PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Port Arthur Memorial Titans
Galveston Ball Tornadoes
Barbers Hill Eagles
Beaumont United Timberwolves
Baytown Sterling Rangers
Lufkin Panthers
West Brook Bruins
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jonah Williams, Galveston Ball
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jadon Rodriguez, Barbers Hill
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Michael Riles, Port Arthur Memorial Titans
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ashton Henry, Beaumont United
ON THE CUSP: Beaumont United Timberwolves
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Galveston Ball Tornadoes
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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Barbers Hill Eagles
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
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Baytown Sterling Rangers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Brian Morgan enters his seventh season leading the Port Arthur Memorial Titans. Last year, they went 8-3 overall and reached the Bi-District round of the playoffs. A whopping 14 starters return off that crew as they seek a ninth-straight playoff appearance in 2024. Three-star athlete Semaj Pierre has verbally committed to Rice, while four-star defensive lineman Michael Riles is heading to Oklahoma State. The Class of 2026 at Port Arthur is loaded as well. Keavon Roberts, a three-star prospect at receiver, has verbally committed to Willie Fritz and the University of Houston. Linebacker Tank King has racked up the offers with 25 on the books, while cornerback Brock King has collected 17 and running back Amante Martin has 10 to his name. The Titans have college talent all over the field, now can they translate that into a playoff run in 2024?
Galveston Ball is coming off a 9-2 season in 2023 and reached the Bi-District round of the playoffs. The Tornadoes have made the playoffs three-straight years and return 11 starters in 2024, led by five-star recruit Jonah Williams. The recent Texas-commit is the No. 10 overall prospect in the nation and the No. 3 overall prospect in Texas for the Class of 2025. Last season, the District 9-5A-DI MVP racked up 46 tackles, 4 INTs and scored 20 touchdowns in seven different ways. Williams is among the most sought-after talents in Texas. Kyden Barker returns at quarterback after passing for more than 2,500 yards and 27 scores a year ago. Keys to success for head coach Sheldon Bennight are playing well up front on both sides of the ball, playing well in a competitive district week-in and week-out and playing up to their own standards and expectations.
Carl Abseck enters his fourth season leading the Barbers Hill Eagles. Last year, the Eagles posted a 9-3 record and reached the Area Round of the playoffs. A total of 12 starters return (7 on offense, 5 on defense) are set to return. Army-commit Jadon Rodriguez is back after a 1,098-yard season on the ground with 14 touchdowns on 160 carries for the Eagles. Cooper Lucas returns at receiver after registering 625 yards and six scores on 46 grabs. The offensive line will be a strength with Ayden Mooring, Brady Francis, Kaden Tyler and Davisrael Rodriguez all returning. Defensively, Dom Pesina (76 tackles, 6 TFL), Carson Hahn (66 tackles, 4 TFL), Koltin Edmonston (55 tackles, 6 TFL) and Cale Dunham (50 tackles) will anchor the unit and bring back plenty of experience.
Beaumont United makes the move from Class 6A down to 5A for the 2024 season. The Timberwolves spent the last few years in District 21-6A with the likes of North Shore, Atascocita and Summer Creek. The Timberwolves are battle-tested. Third-year coach Darrell Colbert Sr. hopes they can build off their 2-8 season from a year ago. Eleven starters return for Colbert, including District 21-6A co-Newcomer of the Year Ashton Henry at quarterback. Defensively, Beaumont United brings back defensive tackle Edward Taylor Jr., nose guard Jaikius Kenebrew and middle linebacker Jeremiah Stevens. Colbert is looking for a balanced attack on offense and for his defense to stifle the run and create turnovers.
A new district awaits Baytown Sterling as they turn the page to 2024. The Rangers move from District 8-5A-DI to District 9-5A-DI and will face new foes, such as Beaumont United and Beaumont West Brook, who make the move down from Class 6A. Robert Toomer enters his seventh year of leading this Sterling program. The Rangers are seeking their first playoff berth since 2008. First-team, all-district offensive lineman Malachi Godfrey is the lone all-district selection returning for Toomer this year. Another player to watch is Colorado State-commit John Smith. The 6-foot-3 receiver had offers from UTSA and Colorado State and committed in June. In this new-look district, Baytown Sterling has a shot to end a 16-year playoff drought.
The Lufkin Panthers are looking to get back into the playoff picture in 2024 after missing it the last two seasons. Todd Quick enters his 13th season leading the Panthers and returns 11 starters. Key returners include Zion Williams (DL), Kaden Hooper (LB), Evan Young (DB), Krisean Preston (WR), Kevo Taylor (WR) and Elijah Alexander (DL). According to Quick – who is 85-50 as a head coach – one of the key areas to this team’s success in 2024 resides on the offensive line.
Last season, Beaumont West Brook went 0-10 and returns 10 starters, five on each side of the ball as they make the move down to Class 5A. Chuck Langston enters his fourth season (6-24) of leading the Bruins. Tight end/defensive end Reagan Langston is verbally committed to Lamar. First-team, all-district pick Jaylon Dartez will be a talent to watch at receiver for Beaumont West Brook. Tammeron Anderson will build off a freshman season as QB1. Others to watch include Traydell Roane (DT/DE) and Kiegan Guidry (DT).