DISTRICT 20-6A
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS (Playoff teams in bold)
Ridge Point Panthers
Hightower Hurricanes
George Ranch Longhorns
Travis Tigers
Clements Rangers
Bush Broncos
Dulles Vikings
Elkins Knights
Austin Bulldogs
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MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Jeremy Payne, Hightower
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ashton Bethel-Roman, Ridge Point
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Calvin Kalu-Alexander, Ridge Point
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Carmelo Ratliff, FB Travis
ON THE CUSP
Clements Rangers
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Hightower Hurricanes
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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George Ranch Longhorns
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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FB Travis Tigers
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
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Per the usual, Ridge Point was a force on the gridiron in 2022. After earning an undefeated (8-0) district title, the Panthers would go on to become Class 6A D1 Regional Semifinalists and it doesn’t appear that they’ll be slowing down anytime soon. Coach Rick LaFavers will once again direct Ridge Point this Fall, and he’ll have an arsenal of weapons at his disposal to make a deep playoff run. Dual-threat Class of 2025 QB Austin Carlisle returns under-center, while having the luxury of throwing to not one, but two high-major WRs – senior Ashton Bethel-Roman (Arkansas-commit) and senior Mason Dossett. On defense, look for senior DE Calvin Kalu-Alexander to continue wreaking havoc in the backfield, while senior CB Isaiah Brown commands a young Ridge Point secondary.
After taking second in the district and reaching the Class 6A D1 Regional Semis a year ago, the Hurricanes are certainly the greatest threat to usurp the Panthers in 2023. They’ll feature an all-star running back in senior Jeremy Payne (TCU-commit) who is coming off a monster 1,000-yard season, in which he also racked up 13 total scores. Returning as the Hightower signal-caller will be junior QB Joseph Stewart Jr., who is coming off an exceptional season that saw him earn District 20-6A Offensive MVP honors. He’ll be throwing to major DI WR Zion Kearney in hopes of repeating his MVP performance. Others names to watch for include the highly-recruited Kade Phillips (DB), as well as senior defensive backs Ephraim Dotson (Rice) and Kameron Reddic.
George Ranch will be another contender in the playoff race. Under the direction of coach Cornelius Anthony, the Longhorns will aim to build upon a strong 2022 season which saw them finish third in the district en route to a playoff berth. Powering the GRHS offense will be senior RB Jaden Shelton who’ll aim to once again surpass 1,000 yards rushing, alongside senior QB Deion Drinkard. Senior TE/DL Cody Ford provides a versatile nature which will be invaluable to the Longhorns, while senior DB Kennard McGuire should provide some additional leadership and experience on defense.
FB Travis experienced its fair share of ups and downs in 2022, ultimately leading to be on the outside looking in of the playoffs with a 4-4 district record. However, coach Trey Sissom’s group shows plenty of potential heading into the 2023-24 season. The Tigers’ roster will feature first-team all-district selections – Dawson Elliott (OL) and senior LB Tomisin Olorunfemi — who will serve as leaders on each side of the ball. Junior ATH Carmelo Ratliff will be a major catalyst for the Travis offense, given the speed and agility he displayed a year ago. Also watch for junior DB Jayden McCoy to continue developing as he builds off his impressive 2022 performance.
Clements reached the playoffs a year ago (5-3 in district), however, given the number of starters that graduated in the offseason and the competitiveness of the district, it will be a tall task to repeat that effort. On the other hand, the Rangers might prove to be a welcome surprise in the playoff race. Gunner Chenier returns as the signal-caller, while senior first-teamers – Armond Owensand Carson Talley – will anchor the offensive trenches. They will be welltested this Fall, but don’t count them out just yet.
Fort Bend Bush has gone through its growing pains in recent years, but with a more experienced team,there should be some bright spots in 2023. Junior RB Sincere Timpson should show more production with more touches, while senior LB Joachim Nicolau and tackle Seyi Joseph will be the primary contributors on the Broncos’ defense.
The same could be said for Dulles, Elkins, and Fort Bend Austin, who have each experienced their fair share of minimal success in years past. Dulles welcomes former Seven Lakes QB coach Bill Garrey as the new HC, and he’ll be working with the talent of Victor Aderungboye (TE), Carter Truscott (Athlete)and senior RB Camden Ross. FB Elkins brings on recent coachinghire Trae Grimes to lead a Knights group that features seniors Mason Henry (DT), Brandon Renfro RB), and Cam’Ron Renfro (WR). The FB Austin program recently promoted last year’s DCTrey Herrmann to be the new head coach for the Bulldogs. Look for juniors, QB David Bishop and WR Mason Cress to come into their own behind a talented offensive line in 2023.