GAMES
RANKINGS
North Shore's Charles Ross and Morris Taylor laughing all the way to State?
SURVIVE AND ADVANCE: Who takes next step in Class 6A playoffs? Photo gallery
Keys to Victory:
- North Shore: Dominating defense led by Kylan Darville, Devin Sanchez, Nigel Pringle, and Charles Ross (LSU commit) will be pivotal in shutting down Katy's potent ground game. Offensively, QB Kaleb Bailey and WRs Quanell Farrahkah and Deion DeBlanc could create big plays.
- Katy: Must focus on special teams and lean on their rushing duo, Tremayne Hill and Aqualis Jordan, who average over 200 yards per game. QB Gunner Nelson will need to capitalize on play-action opportunities.
Prediction: North Shore pulls away in the second half, winning by 14 points.
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Atascocita's Brandon Washington
Fulshear vs. Atascocita
Fulshear, transitioning to Class 6A, faces a tough test against Atascocita, a team loaded with explosive talent like Tori Blaylock (OU commit) and Cardae Mack.
Keys to Victory:
- Fulshear: Utilize their physical running game with Patrick Broadway and Zane Smith. UH commits Sheldon Rice and Chance Bryant will anchor the defense.
- Atascocita: Leveraging their speed and big-play ability on offense is critical.
Prediction: Fulshear edges out Atascocita in a high-scoring affair.
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Duncanville vs. The Woodlands
The defending champions, Duncanville, take on The Woodlands, led by dual-threat QB Jack Daulton. Too many injuries plague The Woodlands and Duncanville is Duncanville. The Panthers could make it a three-peat.
Prediction: Duncanville dominates with its size and efficiency.
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DeSoto vs. Willis
DeSoto faces off against a determined Willis squad, featuring star athlete Jermaine Bishop. Yes, DeSoto is formidable and are the back-to-back State Champs, but Willis has a puncher's chance this weekend.
Prediction: Willis pulls off a stunning upset, advancing to the regional final.
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Other Predictions:
- Klein Collins vs. Longview: Longview's ground game secures the victory.
- Jordan vs. Summer Creek: Summer Creek's athleticism and playoff experience prevail. Tons of athletes on display, however. its
- Strake Jesuit vs. Kingwood: A battle of the backs as Jesuit's Johnny Hebert squares up against Kingwood's Marques Davis. Kingwood's balance on offense and defense proves too much for Jesuit.
It’s shaping up to be a thrilling weekend, with several games poised to go down to the wire. Stay tuned for updates!
ON MY WHISTLE FOOTBALL PODCAST
The Byron Nelson Bobcats join in the celebration with their fan-section
BEST IN THE BUSINESS: Byron Nelson lives up to No.1 ranking, cruises to a UIL Championship
Said run earned the Brianne Groth-led team the distinction of being ranked as the No. 1 team, not only in Texas, but in the entire country.
Despite the lofty accolades, this Byron Nelson squad refused to let the outside noise impede them from achieving their ultimate goal.
"When we first got the rating, coach Groth told us it was 'rat-poison'," said senior Sydnee Peterson amidst a laugh. "That was a fair assessment, because it's really easy to get complacent at this level. I think she (Groth) did a really good job of keeping our minds right. It was awesome to be recognized like that, but we just focused on what we could accomplish."
What exactly did they "accomplish"?
The beasts of Northwest ISD performed to the exact level that was expected, and swept Stratford to claim the program's first State Title since 2019, and second overall.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
"It was the classiness in which this group composed themselves that impressed me the most," said head coach Groth. "I think their growth dates back to last year. We had several pieces back and I felt that they were going to be special when they battled in our Hawaii tournament.
"It was at that point when we all thought 'we're going to do this thing'. Something that we preach is getting one-percent better with each match we have, and I think that we did that throughout the season. Fortunately, we were able to play our best when it really mattered in the playoffs."
When it comes to the their "best", it doesn't get much better than junior outside hitter Kylie Kleckner.
The Washington-commit was simply too much to handle for a formidable Stratford defense, as she registered 23 kills on the night, while also providing 9 digs and 2 assists, earning herself State MVP honors.
Junior Kylie Kleckner receives the 2024 UIL-6A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Although she garnered that distinction, for good reason, Kleckner remained humble.
"It was cool to hear my name be announced like that, but I really couldn't have done it without my teammates," Kleckner said. "Everything came together -- from our defense, to Sophee (Peterson) setting me up, and the overall balance we have. Everyone on this team can contribute, so it's really not my award...it's their's."
She isn't wrong, as there were numerous other individuals who left their mark on the court during Saturday's Final.
As Kleckner mentioned, Sophee Peterson (So. S) played a pivotal role, delivering 42 assists and 13 digs against the Spartans, while Rice-commit Ashlyn Seay (20 kills, 9 digs), Sydnee Peterson (7 kills, 1 dig), and Kaitlyn Francis (8 digs, 7 assists, 1 kill) buttoned up the remaining factors needed to clinch the Bobcats' remarkable victory.
Byron Nelson fit the billing and then some. Now, they can revel in their championship, knowing that the critics were right.