PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Needville Bluejays
Navasota Rattlers
Stafford Spartans
Willowridge Eagles
Crawford Chargers
Brazosport Exporters
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Da'Shawn Burton, Needville
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Keilan Sweeny, Needville
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Darius Sims, Stafford
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jacob Jolivet, FB Crawford
ON THE CUSP: FB Crawford Chargers
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FB Willowridge Eagles
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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FB Crawford Chargers
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
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What a difference a year made for Needville this past Fall. After ending up near the bottom of the district standings in back-to-back campaigns, coach Mike Giles and the Bluejays proceeded to go 10-3 in 2023, which included an appearance in the Class 4A-DI Regionals. Although they were ultimately defeated by Kilgore in the third round, the new standard this team has set should have them eyeing a district title and more. Offensive MVP Da’Shawn Burton (Sr. RB) was an absolute beast in the backfield for Needville a year ago, having rushed for nearly 2,500 yards with a whopping 36 scores. What’s even more cause for optimism is the return of dual-threat QB Keilan Sweeny, who threw for 1,274 yards (19 TDs) and added 1,387 more yards (16 TDs) on the ground to earn first-team honors. Senior WRs Ja’Marcus Jack (first-team) and Kade Ramirez (second-team) round out what should be the district’s top offense. Defensively, first-teamer Bradyn Gilliam (Sr. DB) will lead the secondary, with second-teams elections Jaireon Simmons (Sr. LB) and Malachi Wilson(Sr. DB) also returning to the gridiron for the Bluejays.
Navasota narrowly missed out on the postseason a year ago, as they finished fifth overall with a record of 4-6. But, with teams like Iowa Colony, Bay City and El Campo switching districts in the realignment, the Rattlers should be in prime position to re-enter the district conversation. Coach Trey Allen moves in to direct this year’s roster, following his most recent stint in Kirbyville. Second-team, all-district selection Javyn Jessie (Sr. QB) returns for the final stretch of his high school career behind-center, with fellow second-teamer Cameron Ross (Sr. WR) and junior Daquan Pratt back as his top targets. There will be some work needed to be done on the defensive side of the ball, but senior safety Jarrad Isaiah (second-team) should be a reliable leader to shore up the Navasota secondary.
Another team that should experience a resurgence in 2024 is Stafford, who ended their season just behind Navasota within the district. Defense will undoubtedly be the strong-suit for coach Ken Savanah and company, as they bring back an excess of players who received first-team nods a year ago, including Texas Southern-commit Darius Sims (Sr. DB), Jonathan Moore (Sr. DL), Brian O’Neal (Sr. DB) and Ny’Darius Conner (Sr. DL). Also keep an eye out for second-teamers Bradley Lowman (Sr.DB), Emmanuel Osom (Sr.DL) and junior DB Brandan Hood. There will be some pieces missing on offense, however, senior offensive linemen Jonathan Marshall (second-team) and Dylan Williams (second-team) should provide plenty of time for the skill-position players to mature, while sophomore kicker Fernando Correa (first-team) headlines the special teams department.
Fort Bend Willowridge moves down from District 9-5A-DII, in which they most recently placed fifth and ended the year at 4-6. The Eagles will look to make a statement amongst their new district opponents, under the direction of coach Kendron Penson. There will be some big shoes to fill at the quarterback position,following the graduation of 2023 first-team selection Kendron Penson Jr., as well as several other stars, but there are still a handful of returning players that should keep things interesting. Junior center Terry Wade Jr.will bulk up the Willowridge O-Line, following a second-team, all-district performance last Fall. Meanwhile, first-team LB Tylon Rydolph and second-team edge rusher Royce Wilson (UTEP-commit) are also back to headline the Eagles’ defense.
As the youngest team on this list, Fort Bend Crawford is seeking to establish themselves as a worthy contender in their first year as a varsity program. Coach David Jackson is confident in his group’s capability, as he drives home the “family” mentality of the team’s melting pot of athletes. Jacob Jolivet (Jr. RB/LB) and Camron Alakjia (So. RB) should be a dynamic duo in the backfield for the Chargers, behind an offensive line anchored by junior Osagie Obaseki. Other notable players to remember include Jasyn Barrett (Jr. LB), Justin Butler (Jr. WR), Nyheem Richardson (Jr. DB), Caleb Martin (Jr. TE/DL), Royal James (Jr. DB) and Alvin Mosley (So. WR).
Brazosport failed to win a single contest in 2023, although there were several instances where they came close to victory. In his second year with the program, head coach Richard Sincere will see to it that he and the Exporters get back in the win column. Senior LB Shemark Francis is back to lead the defense after receiving a first-team, all-district nod last Fall. He’ll be joined by second-teamer Manny Williams, who enters his senior year at the safety spot. Offensively, some of the younger guys will need to step up in order for Brazosport to return to prominence.