Bellville enters DISTRICT 11-4A-DII with State in mind; Madisonville, Sealy, Giddings remain formidable
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Bellville Brahmas
Madisonville Mustangs
Sealy Tigers
Giddings Buffaloes
La Grange Leopards
Caldwell Hornets
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: DD Murray, Bellville
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ty Williams, Madisonville
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DJ Sanders, Bellville
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Oliver Gunn, La Grange
ON THE CUSP: Giddings Buffaloes
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As one of the most dominant forces in all of Class 4A, Bellville (15-1) will aim to re-write their 2023 result of narrowly being defeated 28-26 by Gilmer in the UIL Class 4A-DII State Championship game. Under the direction of coach Grady Rowe, the Brahmas offense will be powered by reigning Offensive MVP DD Murray (Sr. RB) who racked up over 2,300 all-purpose yards and 38 TDs. Ryan Broz (QB) should continue to develop his skills, with senior RB Corrian Hood (1,605 yds, 25 TDs) being an additional force in the ground game. Four-star defensive lineman DJ Sanders (Texas A&M-commit) is a legitimate national prospect and looks to wreak havoc in the trenches after being named the District 10-4A-II MVP a year ago. Also keep an eye out for second-teamer Adarius Hutchinson (DB) and Jakorey Lewis (OL/first-team).
Madisonville took second in the district a year ago, prior to being defeated in the Area Round of the playoffs by eventual State Finalist Bellville, ending the year at 9-3. Senior QB Ty Williams is back to run the offense, after securing a first-team, all-district selection, with Phillip Green (RB/first-team)set to lead the rushing attack. Additional first-team honorees Sam Alvarado (OL),Tristan Whaley (WR/DB), Deruise Johnson (DL), Charlie Newton (TE/LB) and Jarius Dickey (DL) should also play pivotal roles.
After placing fourth in their previous district and making a brief playoff appearance, Sealy prepares to face off against a new combination of opponents in 2024. First-team, all-district selection Noah Washington (WR/DB) will remain the top target for junior dual-threat QB Kane Killough, with Caysen Bolden (Sr. RB/DB) serving as the team’s lead-back. Defensively, the Tigers will rely on the talents of first-teamer Elijah Sanders (DB/WR), Dereon Burns (DL/second-team) and Javien Grant (DB/second-team).
Giddings went 3-8 a year ago, which isn’t indicative of the threat they can pose –particularly on offense. Junior RB Bryson McDaniel will be a beast in the backfield after he compiled 1,621 yards on the ground with 13 scores, to earn the 12-4A-II Offensive Newcomer of the Year. First-team WR Cade Patschke should be another reliable target for junior QB Gunnar Fromme (second-team) to turn to. Meanwhile, Rex Shoemaker (LB/first-team), Jas Shelby (LB), and Trey Reyna (DB) will headline the Buffs’ defense.
Despite finishing with a record of 3-8, La Grange managed to place third overall in District 12-4A-II last Fall, which could bode well for them as they transition to a new division. Numerous starters return for coach Kyle Cooper, beginning with senior QB Clayton Cooper, alongside first-team selection Le’Kayvion Broussard (RB/LB) and Julian Sherman (WR/DB). Defensively, expect second-teamers Oliver Gunn (DL/TE) and Devonte McKenzie (DL) to have productive seasons.
Caldwell will aim to get back in the win column in 2024, leaning heavily on the team’s offense to propel the Hornets to victory. Unanimous first-teamer Preston Supak anchors the O-Line, while second-team selections Braxton Fritcher (RB) and Coy Becka (ATH) should provide some spark in the scoring department. On the defensive side of the ball, names to remember include Josh Wilson (LB), Dylan Carter(DB), and Hays Beavers (DB), who each got a second-team nod a year ago.