Coach Taniesha Rogers has built Cypress Springs into a Houston super-power over the past few seasons.
Led by national recruit Ayla McDowell and her running-mates Jemini Mitchell and Ma’riya Vincent, the Panthers are the talk of Houston girls basketball.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with Coach Rogers to talk about the program build-out and her talented lineup.
VYPE's Matt Malatesta and Jackson DiPasquale talk about the pivotal Round 3 playoff matchups happening in the Greater Houston-area in this week's episode of "On My Whistle".
Who will be the biggest story the weekend? Who will make a Regional appearance?
It's going to be a weekend, so check out the predictions and can't-miss games.
Thanksgiving week is a monumental time in Texas high school football, as only the top teams get to continue their playoff journey. Here's a look at some key matchups in Classes 5A, 4A, and 3A, with insights and predictions:
Randle vs. Brenham (5A Regional Semifinal)
Randle, under HC Brian Randle, is a juggernaut this season with a 12-0 record, including dominant playoff wins. Facing Brenham (11-1), fresh off a tight win over Liberty Hill, presents their toughest test yet.
Keys to Victory:
Randle: The Lions rely on their dynamic backfield with QB Keilan Sweeny and 5-star RB Landen Williams-Callis, who averages nearly 143 yards per game. Defensively, Texas A&M commit Chase Sims and DB Sh’Rhod Revis are key to containing Brenham’s ground game.
Brenham: RB Jacoby “Man Child” Dixon, averaging 187 yards per game, must shoulder the offensive load against a fierce Randle defense.
Prediction: Randle’s defensive dominance and Callis’ big game propel the Lions to a 14-point win.
Angleton
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FB Marshall vs. Iowa Colony (5A Regional Semifinal)
Iowa Colony (22-2 over two years) meets a familiar foe in FB Marshall, a rematch from earlier this season where the Pioneers triumphed.
Keys to Victory:
Iowa Colony: Sophomore QB Carson White must distribute the ball effectively to playmakers like Jayden Warren. RB Aaron Tenner adds explosiveness on the ground, while Baylor commit Chris Johnson anchors the defensive line.
Marshall: QB KK Johnson will look to his standout WRs Ja’kayden Ferguson and Andre Feast for big plays. Defensively, Texas commit Caleb Chester leads a secondary tasked with containing Iowa Colony’s versatile offense.
Prediction: Iowa Colony edges out Marshall late to move to the Regional Final.
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Bay City vs. Calallen (4A Regional Semifinal)
Bay City hadn’t won a district championship in almost two decades until this year where the Blackcats won the district out right. Posting an 11-1 record on the year, the Blackcats are on a mission to make it to Jerry’s world as one of the most slept on teams in 4A texas high school football. They play Calallen this week, and will need a big game from Sr. QB Alex Estrada who has thrown for 3,155 yards this year. Expect Estrada to get the ball to big play threat Sr. WR Xylan Williams to help open up the run game with Sr. RB Jada Andrews.
Prediction: Bay City continues its dream season, beating Calallen by 17.
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Other Predictions in 5A, 4A, and 3A:
Angleton vs. College Station: Angleton wins a high-scoring thriller.
A&M Consolidated vs. La Porte: Consolidated remains unbeaten with a narrow victory.
Chapel Hill vs. Stafford: Chapel Hill’s potent rushing attack overwhelms Stafford.
Hitchcock vs. Franklin: Hitchcock stuns Franklin in an upset.
Columbus vs. Yoakum: Columbus powers through for a rematch with Hitchcock.
These games highlight the best of Texas high school football, with Thanksgiving week showcasing the grit and skill of the state’s top programs. Stay tuned as teams fight for a spot in the Regional Finals and beyond!
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After back-to-back Regional Final appearances, the Fort Bend Marshall Buffs (35-3; 14-0 in district) have that look again under the direction of legendary coach Ronnie Courtney.
“The strength of our team is experience,” coach Ronnie Courtney said. “We have nine returners and four starters who have been to two Regional Finals. That gives us a chance to be really good. I don’t have to teach as much because everyone has been around the program. We have some tremendous leadership who know what I’m looking for.”
Back in the huddle are Kevin Sargeant, Eian Lowe, Armani Theus and Johnathan Walker, who all started last year.
Sargeant was all-state and the District Defensive MVP in 2024.
“When he talks, everyone listens,” Courtney said.
Other Buffs to look out for include Ryan Johnson, Harvey Baker, Braydan Cooper and Chase Crawford, who will all play expanded roles this season.
The kings of Class 5A Region III look to defend their crown and take it two steps further.
