PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Nash Rankin
Senior
QB
Stratford High School
Class 6A
Stratford High School’s starting Quarterback started his Senior year off right in a 46-22 win over Tomball. Nash Rankin accurately completed 17 of his 20 passes for 390 yards and a whopping 6 touchdowns. The sky is the limit for Nash and the Stratford Spartans. We all can’t wait to see what the Class 6A Built Ford Tough Player of the Week does next week.
Demonte Green
Senior
WR/DB
Newman Smith High School
Class 5A
Demonte Green was unstoppable in Newman Smith High School’s 43-42 win over Denton High School. In his Wide Receiver role, Green racked up 10 catches for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. His impact didn’t stop there, Green also came up with 3 interceptions as a Defensive Back. The Class 5A Built Ford Tough Player of the Week, Green, excels on both ends of the field and the Newman Smith Trojans needed him in this close win.
Luke Law
Junior
QB
Salado High School
Class 4A
Thanks to Quarterback Luke Law, the Salado Eagles opened the season with a big 53-17 win over Fredericksburg High School. He went 15-25 through the air, while adding 380 yards and 5 touchdowns to his impressive stat sheet. Salado’s new offense looks like a force to be reckoned with, especially with the Class 4A Built Ford Tough Player of the Week, Luke Law, at the helm.
JJ Acosta
Sophomore
QB
Taft High School
Class 3A
JJ Acosta started his season in historic fashion in a 47-13 victory over Skidmore-Tynan High School. He broke the school record for passing yards with 515, but he didn’t stop there. He added 30 completions and 5 touchdowns to the mix. Taft High School’s star Quarterback is off to a blazing start and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. JJ Acosta is the Class 3A Built Ford Tough Player of the week.
Ja’Tyrian Moore
Junior
QB
Tenaha School
Class 2A
Tenaha High School’s 50-38 win over West Sabine wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding play from Ja’Tyrian Moore. The Junior Quarterback used his legs to gain over 400 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. His arm also came into play to add another touchdown through the air. Moore, the Class 2A Built Ford Tough Player of the Week, and the Tigers, will look to keep the momentum going throughout the year.
Daniel Demery
Senior
Safety
Dallas Parrish Episcopal School
Private School
Dallas Parish Episcopal School’s standout safety, Daniel Demery, made all the right plays in the 24-17 win over Aledo. He finished with 7 tackles, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble. The game was tight throughout and could’ve gone in a completely different direction if not for Demery’s huge stops. Daniel Demery is the Private School Built Ford Tough Player of the Week for week 1.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Jaylien Jones
Senior
QB
Odessa High School
Class 6A
The Bronchos emerged as a high-powered offense last year, and Jones has continued the high production with his play in his first year as full-time starter. Jones completed 21 of 29 passes for 463 yards, a school-record five touchdown passes and no interceptions in Odessa’s 49-27 win over El Paso Americas. Jones also rushed six times for 34 times to lead the Bronchos to their first 2-0 start since 2018. Jones has dedicated himself to learning the offense and how to play the position under quarterbacks coach Matt Vinson and is seeing the results on the field.
“Jaylien has talent that you can’t coach from that standpoint. The uncoachable talent that he has is his arm. I know he can throw 60 (yards) at least. And he’s just a great runner. When you first see him, you don’t think he is or he’s real deceptive, but he’s elusive once he gets out in the open. What Coach Vinson has really helped him with is just understanding situations. Don’t force anything. If there’s nothing there, throw it out of bounds. Just that poise that you need from that standpoint of being a quarterback.”
-ODESSA HEAD COACH DUSTY ORTIZ
Micah Simpson
Senior
QB
Greenville High School
Class 5A
The plan this season was to move senior standout Micah Simpson from quarterback to the slot, with a little running back mixed in.
An illness to the projected starter forced a change of plans last week as the Greenville Lions prepared for a game against Frisco Liberty, but Simpson made sure the move paid huge dividends.
Simpson carried 34 times for 444 yards and six touchdowns to go along with three tackles and an interception on defense in the Lions’ 42-31 win over Liberty. Simpson’s big game helped the Lions bounce back from a season-opening loss and head into this week’s game with a 1-1 record.
“He (Simpson) has been a quarterback coming up through school, but we moved him this year so he could play the slot and a little running back as well as defensive back and kick returner. We put him back at quarterback on Tuesday and worked on some things we knew he could do. He’s a good kid, a good student and a multiple-sport athlete (track and basketball). He’s got a good feel for the game. We had a lot of starters out, and he just took over.
-GREENVILLE HEAD COACH DARREN DUKE
Elijah Huff
Senior
RB
Corpus Christi West Oso High School
Class 4A
After a hard-fought loss in week one, the West Oso bears bounced back in a huge way with a 55-14 victory over Corpus Christi John Paul. Led by Senior running back Elijah Huff who amassed 248 yards on just 14 carries. He scored average 20-plus yards every time he touched the ball and scored 6 touchdowns. The best part is he did this all in the first half as the Bears jumped out to a 48-7 lead, so the decision was made to rest him for the rest of the game.
“Elijah deserves everything that will come his way. He is an extremely humble young man who is hard working, coachable, and a team player. I am proud of the player he has become, but even more excited about the leadership he has provided. Elijah is someone who puts in a lot of work behind closed doors and is seeing it all come to fruition. I am excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for him.”
-WEST OSO HEAD COACH BRAD SMITHEY
Kyler Finney
Junior
QB
Winnsboro High School
Class 3A
In the past, teams have needed to figure out how to stop the run if they hoped to have success against the Winnsboro Red Raiders. Kyler Finney is making sure teams respect the pass now.
Finney did plenty of damage on the ground in a 62-37 win over Canton, rushing for 87 yards and two touchdowns, but his passing totals proved to be the difference in a shootout. Finney completed 28 of 37 passes for 533 yards and five touchdowns against Canton. A year ago, he passed for 1,123 yards (and rushed for 553) in 10 games.
Kyler is a multiple-sport athlete who also plays basketball and runs track. He’s an honor roll student who also coaches a youth football team.
“His goal is to play college football, and the position doesn’t matter to him. He’s a very hard worker that loves practice.”
-WINNSBORO HEAD COACH JOSH FINNEY
Brody Eaves
Senior
RB/DB
Carlisle High School
Class 2A
The Price Carlisle Indians are off to a 2-0 start to their 2022-23 campaign as they were victorious in a high-scoring affair again the Troup Tigers. The Indians won 66-47.
Led by senior running back and defensive back Brody Eaves. Eaves scored a total of six touchdowns against Troup, rushing 17 times for 272 yards and five touchdowns, catching two passes for 118 yards and a touchdown and returned a kick 90 yards for another score.
He also added three tackles and broke up a pass on the defensive side as the Indians improved to 2-0 on the young season.
“We have talked as a team about big time players stepping up and taking over a game in big time moments. Brody accepted the challenge. He definitely did that for us last Friday with a special performance that gave us a chance to come out with the win.”
-CARLISLE HEAD COACH CLAY BAKER
Stone Walker
Senior
QB
Northland Christian Schools
Private School
The Northland Christian Cougars are off to a 2-0 start this season led by 4-year varsity starter Stone Walker as they defeated the Frassati Catholic Falcons 31-19. Walker who started his high school career as a wide receiver led the Cougars with 8 of 16 passing for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also contributed with 6 carries for 98 yards and 1 touchdown.
According to his coach Walker brings great leadership and poise to the young Cougar offense that starts 5 new skill players. He is a pass first QB that has potential to hurt the defense with his legs as well.
Stone is an excellent student (3.9gpa) who has aspirations of playing Football at the College level. He currently has a number of D2 and FCS schools interested but is undecided on his college choice.”
-NORTHLAND CHRISTIAN HEAD COACH ERIC ALLEN
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Trey Wilson
Senior
LB
LD Bell High School
Class 6A
Friday nights in Texas are driven by long passes, inspiring runs and touchdowns, but sometimes it is all about the defense which is what happened this past week in Arlington as the L.D.Bell Blue Raiders defeated Sam Houston Texans 10-7.
In a game where every point mattered it wasn’t hard to see the impact of senior Linebacker Trey Wilson. Wilson dominated defensively with 24 tackles (14 solo), 1 tackle for a loss, 3 QB hurries and one forced fumble. Wilson helped make everyone on his team look better including the coaches with his performance.
“Trey is a unique combination of size, speed, and power. He has become the vocal & emotional leader of our defense and was selected by his teammates to be a team captain. Trey truly represents “The Raider Way” and what it means to be a student athlete at LD Bell High School.”
-D. BELL HEAD COACH TJ DIBBLE
Noah Long
Junior
RB
Liberty Hill High School
Class 5A
In an interview this summer, Noah Long described his goals for this season: rush for 2,500 yards, score 30 or more touchdowns and lead Liberty Hill to a second straight Class 5A Division II state title game.
So far, so good.
The 5-11, 185-pound junior running back rushed for 343 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 49-35 win over previously unbeaten Georgetown. Long scored on runs of 69, 23, 9, 10 and 44 yards, and through three games has rushed for 633 yards and nine touchdowns in Liberty Hill’s Slot-T attack.
Last year, he rushed for 2,008 yards and 29 touchdowns as a sophomore.
“All the little kids come up at games and say ‘Noah! Noah!’ and he’s going to give them his attention.” He’s worked extremely hard since last January to get where he is right now. His work ethic is impressive. He sets his goals and he’s going to find a way to reach those goals.”
-LIBERTY HILL HEAD COACH KENT WALKER
David Flores
Senior
QB
Lampasas High School
Class 4A
David Flores wasn’t expected to be the starting quarterback at Lampasas this season but a reoccurring knee injury to returning starter Dylan Sanchez opened up the door and he is taking advantage of the opportunity. The 5-10, 180-pound senior was given the keys to the offense on the first day of contact in August and it took him all but three games to tie a school record for the most touchdown passes in the single-game (7) set by Sanchez last season. And, Flores broke the school record for most passing yards in a game.
(473) set by former All-State quarterback Ace Whitehead who set the record in 2019. Lampasas head coach Troy Rogers said Flores is always ready to be the next man up.
“David moved to Lampasas before his junior year and played well for us as the starting quarterback on our JV team. He was ready during a playoff game last season when Dylan went down. So, it’s not surprising he has picked up right where he left off. He is getting better every week and there is a reason he is part of our Leadership Council.”
-LAMPASAS HEAD COACH TROY ROGERS
George Acosta
Senior
RB/LB
Aransas High School
Class 3A
Aransas Pass coach Justin Taylor was expecting George Acosta was going to be a big part of the game plan against Skidmore-Tynan last week. But as the game progressed, the Panthers found a weak spot in the Bobcats defense and it was Acosta who helped to exploit it.
“Midway through the first quarter, we found that the counter was really working for us,” Taylor said. “So, once we found that they didn’t have an answer for what we were doing in the run game, we just fed him the rock.”
Acosta carried the ball 35 times in a 40-34 come-from-behind victory against Skidmore-Tynan piling up 303 yards with six touchdowns.
While averaging better than 8 yards a carry, Taylor said Acosta had at least four runs of 40 yards or more in the victory. Plus, those runs helped to erase an early 28-6 deficit where the Panthers outscored the Bobcats 34-14 over the final three quarters. “He came back on the sidelines, and said, ‘Coach keep feeding me, keep feeding me,’” Taylor said.
The victory helped Aransas Pass break a 14-game losing streak that dated back to 2020.
Taylor said Acosta plays multiple sports for the Panthers, including basketball and runs track, and has also played baseball, and is one of the “top academic performers in his class,” Taylor said.
“It was a huge win and kind of lifted a weight off our back. This award is an individual award for George but it’s really a team award. Our o-line played well up front, receivers were working their tails off blocking down the field. I don’t know if AP has ever had this award before but it’s good for the school, good for the program and good for the community that we got that win.”
-ARANSAS HEAD COACH JUSTIN TAYLOR
Kanon Gibson
Senior
QB/Free Safety
Wink High School
Class 2A
Gibson seemed to do it all at Wink’s Wildcat Stadium last Friday except run the concession stand. On offense, Gibson completed 15 of 25 passes for 302 passing yards and three TD passes, while rushing eight times for 79 yards and three rushing touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 56-6 win over Alpine. He also threw a 2-point conversion pass. On defense, he made eight tackles, had one tackle for loss, one caused fumble and he returned an interception 35 yards. Gibson, the 2021 Built Ford Tough Player of the Year for Class 2A, is much more than a football player at Wink, as he’s the president of the school’s Future Farmers of America program, president of Wink’s National Honor Society, is the senior class president, competes in basketball, track and baseball, shows steers at stock shows and is currently ranked No. 2 in his class academically. The 3-0 Wildcats have high expectations after going 9-4 last season.
“He’s taken on a better leadership role. I think he’s kind of embraced the fact that he’s a senior. He’s playing more relaxed it seems like. He is playing more confidently. He knows he’s got a lot going as far as college visits and what his future holds but he’s also really enjoying it day by day here. I think he’s doing a good job of being a leader. That’s the one thing. I think his performance has really been steady for what we’ve seen over the last three years. He’s just taken on a more relaxed, confident leadership role this year.”
–WINK HEAD COACH BRIAN GIBSON
Gage Barrera
Senior
RB
St. Joseph High School
Private School
Victoria St. Joseph found themselves on the losing side in their matchup with Northland Christian, but it didn’t take away from the stellar performance of senior running back Gage Barrera who had 23 carries for 339 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Barrera is a tough runner who is hard to bring down and well poised to out-deliver his touchdowns from his junior year where he finished with 14 touchdowns. Barrera has already tallied 9 touchdowns three weeks into this season.
“Gage is an exceptional athlete. He does everything a next-level athlete should do. He works hard in the weight room both in and out of season. He goes just as hard at practice as he does in the game. He has a great head for the game and spends time on film and his playbook making sure he is the best player he can be. I have been very fortunate and thankful to have been able to coach him the past two years. He is a great student athlete, and he makes everyone around him better, and I believe great things are in store for him both in and out of football.”
–JOSEPH HEAD COACH JAMES DUPRIE
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Shay Smith
Junior
QB
Franklin High School
Class 6A
Franklin junior quarterback Shay Smith was nearly perfect in the Cougars’ 56-29 win over Americas in Week 4 of the Texas high school football season. Smith, who has led Franklin to a 3-1 (2-0 District 1-6A) start to the season, completed 24 of his 26 passes and totaled nearly 400 yards with five touchdowns (3 pass, 2 rush) in the win. Smith, who currently holds Division I offers from Texas Tech and UTEP, has already thrown for over 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, in addition to 320 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. He has the Cougars in the hunt for another district championship in 2022.
Kody Fuentes
Junior
QB
Barbers Hill High School
Class 5A
Kody accounted for all but one touchdown in the Eagles’ 28-27 overtime win over Crosby, throwing for three touchdowns (22 of 40 for 383 yards with three interceptions, two of them on tipped balls) and running for a score. He continues to impress coach Carl Abseck in his first year as a starter. Kody is a three-sport athlete, contributing to the varsity basketball team as a sophomore last year and qualifying for the regional track meet.
“He can throw any pass we need, and his accuracy and decision-making has been good this year.”
-BARBERS HILL HEAD COACH CARL ABSECK
Shastin Golden
Senior
RB
Davenport High School
Class 4A
Two undefeated teams took the field on Friday as the Davenport Wolves hosted the Lockhart Lions and the teams didn’t disappoint with a combined 104 points tallied.
The game was filled with great offensive performances, but none greater than that of senior running back Shastin Golden who amassed 372 yards on 30 carries. Golden also found the endzone 7 times and helped the Wolves remain undefeated with a 62-42 victory.
“Shastin is all business all the time. He shows up everyday on the field and in the classroom ready to work. Shastin is determined to always give his best in everything he does. He was named team captain this year and does an excellent job leading by example. We are truly blessed that Shastin is the Leader of Our Pack!”
-DAVENPORT HEAD COACH JD ZIMMERHANZEL
Dawson Pendergrass
Senior
RB
Mineola High School
Class 3A
When the Mineola Yellowjackets needed a big play on offense, defense or special teams, Dawson Pendergrass delivered during a Week 4 44-43 overtime victory against Bullard.
“Friday night’s game with Bullard was maybe the single best game I’ve ever witnessed by a high school player,” Mineola head coach Luke Blackwell said after watching his Senior standout rush for 311 yards, three touchdowns, catching four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, throw a touchdown pass and score the game-winning two-point conversion in OT. That 2-pointer came after Pendergrass blocked an extra point to send the game into extra time. Pendergrass also recorded five tackles, broke up three passes and returned an interception for a touchdown on the defensive side.
“Dawson’s stat line was unreal. The thing people don’t realize if they didn’t see the game was his determination to do whatever had to be done to help the team. When we had to block an extra point to give us a chance to go to OT, he got it done, and when we had to have the 2-point conversion to win, he wasn’t going to be stopped. He is a leader for us in the classroom, on the field and in the variety of ways he represents our program. We are all so proud of Dawson’s accomplishments and excited for his future.”
-MINEOLA HEAD COACH LUKE BLACKWELL
Armando Lujan
Sophomore
QB/DB
Sunray High School
Class 2A
Lujan has already emerged as one of the Panhandle’s top signal callers even though he still has 2 ½ years of high school football ahead of him. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 373 yards, four touchdown passes and one interception during the Bobcats’ 43-12 win over Stinnett West Texas last Friday. He also rushed four times for 18 yards and a score, while returning an interception for a 43-yard touchdown.
Lujan picked up the quarterback position as a freshman and through hard work has made considerable strides under the guidance of Sunray offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Caleb Harley. Lujan and a much-improved Bobcats offensive line have grown together, which has helped Sunray to a 3-1 start after the Bobcats went 4-7 last season. Last season the Sunray coaching staff just wanted Lujan to focus on the offensive side of the ball but he’s now an iron man player and has become one of the Bobcats’ best defenders.
“The remarkable thing about him is that he never played quarterback until last year. He’s a natural athlete. I think a lot of people would say before last year, ‘well, this kid is going to be a really good basketball player for you, coach. He won’t be a bad football player, but basketball is kind of his thing.’ He has just blossomed. He took to the position and don’t get me wrong, it’s taken a lot of work on his part and his position coach. Like I said, he’s blossomed, and it’s been a process that has been fun to watch because he is still improving. To think about where his ceiling could be is exciting.”
-SUNRAY HEAD COACH WES BOATMUN
Stephen Gill
Junior
QB
St. John’s School
Private School
First-year, junior quarterback Stephen Gill helped lead the St. John Mavericks to a 49-21over non-district opponent Second Baptist Eagles.
Gill, who is like an extension of the coach on the field, was near perfect as he completed 14 of 16 passes for 328 yards and 6 touchdowns. The passing game was full of big plays with the longest being an 84-yard touchdown to sophomore Cole Allen.
Gill and the Mavericks (3-1) now get set to take on Lutheran South Academy.
“Stephen is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached. His dedication during the off season is showing this fall. He has a talented roster around him that helps him be successful. The best is yet to come for Stephen.”
-JOHN’S HEAD COACH KEVIN VELTRI
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Tyler Hill
Senior
QB
(San Angelo) Central High School
Class 6A
Hill completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Ben Imler as time expired to lift the Bobcats to a rousing 63-61 win over Abilene Wylie. Hill broke out of the grasp of a Wylie pass rusher at midfield, scrambled back to his own 37 and then launched a Hail Mary from the 50-yard line to the 10 that was caught by Imler, who cut across the field to score the game-winner. Hill finished with 542 total yards of offense and accounted for seven total touchdowns.
He ran 23 times for 263 yards and four rushing TDs, while completing 18 of 26 passes for 279 yards, three TD passes and an interception. Central head coach Kevin Crane said he is proud of Hill and the resiliency his Bobcats (3-2) have shown during the five weeks of non-district play. Crane says Hill is a hard worker and is a fun personality who loves athletics and loves to be involved. He also runs the 200 meters and competes in the 800 relay and the mile relay for the Central track team. Crane calls Hill a true dual-threat quarterback.
“He has actually gotten better each week. He can really do it all. We’re glad he’s on our team. He’s a guy that we want to have the ball in his hands as much as possible. He kind of proved that on that last play the other night, breaking that tackle. I’m not really sure how he got that done but he broke that tackle and then made the throw. That was obviously an awesome play.”
–CENTRAL HEAD COACH KEVIN CRANE
Trever Ham
Junior
QB
Melissa High School
Class 5A
Trever Ham might have been the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week if he had played only the first half of Melissa’s 56-21 win over Terrell. The junior quarterback threw for 361 yards and seven touchdowns before the break. Ham’s final numbers in the rout? 15-of-21 for 433 yards and eight touchdowns. Ham and the Cardinals have won three in a row after an 0-2 start against powerhouses Argyle and China Spring.
“Trever just took what the defense gave him and ran with it. He had great protection and let his receivers play. He’s a true quarterback, and he’s an unbelievable leader. He’s the first one to compliment his teammates and the first one to raise the bar for his teammates.”
-MELISSA HEAD COACH MATT NALLY
Dre’lon Miller
Junior
WR
Silsbee High School
Class 4A
A top-rated recruiting prospect, Dre’lon boosted his already considerable profile in a 48-27 win over West Orange-Stark that ended the Mustangs’ 69-game district win streak. He had nine catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns and six carries for 131 yards and two scores, plus a sack on defense. Coach Randy Smith says Dre’Lon has the running skills of Adrian Peterson and the ball skills that reflect his status as a Class 4A all-state basketball player.
“He’s the real deal – high character, always smiling, very much a team guy. He’s an all-A student and is active in church and school service projects.”
-SILSBEE HEAD COACH RANDY SMITH
Hayden Baronet
Senior
QB
Brady High School
Class 3A
Baronet is willing to help the Bulldogs in whatever role is needed, whether it’s filling in at tight end on the PAT attempt or returning a kickoff. He contributed in many facets during Brady’s 47-27 win over Christoval last Friday by accounting for seven total touchdowns. He rushed 17 times for 179 yards and five rushing scores, while completing 18 of 29 passes for 231 yards and two touchdown passes. He also made an impact on defense with 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, an interception and a pass break-up.
Baronet is heavily involved in the Bulldog athletic program as an ace of the baseball’s pitching staff and as an accomplished track athlete on the sprint relay team. He also serves on Brady’s leadership council for athletics, which gives him an opportunity to mentor younger athletes and help them through some of the challenges they are facing in school and life. Coach Shay Easterwood says Baronet is a true competitor who isn’t fazed by taking a hard hit. He’s also known for delivering hits on defense, too.
“He’s just a great young man. He comes from a good family. He definitely leads by example. He is vocal when he needs to be, but he leads more by example and toughness than anything.”
-BRADY HEAD COACH SHAY EASTERWOOD
DJ McClelland
Senior
RB/LB
Granger High School
Class 2A
The Granger Lions (5-1) defeated the Bruni Badgers(2-3) 35-6 this week in a non-conference matchup that produced an incredible box score for senior 2-way player DJ McClelland.
McClelland scored 5 touchdowns on the night. 2 on offense as he carried the ball 9 times for 112 yards, 1 on defense as he returned an interception for 73 yards and finally 2 on special teams with kickoff returns for 85 and 82 yards. McClelland has amassed 19 touchdowns in the season.
“Throughout DJ’s football career, he has been the epitome of what a hardworking, dedicated, teammate in the Granger Lion Football program stands for. What DJ has and continues to accomplish on the field of play is remarkable, however, his leadership in the classroom and our community is one that cannot go unnoticed. We are so proud of what he has accomplished, and we look forward to what he and his teammates will do over the remainder of this season.”
-GRANGER HEAD COACH STEPHEN BROACH
Shandon King
Senior
QB
Bishop Dunne Catholic School
Private School
6’2” 180-pound senior quarterback Shandon King delivered a dominating performance this week as the Bishop Dunne Falcons defeated St. Puis X 40-6.
King hand in hand in every touchdown with 2 through the air and 4 on the ground. He finished with 8 completions for 86 yards. He also had 15 carries for 303 yards and averaged over 20 yards per carry.
Shandon is a unique talent and exceptional young man, who serves as an integral part of our unit here at Bishop Dunne. His play on Friday night served as an inspiration to the Bishop Dunne community and a true resemblance of the Falcon Elite.
-BISHOP DUNNE HEAD COACH NATHAN SLAUGHTER
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Jacob Gonzales
Senior
RB
Harlan High School
Class 6A
Called a “complete running back” by his coach, Gonzales was at the top of his game in San Antonio Harlan’s 59-31 victory against San Antonio Stevens. Gonzales rushed for 267 yards and six touchdowns on 24 carries, fueling an offense that piled up 551 yards, with 294 coming on the ground. A scoring threat any time he touches the ball, Gonzales averaged 11.1 yards per carry against Stevens and scored on runs of 12, 27, 9, 8, 51 and 10 yards.
Gonzales has built on the success he had as a junior last year to get off to a fast start this season. He has rushed for 935 yards and 12 TDs on 108 carries, and added 11 receptions for 200 yards and three scores. Gonzales also returns kicks and punts for the Hawks, who are 4-2 overall and 2-2 in District 29-6A. He helped Harlan make the playoffs last year, rushing for 1,299 yards and 17 TDs in 11 games. One of the Hawks’ best receivers, Gonzales also caught 33 passes for 374 yards and five TDs and scored another TD on a kickoff return. He was expected to play expensively as a sophomore in 2020, but he broke his collarbone in the opener and missed the rest of the season. After churning out nearly 950 yards in six games this year, Gonzales is on pace to top his rushing total from last year.
“Jacob is a good leader, but he’s a quiet leader. Sometimes you have kids who are very good and very local. He’s the kind of player who puts his head down and works. He’s always locked in. One of the things I always see is that when I’m talking, his eyes are always locked in. He just absorbs things. A big part of his story is that he has a brother who is autistic. He’s a student at our school, too. Jacob is always there to support him. When a college coach came by to talk with Jacob, the coach asked him, ‘Tell me why you want to play college football.’ His answer threw me back a little because, normally, kids say they have all these aspirations. Jacob’s thing was ‘I want to go to college because I want to get a good education, because I know that one day, I’m going to be the one that watches my brother. You talk about Jacob’s character, that’s his mindset at 18 years old. To me that’s who he is. Jacob is a great kid. He’s also an outstanding back, a complete back. He’s got the speed and quickness to get by people. He can make people miss, but whenever he needs to lower his shoulder and get the tough yards, he does that, too. He’s special. He has great hands, great vision. His vision is the one thing that stands out to me.”
-HARLAN HEAD COACH EDDIE SALAS
James Peoples
Junior
RB
Veterans Memorial High School
Class 5A
One of the top running backs in the San Antonio area, Peoples has rushed for 862 yards and 15 touchdowns in six games and is averaging 10.8 yards per carry. Peoples stepped up his pace considerably last Friday when he ran for 378 yards and five touchdowns, both school records, to help lead Veterans Memorial in a 49-42 victory against Lockhart in their District 13-5A Division II opener. Peoples, who averaged 13 yards per carry, keyed an offense that amassed 587 yards – 441 rushing and 146 passing. The Patriots averaged 9.59 yards per rushing attempt.
Peoples led Veterans Memorial in rushing last season, finishing with 1,056 yards and 13 TDS and averaging 8.3 yards per carry in 11 games. He also had eight receptions for 160 yards and two TDs. Peoples has four catches for 50 yards and one TD this year.
An honor-roll student who carries a 3.5 grade-point average in his core classes, Peoples already has received scholarship offers from hometown UTSA, Texas, TCU, SMU, Houston and Missouri. Stanford, Duke and Northwestern also have expressed interest, head coach Bobby Irvin said. An exemplary team player, Peoples turned the spotlight on his offensive line after his record-setting performance against Lockhart, asking Irvin to name center Cayden Richardson, guards Aiden Villado and Kyler Flores and tackles Eric Madrigal and Jayden Beale the team’s offensive players of the game.
“He came up and told me, ‘Coach, put the names of the offensive line up on the (bulletin) board. So, our starting offensive line was our offensive player of the week. James is a team guy. He understands that no matter how good he is, he can’t go out there and beat 11 guys by himself. He works really hard and is really versatile. He can run the ball downhill. He also has speed to run it around the edge. James has good vision in the hole. He has amazing hands, so we throw the ball to him a lot. He isn’t just a good player, you can line him up anywhere and he’ll know what to do. His football IQ is very high. We can do a lot of things with him. As far as the kind of kid he is, James leads by example. From a character standpoint, you can tell he has a good upbringing. His parents have done a good job of raising him and teaching him how to interact with people. He’s a yes-sir, no-sir kid. James is an impressive kid when you meet him. He looks you in the eye.”
-VETERANS MEMORIAL HEAD COACH BOBBY IRVIN
Javin Cash
Senior
LB
Canyon High School
Class 4A
The Eagles standout linebacker was called upon to start at quarterback with starter Derrek Clements and the backup both out with injuries. Cash, a seldom used fullback in goal line packages and a tight end in two tight-end sets, ran the Canyon offense out of a Wildcat formation, and shined with 16 carries for 128 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the Eagles’ 44-30 win over Andrews. Following a three-and-out to start the game on offense, Cash made a momentum-changing play on defense with a strip on the ball carrier and he scooped up the ball for a 41-yard fumble recovery return for a TD.
Cash also had an interception to seal the win on Andrews’ last drive. He finished with 16 tackles. Canyon head coach Todd Winfrey described Cash’s performance as amazing. Winfrey said the 6-0 Eagles beat an incredible Andrews team because of Cash’s efforts. Winfrey said at the start of the season, he told the media as “Javin goes, so goes our defense.” Winfrey said halfway through the season, offense can be added to that statement. Cash is a team captain and a member of the Eagles’ Leadership Council.
“All I know is what we means to our defense. It’s been incredible and this last week what he meant to our team was even more. I’m so proud of the way he stepped up. I’m so proud of the way he focused and approached practice. I’m so humbled because I have been here 21 years. As an assistant, we never won this award once. Now this is our second time in two years.”
-CANYON HEAD COACH TODD WINFREY
Camren Cavalier
Junior
QB
Canadian High School
Class 3A
Cavalier and the Class 3A Division II Wildcats amassed 701 yards of total offense during a 56-21 win over Canyon Randall, a Class 4A Division I program. Cavalier did it with both his arm and legs to account for six total touchdowns. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 369 yards and four touchdown passes, while rushing 15 times for 91 yards and two rushing TDs. Cavalier and the Wildcats climbed to a commanding 42-7 lead at halftime.
Canadian head coach Chris Koetting says Cavalier played great as a sophomore quarterback, but he has taken his play to another level due to his decision making, as he’s getting the ball in the hands of the team’s playmakers. Koetting describes Cavalier as a gym rat, as he mans the point guard position for the Wildcat basketball team, and he also competes in track & field and golf.
“He’s doing a tremendous job. He was a sophomore last year and he was learning the ropes about playing quarterback. He is really come on. He’s a dual-threat guy. He’s got over 1,000 yards passing. He’s making really good decisions as a quarterback. He’s a good runner and he’s a good thrower. He’s dangerous both ways. I’m glad he is our quarterback. He is a great kid, too. His dad (Andy) is our defensive coordinator. His whole family has been coaches. He’s been around it for a long time, so he knows what it’s all about.”
-CANADIAN HEAD COACH CHRIS KOETTING
Braylen Wortham
Sophomore
QB
Bremond High School
Class 2A
Bremond sophomore quarterback Braylen Wortham is experienced beyond his years, literally. Wortham’s 18th varsity start as a quarterback was perhaps his best yet in what should be many more to come. Wortham completed 14-17 passes for 276-yards and 5-TD’s and rushed for 228-yards on 19-carries and 2-TD’s during the Tigers 54-21 win against Windthorst.
“Braylen is a tough, intelligent and athletic kid who leads by example of working and playing hard. He’s an “A” student and was voted captain by his peers as a sophomore. And, he had a great game against Windthorst in leading our team to a win.”
-BREMOND HEAD COACH JEFF KASOWSKI
Luke Anderson
Senior
RB/LB
Fort Worth Christian
Private School
Luke Anderson wrote a new chapter in one of the most storied private school rivalries in Texas. The senior running back exploded for 241 yards and three touchdowns (all in the second half) on 17 carries in Fort Worth Christian’s 35-24 win over Dallas Christian. Anderson added 9 tackles and a pass breakup at linebacker. The Cardinals wrapped up non-district play at 5-0.
”He’s a Swiss Army knife. He can do anything. He’s so special and can take it the distance at any point in time.”
-FORT WORTH CHRISTIAN HEAD COACH NATE SANFORD
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Gavin Rutherford
Senior
QB
Cinco Ranch High School
Class 6A
QB Gavin Rutherford, Sr., Katy Cinco Ranch Gavin was on his game Friday against Katy Jordan, completing 16 of 22 with an interception for 448 yards and four touchdowns plus 57 yards and a running score in a 53-41 victory. For the year, he has 2,242 passing yards and 21 scores. The two-time team captain is committed to Stephen F. Austin and wins praise from coach Chris Dudley for on-field smarts and leadership.
“He’s good at reading defenses, and there isn’t a throw he can’t make. He has improved on the run game and can scramble, buy time and still deliver the ball on the money. He challenges his teammates and lifts others around him to play above their level. He’s also a three-year baseball starter and an honor roll student.”
-CINCO RANCH HEAD COACH CHRIS DUDLEY
Caleb Goodie
Senior
WR
Port Arthur Memorial High School
Class 5A
Caleb Goodie hasn’t been in the Lone Star State a long time, but the Breaux Bridge, Louisiana transfer is already feeling right at home. In a 54-34 shootout over La Porte, Goodie caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. While that would be a solid night for any receiver, the senior also made his presence felt on special teams returning a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns (95 and 80 yards).
Through a (6-0) start for Port Arthur Memorial, Goodie is the second-leading receiver in District 8-5A-DI with 621 yards and six touchdowns.
“Quiet, focused. High football IQ. Did I mention quiet? Been here ten months and still haven’t got more than five words at a time out of him! Didn’t even celebrate after his second kickoff return, but he can play!”
-PORT ARTHUR MEMORIAL HEAD COACH BRIAN MORGAN
Isaiah Ross
Senior
RB
Kilgore High School
Class 4A
Leaders do whatever it takes to help their team win.
Isaiah Ross took that leadership role to another level in Kilgore’s 49-35 win over Lindale, dominating on the offensive side of the ball and filling a big role on defense when called upon due to an injury situation.
Ross carried 23 times for 343 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Lindale for a Kilgore team that has won five in a row to improve to 5-2 on the year and 3-0 in district action. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in six of Kilgore’s seven games, and has carried 52 times for 697 yards and seven scores in three league outings.
On Friday, Ross also stepped in at inside linebacker and finished with three tackles and a fumble recovery.
“Isaiah is a selfless leader for our football team. Not only is he a great player on the field, but he is a great student and person off the field. Isaiah has had a tremendous year at running back and linebacker when needed.”
-KILGORE HEAD COACH CLINT FULLER
Chase Johnson
Sophomore
QB
Daingerfield High School
Class 3A
Sometimes it’s best to just throw young players into the fire and let them answer the questions.
Daingerfield sophomore signal caller Chase Johnson has done just that, and in a 73-6 win over New Diana he put to rest any worries Tiger fans might have about the future of the QB position by completing 15 of 31 passes for 338 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for 58 yards and two more scores.
Daingerfield head coach Davin Nelson isn’t surprised by the big game, because he’s seen it all season. “Chase has thrown for over 300 yards four times this year and has 22 passing touchdowns and only three interceptions as a sophomore,” Nelson said. “Going into the season a lot of people questioned my decision about him taking the helm, but in just his second game he went 14 for 26 with 403 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions so the doubts disappeared.”
Johnson and the Tigers are 4-2 overall and 2-0 in district play.
“He is a very respectful and fun-loving kid that loves the game. He will have a bright future, and I believe one that will be very long and fruitful.”
-DAINGERFIELD HEAD COACH DAVIN NELSON
Hunter Long
Senior
QB
Cisco High School
Class 2A
Long ran wild by carrying the ball 20 times for 338 rushing yards and five rushing TDs during Cisco’s 34-15 win over Olney in a District 4-2A Division I game. Long’s impressive night included an 85-yard scoring run. Long is lauded by head coach Kevin Stennett for his ability to throw the ball, but he says the team’s strength right now is running the football. The Loboes (6-1, 3-0) have built their I offense around Long. Long will run out of the shotgun, on bootlegs and quarterback powers.
Entering the season, Cisco’s inexperience at the offensive line was a question mark, but in short time, the unit has gelled and Long is seeing the benefit of its progress. Stennett says Long gives all the credit to his offensive line when he receives recognition and accolades. Long is described by Stennett as a lead-by-example type who is quiet, and he has been successful on the gridiron because he works his tail off in the Loboes’ offseason program. He also competes in track & field.
“He’s everything for us. He has started since he was a sophomore at quarterback. I don’t know what we’re going to do without him next year. We’re very proud of him and all the progress he’s made. Just really proud of what he does here and everything that he means to our program.”
–CISCO HEAD COACH KEVIN STENNETT
Andre Williams
Senior
RB
Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School
Private School
Andre Williams carried the load for T.K. Gorman on the field in a 50-6 win on Friday, but Crusaders head coach Daryl Hayes isn’t surprised since he sees his senior standout shine on and off the field on a regular basis.
On the field, he’s a terror for opposing teams, and Mercy Prep was the victim of his 27-carry, 329-yard, five-touchdown night the past Friday.
Friday’s win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Crusaders, who are now 2-4 overall and 1-2 in district play.
“Andre is a great citizen. He’s a hard worker in the classroom and has all A’s and B’s at Bishop Gorman – Tyler’s most academically rigorous school. He’s a tough runner with great vision. He broke 1,000 yards for the season on 99 carries, and his five touchdowns gave him 11 on the season. …so far.”
-BISHOP T.K. GORMAN HEAD COACH DARYL HAYES
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Esus Robledo
Junior
LB
Midland Legacy High School
Class 6A
Robledo made a name for himself by stepping up in one of the state’s great rivalry games. He had 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, a fumble recovery and he tackled a ball carrier in the end zone for a safety to propel the Rebels to a 33-25 win over unbeaten Odessa Permian during a District 2-6A game at Odessa’s famed Ratliff Stadium. Robledo and Legacy rallied from an 18-9 halftime deficit by holding the Panthers to only 86 total yards of offense in the second half. Robledo and the Rebel defense laid down the hammer by holding the Permian offense to three plays or less in its final three possessions.
Robledo and the Rebels snapped a rare three-game losing streak with a comeback victory over their archrivals. Legacy also won a road game against Permian for the first time since 2010, and the Rebels beat the Panthers in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2004-05. Legacy head coach Clint Hartman said Robledo came up big in a lively atmosphere during a back-and-forth defensive battle. Hartman said Robledo also saved another long play by making an open-field tackle from behind on one of Permian’s top playmakers.
“We put a lot of strain on him. He has to check all the fronts as the middle linebacker. I think what I am most happy about is his growth. He was a good JV linebacker last year and we thought he had a chance to be a really good football player. But really his summer working up to this – lifting weights every day, running, not missing workouts – that’s where the good stuff comes for kids like that. My biggest payback is his growth. Seeing him grow each week and get better. I’m very proud of him. And then we get him back next year too since he’s a junior.”
-MIDLAND LEGACY HEAD COACH CLINT HARTMAN
Karomo Collins
Senior
RB/WR
Plainview High School
Class 5A
Collins doesn’t have a defined position on the Bulldogs’ official football roster, as he’s listed as an athlete under the position category. Collins plays pretty close to an equal number of snaps between running back, outside receiver and slot receiver, and even plays on special teams and on defense. That versatility was on display when Collins had 452 total yards from scrimmage and scored six touchdowns to lift Plainview to a 62-19 win over Lubbock High in a District 2-5A Division II game. He had 13 carries for 169 yards and three TDs, while catching 10 passes for 283 yards and three scores to help the Bulldogs snap a 16-game losing streak in district play that dated back to 2018.
Plainview head coach Johnathon Haddock says what makes Collins even more special is his intelligence, as he can process a lot of information and handle the mental load of playing multiple positions. Haddock says Collins should not only be recognized as an athlete, but for his contributions to the Plainview community as a person and his work as a student in the classroom.
“What he does on the field, he does off the field as well. He’s just a well-rounded athlete. He’s a student-athlete. We ask him to do a lot of different things. Obviously, line up in the backfield and play receiver and play on special teams and everything else. He does it all. He does it with a smile and he does it with a ‘yes, sir.’ It’s pretty impressive.”
-PLAINVIEW HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JOHNATHON HADDOCK
Tyson Berry
Senior
WR/DB
Chapel Hill High School
Class 4A
Tyson Berry had a good season all in one night, and the Chapel Hill Bulldogs are back in the conversation as one of the top teams in Class 4A.
Berry scored six touchdowns in a 79-45 win over Lindale, and he found the end zone in a variety of ways. The senior standout, who has given a verbal pledge to San Diego State, caught three passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, carried four times for 92 yards and three scores and returned two kickoffs the distance.
“His performance Friday night with six total touchdowns is a testament to his hard work and dedication,” Chapel Hill head coach Thomas Sitton said. “He scored catching, rushing and returning. Four hundred yards and six touchdowns is a season stat line for many.”
It’s what Sitton has come to expect from Berry, who has been a big part of the program for four years and is a big reason the team has overcome an 0-2 start to sit at 5-2 overall and 3-0 in the district while averaging 58.4 points per contest during the current five-game winning streak.
“Tyson is a great kid and has been a four-year starter for us. He was selected as the newcomer of the year in the district for basketball and football as a freshman. He has been a leader in all four years and has been a consistent playmaker for us in all of those years. He also does a lot in the community as he helps as a coach for Little Dribblers, works football camps and volunteers at any event we have.”
-CHAPEL HILL HEAD COACH JEFF RIORDAN
Tyler Hawkins
Senior
OL/DL
DeKalb High School
Class 3A
The De Kalb Bears rolled up huge yardage on offense and pitched a shutout on defense in a Week 8 victory, and Tyler Hawkins was right in the middle of the action on both sides of the ball.
Hawkins graded out at 98 percent with 12 knockdowns and four pancakes for an offense that rushed for more than 500 yards. On the defensive side, he recorded nine tackles and had a touchdown-saving stop to preserve the shutout for the Bears.
“Tyler is a great young man and a fantastic leader on and off the field,” De Kalb head coach Buddy Griffin said. “He is a force in our offensive and defensive lines. At 6-4, 235 pounds, he is very mobile and excels on both sides of the ball.”
The Bears piled up 519 rushing yards on just 28 carries. The clean slate on defense was the first of the year for that group.
“He consistently grades out in the 90% range, and racks up numerous knockdowns and pancake blocks. Defensively, he helps anchor the middle of our line and is able to make tackles all over the field. He is totally committed to our football program and our team goals that we want to achieve.”
-DEKALB HEAD COACH BUDDY GRIFFIN
Terry Bussey
Junior
QB/DB
Timpson High School
Class 2A
Timpson head coach Kerry Therwhanger has grown accustomed to seeing remarkable feats from junior standout Terry Bussey. With an average margin of victory of nearly 40 points per game, the coach and fans are usually treated only to a quick glimpse of what Bussey can do.
A Week 8, 70-8 win over West Sabine was one of those games. In a little more than a half of action, Bussey completed 6 of 8 passes for 149 yards and four touchdowns, carried four times for 114 yards and two scores, recorded six tackles and returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown.
“Terry is the kind of student/athlete every coach hopes they all would be,” Therwhanger said. “Humble with a great work ethic, an outstanding leader on and off the field and a straight-A student.”
In seven games, Bussey has more than 1,000 rushing yards, more than 1,000 passing yards and 37 total touchdowns, doing it all while rarely seeing the field after halftime for the 7-0, No. 1 ranked Bears.
-TIMPSON HEAD COACH KERRY THERWHANGER
Alijah Cason
Junior
WR
First Baptist Academy
Private School
Alijah Cason was the ultimate chess piece First Baptist Academy moved all over the board to rally for a 50-49 overtime win against Weatherford Christian. The junior starts at receiver and defensive back, and Cason caught five passes for 155 yards and a touchdown in the first half. But after the Saints’ starting and backup quarterbacks were injured, Cason lined up behind center in the second half. He was 10 of 12 for 209 yards and three touchdowns and added 66 yards and two scores on 15 carries. Cason also ran in three two-point conversions and made eight tackles (two for loss) and broke up a pass on defense. Cason punctuated a comeback from down 35-7 with the game-winning two-point conversion in overtime.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen one individual single-handedly take over a game in that way. He willed our team to claw back and win that game. I just had a gut feeling we would win in overtime. When we scored in OT, he said, ‘Coach, let’s go for two and win it here.’ We did, and he ran it in.”
-FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY HEAD COACH JASON LOVVORN
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Armstrong Nnodim
Junior
DE
Horn High School
Class 6A
Last week Mesquite Horn’s Armstrong Nnodim had a game most defensive linemen can only dream of. The junior stuffed the stat sheet and wrecked the game plan of Rockwall-Heath with 9 tackles, 7 ½ for loss, four sacks, three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and the game-clinching pick six in a 25-14 win. Horn has secured a spot in the 6A Division I playoffs after posting three consecutive losing seasons.
“Armstrong is getting better every week. He plays every snap so hard. That’s what helps him out. He plays 100 miles per hour. And he’s very strong. His physicality is what stood out.”
-MESQUITE HORN HEAD COACH COURTNEY ALLEN
Cameron Dickey
Junior
QB/S
Austin Crockett High School
Class 5A
Junior 2-way player Cameron Dickey put on an incredible performance this past week as he led the Cougars to a 4-1 district record. He rushed 8 times for 259 yards and 6 touchdowns. He completed 7 of 9 pass attempts for 2 touchdowns and picked off one pass for a pick six. He accounted for 9 scores and helped his team stay in the hunt for a district championship.
“When Cam came to Austin Crockett High School in his 9th-grade year, he had to wait to play on varsity until on his UIL waiver was approved. It took 4 weeks into the Covid season for UIL to approve his varsity play. During that time, he never missed practice, never complained, and was an example for the entire program. The Seniors were more upset about the wait than he was. When I got the email that he was approved to play, I knew he would be excited. So, after practice, I gathered the team together and reminded them of how he handled the wait, with maturity and grace. I pulled out the helmet stickers from behind my back and said, “Cam, Welcome to Varsity!!” The team started yelling and clapping, he got emotional briefly during that moment, because being on Varsity meant something special to him. Cameron is the type of student-athlete that takes pride in everything he does and doing things correctly.”
-CROCKETT HEAD COACH DARRICK NORTON
Kiefer Sibley
Junior
RB
Connally High School
Class 4A
Kiefer Sibley was (Waco) Connally’s leading tackler on defense as a starting linebacker in 2021, he was also backup running back. Everything changed in 2022 as Sibley continues putting up eye-opening stats with 1,542-yards rushing and 20 TD’s through 8-games with a massive chunk of the yards and TD’s coming on Friday in the Cadets’ 56-35 win against Salado. Sibley carried the ball only 14-times but broke the school record with 426-yards and 7 TD’s in the victory. One final note, Sibley is also the Cadets’ kick returner and punter.
“Honestly, I didn’t think Kiefer had carried the ball enough at halftime and told our coaches he needs more touches, but I also realized his value and we shut him down in the 3rd-quarter. Two of Sibley 7-TD’s were 93 and 98-yards. He tries to outwork his teammates every day and most days he is successful at doing that and he never gets too high or too low. And despite all the success and attention he is receiving this season, Kiefer remains such a humble young man.”
–CONNALLY HEAD COACH TERRY GERIK
Bryson Washington
Senior
RB
Franklin High School
Class 3A
Franklin High made an emphatic statement beating Lorena 49-35 in a battle of the defending state champions in Class 3-A. The Lions were led by all-state running back Bryson Washington who ran for 308-yards on 26-carries and scored 6-TD’s on offense while recording five tackles and causing a fumble on defense. Franklin head coach Mark Fannin said the Lions are used to Washington coming up big when they need him to deliver, “It’s nice to have him in your backfield in big-time games and Bryson had a great game against a very good Lorena team.” Fannin added, “Not only does he carry the football, but his blocking ability is outstanding.” Fannin raved about the Baylor commit as a teammate and student.
“Bryson is one of the most selfless players I have ever coached and a great leader for this team. He is not only a special athlete, but a great young man and I couldn’t be more proud of him. Bryson loves the game, and it shows each and every Friday night.”
–FRANKLIN HEAD COACH MARK FANNIN
Darian De LaRose
Senior
RB/LB
Bovina High School
Class 2A
The Bovina Mustangs defeated the Hale Center Owls 32-14 and have put themselves in position to make a run at the district championship. This wouldn’t be possible without the impressive performance of 2-way player senior Darian De La Rose. De La Rose filled the stat sheet this week with 31 rushes for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns and 11 solo tackles, 4 assists, 1 pass break-up, 1 interception and believe it or not a fumble recovery for a 46-yard touchdown.
“Darian has been a major part of our success on the field the past four years. He has been a two-way starter since his freshman year and has grown into an outstanding leader both on and off the field.”
–BOVINA HEAD COACH COBY EMERY
Triton Moore
Junior
DL/OL
Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School
Private School
Junior 2-way lineman Triton Moore isn’t a guy who is going to be the lead story with flashy highlights and long touchdown runs, but he is the type of guy that the other team must account for. And sometimes, even when you gameplan around an individual, their skill and drive allow them to still make a huge impact on the game. This is exactly what Moore did this week as Bishop Reicher fell to Bishop Gorman 30-29. Moore was a force to be reckoned with as he secured 12 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. He also was vital to the offense as he dominated at his guard position.
“Triton is a leader on and off the field, he is a we over me guy with a motor that shows it. Triton is a great teammate and gives his all to the program.”
-BISHOP REICHER HEAD COACH BILLY OVERSHOWN
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Caden Durham
Junior
RB
Duncanville High School
Class 6A
Caden Durham won a state championship in the spring as part of Duncanville’s 4×100-meter relay team. Durham used that speed to help the Panthers storm past rival DeSoto and claim the District 11-6A championship. The junior running back carried 19 times for 309 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-17 rout. Durham’s touchdowns covered 92, 86, 54, 10, and 2 yards.
”He has great vision, first of all. He sees the hole and then accelerates through it. That’s a trait of a good back, and he practices like that every day.”
-DUNCANVILLE HEAD COACH REGINALD SAMPLES
DeCarlton Wilson
Senior
WR/DB
Whitehouse High School
Class 5A
As his team’s leading receiver, DeCarlton Wilson doesn’t get many snaps on the defensive side of the ball. He only needed a few chances on defense Friday to help seal a big win for his team.
Wilson, who caught seven passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns, picked off a pass in the final minute of the game as Whitehouse survived a 32-27 win over previously unbeaten Texas High.
Wilson has 47 catches for 897 yards and 11 touchdowns, and in his few snaps on defense he has recorded two interceptions. His interception Friday came after his team had taken a five-point lead – the eighth lead change of the game.
Whitehouse’s win snapped a 21-game district winning streak by Texas High.
“DeCarlton is a high character, high energy kid who just loves to compete. Because of his competitiveness and his athletic ability, he has been playing both sides of the ball in certain personnel packages – receiver and corner.”
-WHITEHOUSE HEAD COACH KYLE WESTERBERG
Cardea Collier
Sophomore
QB/DB
Alvarado High School
Class 4A
The Alvarado Indians (4-5, 1-2) defeated the Stephenville Yellow Jackets (7-2, 1-2) 50 – 49 this week. It was a big win for the school and an even bigger night for Sophomore QB Cardea Collier who tallied 3 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing touchdowns.
His final stats were even more impressive as he completed 19 of 32 passes for 301 yards. He also carried the ball 17 times for 127 yards including a 75-yard run.
“Cardea is a student/athlete that comes along very rarely. He has all the intangibles. He’s a captain and leader as a sophomore. Cardea has the mental and physical tools that enable him to be an elite QB. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to coach such an elite athlete and even better person.”
-ALVARADO HEAD COACH CASEY WALRAVEN
Kason English
Senior
WR/DB
Grandview High School
Class 3A
The Grandview Zebras needed a bounce-back win after their 38-21 loss to West a week ago and they got one thanks to senior Kason English who provided a great deal of the production on both sides of the ball as the Zebras rolled to 41-7 victory against Whitney. The 5-11, 185 senior “Jack of All Trades” finished the game with 12-carries for 93-yards, 1-TD, 1-catch for 70-yards that was a TD, 3-Tackles, 2-Interceptions, 3-Caused Fumbles, 2-Fumble Recoveries including one he returned for a TD during the win. According to Zebras head coach Ryan Ebner this is what Kason has been doing as a four-year varsity player.
“Kason is an unbelievable athlete who can do a lot of different things as an outstanding wide receiver to playing cornerback for us as well and a kick and punt return guy. This past Friday with the weather being bad we needed Kason to play quarterback for us because of the conditions and he didn’t hesitate to take on that responsibility and he was fantastic on defense and had perhaps one of the best games I’ve ever seen during his career and there have been many. Kason is not only a great football player but an outstanding student-athletes who leads by example and always has a smile on his face.”
-GRANDVIEW HEAD COACH RYAN EBNER
Matthew Rosas
Senior
RB/LB
McCamey High School
Class 2A
The versatile Rosas excelled in all three phases during McCamey’s 35-12 home win over Eldorado in District 5-2A Division II play on Oct. 28.
On offense filling in for the Badgers’ injured starter at quarterback, Rosas had 22 rushing attempts for 275 yards and three rushing TDs, while completing 2 of 4 passes for 19 yards.
As a defender, he recorded 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass break up, one interception, two forced fumbles and a quarterback pressure.
He even made an impact on special teams by blocking a PAT, kicking a PAT, scoring on a 2-point conversion and returning a punt 13 yards.
This season Rosas has lined up at quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense, free safety and linebacker on defense and performed kicking duties and return man duties on special teams for the Badgers (7-2, 4-1).
Badgers head coach Michael Woodard said Rosas is a big part of the team’s game plan each week on both offense and defense.
Woodard said the McCamey blockers, from the offensive line to the running backs and receivers, did a tremendous job opening holes for Rosas on his stellar night against Eldorado. Woodard also said Rosas was able to make plays on defense because of unselfish play from his teammates, who took on blocks to enable him to run freely to the ball carrier.
Rosas carries a 3.92 grade point average, has shined on the McCamey track team as both a long jumper and sprinter and the varsity basketball player spends his off time coaching a youth basketball team.
“He’s a leader. He is an extremely hard worker, and he encourages those around him, and he makes them better.”
-MCCAMEY HEAD COACH MICHAEL WOODARD
Donte Lewis
Junior
QB
St. Thomas High School
Private School
Junior QB Donte Lewis helped lead the undefeated St. Thomas Catholic Eagles to a 9-0 record as they defeated St. Pius X by a score of 49-24.
Lewis got off to a bit of a slow start with an early redzone interception but then took over the game and was instrumental in running an efficient offensive attack as he completed 10 -18 passes for 218 yards and 1 touchdown. He also had 8 carries for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The win sets up a great final game as St. Thomas takes on Antonian Prep for the district championship.
“Donte has improved each week running the offense for us. His speed and arm strength are elite. He is a positive kid that has been a true joy to coach.”
-THOMAS HEAD COACH RICH MCGUIRE
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Quinten Joyner
Senior
RB/LB
Manor Senior High School
Class 6A
It’s easy to classify Quinten Joyner’s final regular-season game as a big-time performance in a big-time game being played in big-time circumstances, but yeah, that’s what it was.
The Manor running back rushed for 350 yards and four touchdowns in his team’s 45-10 win over Round Rock Stony Point on Nov. 4. A playoff spot out of District 25-6A was on the line and it was the final regular-season game for Joyner, who has committed to USC.
The 5-foot-10, 210-pound back broke touchdown runs of 85 and 90 yards and outdueled Stony Point’s Cameron Cook, a TCU pledge who rushed for 114 yards. Joyner, who had a 404-yard performance last year, has more than 4,800 career yards and 63 touchdowns heading into the Class 6A playoffs.
Tyvonn Byars
Sophomore
RB
Lake Creek High School
Class 5A
Coach Pat Kennedy says Tyvonn, who carried 33 times for 356 yards and four touchdowns in a 54-42 win over Brenham that wrapped up a 10-0 regular-season finish for Lake Creek, is the best player in the school’s five-year history and one of the five best players that he’s seen in his 30-year coaching career.
“He’s durable, fast, a hard runner, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s a defensive coach’s nightmare. For the year, he has 1,947 yards and 32 TDs. An A-B student, Tyvonn is an awesome kid and awesome teammate. The kids love him, and he’s a great kid to have on your team.”
-LAKE CREEK HEAD COACH PAT KENNEDY
Hudson White
Senior
QB
Glen Rose High School
Class 4A
Glen Rose senior quarterback Hudson White and his teammates have never experienced a district loss during his four years in high school and in fact the program has won 31 consecutive district games and seven consecutive district titles. White made sure that streak stayed alive with a phenomenal performance in a 56-27 victory against Ferris. White, who is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback passed for a career-high 340-yards and accounted for eight touchdowns, four passing and four rushing while adding 188-yards on 22-carries. Tigers head coach Cliff Watkins said this was a special night.
“Hudson is throwing the ball better than he ever has and last week he was fitting the ball into tight windows and we had some receivers make great plays too. Hudson always seems to play his best in our biggest games. Hudson is a team captain and one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around and he is a great student that is involved in a lot of different organizations and fun young man to coach.”
-GLEN ROSE HEAD COACH CLIFF WATKINS
Jimmie Harper
Senior
LB/WR
West Rusk High School
Class 3A
Jimmie Harper never came off the field in a Week 11 win over Edgewood that helped clinch the district championship for West Rusk. And, the senior standout wasn’t just out there to be seen.
Harper, who moved from running back to receiver this season, had four catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, but also did major damage on the defensive side with 21 tackles (15 solo), three tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, a quarterback pressure and an interception.
“With all of our injuries, Jimmie never came off the field. He is a big part of our special teams, and ended up blocking a PAT – a small stat people overlook, but when most young men are standing around there, Jimmie goes all out. When approached this year about playing receiver, he never questioned us about it. He jumped right in where he needed to help the team. He is one of the most gifted athletes you will ever see. We have yet to find what Jimmie can’t do.”
-WEST RUSK HEAD COACH NICK HARRISON
Jaime Buitron
Junior
QB/FS
Sonora High School
Class 2A
Buitron carried the Broncos on his back at times with a share of the District 3-2A Division I at stake in the regular season finale. Buitron shined on offense, defense and special teams to lift Sonora to a 48-21 victory over Forsan, which clinched the No. 1 playoff seed for the Broncos as they needed to win by 11 points or more to secure the top seed. On offense, he carried the ball 26 times for 235 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while completing 9 of 17 passes for 178 yards and two TD passes.
At safety, he registered 10 total tackles, a tackle for loss and two sacks. He also had two punts for 91 yards, which included one that was pinned inside the 20-yard line. The do-it-all Buitron also kicks off and returns punts for the Broncos (8-2, 4-1), who are set to face Olney in the bi-district round of the playoffs. Sonora head coach Blake Weston says Buitron is the team’s leader on both sides of the ball. Buitron took home a silver medal last spring, as he was a part of the Bronco mile relay team that finished second at the UIL Class 3A state track & field meet.
“He’s just lightning in a bottle. He’s just a special athlete on the football field and really everything that he does. He was on our track team last year. He plays baseball. He’s a great baseball player. He’s lightning in a bottle, man. He has big-play capability and he’s very unselfish, too. We’ve had a lot of teams try to take him away this year and he’s very unselfish and facilitates the ball and gets it to other people when they are taking him away. That’s huge for a junior. To do that, he’s a very unselfish football player.”
-SONORA HEAD COACH BLAKE WESTON
Ethan Gallegos
Senior
QB
St. Joseph Academy
Private School
Ethan Gallegos saved his best for last. In the Bloodhounds’ regular-season finale Friday, Gallegos proved why he is the team’s leader as he led St. Joseph to a 60-50 shootout victory in grand fashion by scoring 8 touchdowns.
Through the air, Gallegos completed 31 passes on 44 attempts for a season-high 359 yards and a season-tying 5 touchdowns. But that wasn’t enough for the senior signal caller who transferred from Weslaco High School mi as he also toted the rock 27 times for 154 yards and another 3 TDs Gallegos helped the Hounds pile up a 572-yard offensive performance as the Bloodhounds finished the regular season at 8-2 overall and 6-1 in TAPPS D-II District 3 play.
“This past Friday he did a good job of controlling the football and was outstanding with his arm and when we needed him to use his legs he delivered as well. We are very fortunate to have this former Panther from Weslaco come to Brownsville and become a lifelong Bloodhound. We are grateful for him and lucky to have him.”
-JOSEPH ACADEMY HEAD COACH TINO VILLARREAL