way into being a really dad-gum good football player. He’s a great running back. He takes care of the football.”
Canyon Head Coach Todd Winfrey
Da’Shawn Jackson
Junior
QB/WR/DB
Commerce High School
Class 3A
Da’Shawn Jackson simply took over in his team’s 55-20 homecoming victory over Rains, and he did it on offense, defense, and special teams. Jackson rushed for 225 yards and four touchdowns, threw a 75-yard TD pass, caught a 63-yard TD pass and recorded 15 tackles and five pass breakups.
His performance did not come as a surprise to his coach or teammates.
“He’s a dynamic player, and we put a lot on him. The thing is no one can question him. At summer workouts, he was 100 percent. He’s a leader for us. Friday he was just flying around making plays. One of his 15 tackles came when he sprinted down on a kickoff and got a guy inside the 20. He plays with a lot of energy, and it does wonders for our team.”
-Commerce Head Coach John McSheffery
Kanon Gibson
Junior
QB/DB
Wink High School
Class 2A
Wink quarterback Kanon Gibson put in a full game’s worth of work in one half during Wink’s 76-13 rout of Morton. Gibson completed 16 of 25 passes for 405 yards and six touchdown passes, while rushing four times for 47 yards and a TD. He also had four tackles, a pass break up and boomed a 40-yard punt. Gibson was rested early in the second half after missing a total of 10 plays during the Wildcats’ first seven games.
The dual-threat quarterback is ranked second academically in his junior class, serves as his junior class president, is a member of academic UIL team, is involved in one-act play and performs as Future Farmers of America president. Gibson feeds and washes steers when he wakes up in the morning and attends to his steers after practice. He has been showing steers since the third grade.
“He does so much for us offensively, defensively. He’s just been a great leader, willing to sell out and do everything he can for the team. You ask what he means to our football team, I think the real answer is what does the football team mean to him. He loves those guys, and he will do anything in the world for them. He plays his heart out for them every game. He just wants them to be successful.”
-Wink Head Coach Brian Gibson
Drew Dickey
Senior
QB
Regents School of Austin
Private School
The Regents School Knights took care of business on Friday as they dominated St. Joseph Academy 63-6.
Most of the damage was done by Vanderbilt commit Drew Dickey. Dickey only played into the third quarter, but he certainly left his mark on the game in a near-perfect fashion. The senior QB was 10 of 13 passing with 256 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 46 yards with one touchdown.
“Drew is our team leader on and off the field. He is a great example to younger kids on how a student/athlete should conduct himself. He makes us all better coaches because of his ability to run and throw the ball at a high level.”
-Regents Head Coach Tim Phillips
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Chad Pharies
Senior
QB
Frenship High School
Class 6A
Senior quarterback Chad Pharies has carried Frenship’s offense this year with his ability to make big plays through the air and on the ground. That was the case last Friday when Pharies accounted for 498 total yards of offense and seven total touchdowns in the Tigers’ 63-41 shootout win over Odessa High.
Pharies completed 20 of 27 passes for 333 yards and five TD passes, while carrying the ball 15 times for 165 rushing yards and two rushing scores. Pharies’ 68-yard TD run was the game’s momentum changer in the third quarter. Pharies has been efficient this year, throwing 22 TD passes to only three interceptions. He also competes on the Tigers’ basketball and track & field teams.
“He means a lot to us. On top of being a great athlete, he’s just a really hard worker and a kid that has so much character and leadership, which I think really sets him apart from a lot of other people. He’s a very deserving kid of that award. I really like that he’s getting that award based on the effort and the work that he’s put in. He’s earned it. I’m proud of him and excited about what the future holds for him.”
-Frenship Head Coach Jay Northcutt
Damon Carrasco
Junior
RB
Caprock High School
Class 5A
Junior running back Damon Carrasco carried Amarillo Caprock into the postseason with his impressive performance last Friday. He had 34 rushing attempts for 271 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Longhorns to a 41-20 victory over rival Amarillo Palo Duro. Caprock also clinched a playoff berth. Carrasco helped Caprock overcome a 20-13 deficit in the third quarter by scoring three consecutive touchdowns that pushed the Longhorns to a 34-20 advantage. Carrasco is described as a high-effort player who pushes his teammates to match his energy. He also competes for the Caprock track & field program.
“He means a lot to our program. He’s one of the toughest kids that I have ever coached. He’s one of the hardest-working kids I have ever coached. He brings the fire and an intensity to our entire program. That’s something that we need to continue with.”
-Caprock Head Coach Dan Sherwood
Jackson Rainey
Senior
QB
Van High School
Class 4A
Jackson Rainey has put up solid numbers all season long for the Van Vandals, but his performance against Canton in a 55-54 win was one for the ages. Rainey missed on his first pass of the night, and then completed 17 in a row – finishing with 305 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 19 carries for 220 yards and three more scores. He had a hand in 520 of his team’s 570 yards in helping earn head coach Jared Moffatt his 100th career coaching win.
“What an unbelievable performance by Jackson in a huge district game with a close rival. We needed every completion and every yard to find a way to win Friday. Jackson is a tremendous athlete, and he is equally an outstanding young man.”
-Van Head Coach Jared Moffatt
Aydon Cox
Senior
WR
Pilot Point High School
Class 3A
Aydon Cox simply doesn’t come off the field for Pilot Point, and he simply couldn’t be stopped Friday night in a 56-28 win over Boyd. Cox caught 11 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns and returned a punt 70 yards for another score. Cox starts at receiver and defensive end while also serving as the Bearcats’ punter and return man.
“On some of his catches, he was wide open, but on others, he had two defenders on him. They jumped two feet, but he jumped three feet to grab the ball. He’s an unbelievable talent and very humble. Some kids like to talk about what they’re going to do. He just smiles because he knows what he’s going to do. He’s a freak of nature.”
-Pilot Point Head Coach Danny David
Steven Huff
Senior
RB/DB
Post High School
Class 2A
Senior 2-way player Steven Huff made his presence felt last week on both sides of the ball. The running back, defensive back helped propel the Antelopes to a 2-2 district record with a 48-30 victory over the Hale Center Owls.
Offensively Huff lead the way with 27 rushes for 333 yards scoring five touchdowns. Defensively he made five tackles (one solo) and six pass breakups helping the Antelopes secure their first win streak of the season.
“Steven is a great example of the word tough. He is physically and mentally tough and always gives a 100% to help make his team successful.”
-Post Head Coach Michael Pittman
Andrew Paul
Senior
RB
Dallas Parish Episcopal
Private School
Parish Episcopal rode senior running back Andrew Paul to a blowout victory over Fort Worth Nolan and the district championship. Paul totaled a career-high 396 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries in a 63-35 win. Parish Episcopal is gunning for a third consecutive state title in TAPPS Division I.
“The more he gets the ball, the more of a rhythm he gets in. He does get stronger as a game goes on.”
-Parish Episcopal Head Coach Daniel Novakov
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Ashton Dubose
Junior
QB
Brennan High School
Class 6A
Junior quarterback Ashton Dubose capped San Antonio Brennan’s 10-0 regular season with another sterling performance in a 56-23 victory against San Antonio Marshall, amassing 419 yards of total offense and accounting for seven touchdowns.
Dubose completed 15 of 22 passes for 282 yards and four TDs and rushed for 137 yards and three scores on only 10 carries. His scoring strikes covered 36, 53, 17, and three yards, and he ran for TDs of two, 64 and six yards. Dubose keyed a balanced Brennan offense that piled up 654 yards – 320 rushing and 334 passing. The Bears’ running game averaged 9.4 yards per carry.
In his second year as a full-time starter, Dubose has completed 137 of 221 passes for 2,420 yards and 35 TDs this season and has been intercepted only once. He has rushed for 675 yards and 11 TDs on 77 carries, averaging 8.65 yards per attempt. Dubose has passed for 4,640 yards and 65 TDs and rushed for 1,909 yards and 20 TDs since his freshman season, when he rotated at quarterback in the second half of the campaign.
Brennan has won six district championships and finished the regular season 10-0 four times since its first varsity campaign in 2010. The Bears, who won their second consecutive District 29-6A title this season, play Laredo United in a bi-district playoff game Friday night.
“Ashton checks all the boxes that you would want in your quarterback, on and off the field. That’s what makes him a special player. It’s always exciting when you’ve got a junior playing at an elite level. And it’s just not him being a great athlete. Yes, he’s a really good athlete. But he’s a quarterback who can read coverages, read defenses and he can run and throw, and he’s got poise and he’s a natural leader.”
-Brennan Head Coach Stephen Basore
Anthony Hill Jr.
Junior
LB
Billy Ryan High School
Class 5A
Denton Ryan needed a stop in the final minutes to hold off high-powered Frisco Lone Star. Junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. delivered. He forced a fumble that Ryan recovered at its own 19-yard line with 2:03 to play, and the Raiders prevailed, 7-6, to secure the district championship.
Hill made 18 tackles and added three quarterback pressures in Ryan’s signature defensive performance of the season. Lone Star had been averaging 50.4 points a game.
Davin Rider
Senior
RB/DB
Kilgore High School
Class 4A
Davin Rider was part of Kilgore’s team last season that lost twice to Lindale – once in the regular season and again four rounds deep in the playoffs. The Bulldog senior was determined a third straight loss wasn’t going to happen.
Rider stepped up his game on both sides of the ball in a 65-58 win, carrying 24 times for 319 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 12 tackles and two interceptions on the defensive side in a game that decided the District 9-4A Division I championship and sent Kilgore into the postseason with a 9-1 record.
“Davin is an excellent student, young man and football player. I am so proud of him and all of his teammates that have helped Davin and our team accomplish so much this season. Davin embodies the standards of Kilgore football. He is a selfless, tough leader with great character.”
Kilgore Head Coach Clint Fuller
Tanner Vaughn
Junior
QB
Scurry-Rosser High School
Class 3A
Scurry-Rosser will head into the playoffs on a major roll and with a red-hot quarterback in junior Tanner Vaughn.
Vaughn completed 17 of 23 passes for 336 yards and a school-record seven touchdowns in a 60-6 win over Mildred this past Friday. The 6-1, 195-pound junior has tossed 12 TD passes in the past two games, and the Wildcats outscored the final three opponents on the regular season schedule by a combined total of 158-6.
“Tanner has shown growth in many areas as a quarterback. His arm talent coupled with his ability to throw accurately while on the run are his two biggest strengths. I firmly believe his best football is in front of him. He is a fine young man who has a very bright future.”
-Scurry-Rosser Head Coach Jeff Cleveland
Jax Watts
Sophomore
QB/DB
Roscoe Collegiate High School
Class 2A
Last season was a disappointment for the Plowboys as they finished with just one win. This season is a different story. Under the leadership of sophomore Jax Watts, the Plowboys finished with a 9-1 record and the district 5-2A championship.
Jax was near perfect in a 61-0 lopsided affair against Hamlin. Watts completed 17 of 18 passes for 436 yards and six touchdowns. He also contributed on the defensive side of the ball with four tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception.
Watts has just over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns in four district games.
“Jax was extremely efficient and poised on Friday night. He has grown tremendously over this season and become a fantastic leader on the team. His work ethic is tremendous, and he really is a student of the game. Jax is one of the smartest players I have ever coached. He is never satisfied and is always looking for ways to improve himself and the team.”
-Roscoe Head Coach Jake Freeman
Joshua Rico
Junior
QB
Newman International Academy of Cedar Hill
Private School
Junior quarterback Joshua Rico had a near-perfect outing this past week as he completed 16 passes for 416 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Warriors scored 86 points and amassed 747 total yards behind the leadership of Rico, for the 86-14 victory over Founders Classical Academy.
Rico is a model student who volunteers within the community. He helps mentor and train future quarterbacks. Most importantly he is a leader who is loved by his teachers and classmates.
“If you look up the definition of hard work in the dictionary you would probably find a picture of Rico right next to it. Whether it’s practice, weight room, film or training, this kid is always trying to find ways to get better. There have been times that I have had to tell him that’s enough — you need to get some rest. That work ethic is one of the many things that makes Rico such a joy to coach.”
-Newman Head Coach Welton Johnson