GAMES
RANKINGS
Some of the stars of 2023-24 TWCA Football
THE SLEEPERS: VYPE's 2023 Preseason Private School Football Rankings; No.11-15
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THE SLEEPERS (No.11-15)
No. 15--Rosehill Christian Eagles
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Coach Jim Phillips’ group defied expectations in 2022, reaching the second round of the TAPPS-IV playoffs, despite a good chunk of their skill players being underclassmen. With another year of experience under their belts, the Eagles will aim to continue defying the odds.
Dual-threat senior QB Trey Walker returns to command the offense, with all-state, honorable mention Kenneth Nelson (Jr. RB) back to bolster the rushing attack. Additionally,all-state selection Blake Straten (Sr. DL) will be the driving force behind the defense for Rosehill Christian.
No. 14--Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
Despite having a relatively young roster, LSA still managed to reach the postseason in 2022, which speaks volumes of the potential this group possesses. Defense should once again be the strong suit for the Pioneers with district second-teamers Cole Noack (Sr. LB) and Matthew Furness (Sr. LB) returning to lead the charge.
Incoming sophomore Marcus Cantu (QB) showed flashes of greatness in his freshman campaign. Alongside senior RB/LB Wesley Willingham, the two should make for a dynamic one-two punch on the offensive side of the ball when Lutheran South takes to the field this Fall.
No. 13--Legacy Prep Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Sam Oelschlegel enters year one as the Lions’ head coach and he could be the one to help elevate the team to new heights. He’ll have a slew of skill position players to work with starting with senior QB Wyatt Francis, who is coming off a respectable season with his dual-threat capability.
Seniors Chase Carrico (RB/DB), Kyle Prazak (WR/DB), Nathan Timm (WR/LB) and junior RB/LB Jackson Bryant should also expect to have big seasons, as Legacy Prep seeks to shift the momentum in their direction.
No. 12--St. Pius X Panthers
Doug Brown (VYPE)
The Panthers head into the Fall on the heels of a respectable season in which they finished third in the district (3-2) prior to making an appearance in the TAPPS-I Area Round. Coach Greg Cranfill will have a younger set of skill positions to work with, so there may be some growing pains.
However, second-team all-state recipient Nathan Alvarez (Sr. TE) will provide the experience needed to make the SPX offense noteworthy, with Bridgeland-transfer Braxton Bies (Jr. QB) throwing him the ball. Others to watch include Preston Kyle (Sr. K/P), Snowy Booker (Jr. DL), Alex Yearwood (Sr. DB/WR) and senior DB Nick Woods
No. 11--The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
TWCA was impressive as usual a year ago, finishing with an overall record of 7-5 and an appearance in the TAPPS-II Regional round. There will be some work to be done for coach Kolby Hull, as a large portion of last season’s starters have since graduated.
Regardless, the offense will be in good hands with senior QB Jonathan Vidal behind-center, while Beau Ellis (Jr. RB/DB) should provide the Warriors with a solid run-game. There might be a few question marks on defense, but 2022 All-State honorable mention LB Grayson Boeker will be quick to answer as he enters his junior year.
Lutheran South Academy's Marcus Cantu
THE FRESHMAN: Texas-commit Cantu set to represent LSA Baseball
Cantu stepped up big-time in his first season as the Pioneers’ quarterback, leading the team to a playoff berth while also earning first-team, all-district honors, the District's Freshman of the Year and award and LSA Offensive MVP honors.
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“I’ve been playing football since I was seven years old and I’ve always loved the game and have had fun with my friends,” said Cantu. “I really enjoyed my first year on varsity playing with a good group of guys. It’s truly a blessing to have been recognized as the Offensive MVP -- especially as a freshman.”
Considering that Cantu had a tremendous first season at LSA, it might come as a surprise that football isn’t even his primary sport.
Cantu, 15, happens to be a top-tier baseball player, playing multiple positions (SS/2B/OF) for the USA 15U (15 and up) National Team. He’s been honing his talents from a young age.
“Ever since I was five years old, I’ve been playing with kids one to two years older than me,” Cantu said. “By doing this, I was challenged daily to play at my very best in order to compete with more experienced players. I’ve also dedicated tons of extra hours of hard work, improving and refining all my skills. Most importantly, God has blessed me with great athleticism and talent.”
His proficiency beyond his years has allowed the young man the opportunity to be scouted by college recruiters. Due to this, Cantu has already committed to the University of Texas, ahead of his freshmen season of LSA baseball.
Photo acquired via Cantu's Twitter: @marcuscantu2026
“At the end of last summer, I received an invitation from [The University of] Texas to attend an elite-level workout camp in August (2022) where I competed against other top prospects. I did very well,” said Cantu. “It was after this camp that I received the official offer from Texas. UT has the best baseball program and coaching staff in the country. They’ve won six National Championships and 38 College World Series appearances. I’ve gotten offers from other schools, but Texas was clearly my top choice since UT is my dream school.”
Cantu has been working for this opportunity his whole life, and his family has been backing him along the way.
“My biggest inspiration is my dad,” Cantu said. “He works so hard helping me with my game and giving me every opportunity that he can to help me succeed. My dad helps push me to be better and keeps me accountable with high standards, while also encouraging me and being a great role model.”
While baseball season is nearly upon us, Cantu is ready to represent the green and white.
“My focus through high school and summer travel baseball will be to continue to develop my skills,” said Cantu. “I want to keep getting better in every aspect of the game so I can be fully prepared when I arrive at Texas and make an impact as a freshman. I want to contribute to the success of the team in any way I can.”
Keep watching the generational talent that is Marcus Cantu. He might just be playing in the "Bigs" one day.