CLICK THE LINK BELOW OR "KEEP READING" TO WATCH THIS MATCHUP ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8:
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CLICK THE LINK BELOW OR "KEEP READING" TO WATCH THIS MATCHUP ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8:
Vandegrift emerges from the tunnel in the 2024 season opener
The Austin area is filled to the brim with state contenders, beginning with perennial power Westlake, who was one victory away from reaching the UIL-6A-DI title game a year ago.
They're on a collision course back to the championship, but they aren't the only ones vying for supremacy. District rival Lake Travis should give them a run for their money in 6A, alongside the always threatening Vandegrift Vipers.
Meanwhile, Smithson Valley looks to make a name for themselves, while LBJ is primed to dominate in Class 4A.
All that being said, here are our composite rankings as we head into Week 2 of the new season.
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VYPE AUSTIN FOOTBALL TOP-10
*Combined Class 6A, 5A, 4A
*Last parentheses indicates most recent game result
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1. Westlake Chaparrals (6A) -- 1-0 (35-14 W v. Prosper)
2. Lake Travis Cavaliers (6A) -- 1-0 (51-12 W v. Martin)
3. Vandegrift Vipers (6A) -- 1-0 (31-14 W v. Dripping Springs)
4. Smithson Valley Rangers (5A) -- 1-0 (45-0 W v. SA Roosevelt)
5. LBJ Austin Jaguars (4A) -- 1-0 (54-6 W v. Sam Houston)
6. Dripping Springs Tigers (6A) -- 0-1 (14-31 L v. Vandegrift)
7. Weiss Wolves (5A) -- 1-0 (42-41 W v. McNeil)
8. Harker Heights Knights (6A) -- 1-0 (45-43 W v. Cedar Park)
9. Vista Ridge Rangers (6A) -- 1-0 (31-21 W v. Killeen)
10. Hutto Hippos (6A) -- 1-0 (63-8 W v. San Marcos)
Manvel's Kenedy Massie
The south Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it their all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from the previous week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season begins to heat up.
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Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Following an exceptionally productive tournament season, Pearland has emerged as one of Houston's most threatening squads, as was expected.
As district-play commences, the Oilers currently tout a record of 23-4 -- most recently coming off a three-set sweep over Alvin.
While it is difficult to single out one particular player on coach Jamie Gill's roster, it's hard to argue the sudden impact Avery Koonsen has made after being named the District 23-6A Newcomer of the Year in 2022.
As it stands, the, now, junior outside hitter is averaging over 4 kills per set, and she's already nearing 300 kills on the season.
Alongside other key individuals -- such as Kimanni Rugley (North Dakota-commit), Cora Wolford, Emily Brock, and Adrienne Enriquez -- Koonsen and co. are going to be an undeniable force in the imminent postseason.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Knights opened the new season against an elite unit in Hightower.
While the Hurricanes would ultimately prevail by the narrow score of 19-14, Clear Falls certainly gave them a run for their money which bodes well for the foreseeable future.
This was clearly a defensive battle -- Hightower's specialty -- but that doesn't mean there weren't flashes of offensive prowess.
Senior WR/ATH Dylan Proctor was the bright spot for CFHS, having racked up 100 receiving yards on the night, including a 64-yard touchdown grab he secured after outpacing the opponent's secondary.
Additionally, Proctor contributed in the run-game on more than one occasion, which is nothing new for the dual-threat wideout/slot-back.
If last week was any indication, Clear Falls is not a team to be underestimated, as they look to compete for a District 24-6A title in the coming months.
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Throughout the first half of the 2024 season, Manvel has showcased a barrage of talent that makes them one of the well-balanced teams within Class 5A.
There have been a few close losses against equally formidable groups such as Friendswood, Shadow Creek, and Montgomery along the way. But, the Mavs enter the district portion of their schedule with a notable record of 14-6.
Any one of the players on their starting rotation could be deemed this week's "play-maker" -- whether it be Nevaeh English (Jr. OH), Kaycee Pennie (Jr. MB), or Sami Guikema (Jr. DS).
However, it feels appropriate to give Kenedy Massie (PVAM-commit) this distinction for now, considering she's one of the lone seniors on coach Susan Kennedy's squad.
Let me be clear. I'm not just giving her seniority for the sake of it. She has definitely been balling.
From the setter position, Massie leads the team with well over 400 assists already, in addition to registering upwards of 100 digs thus far.
With the way she has elevated her teammates, the Mavs should be one of Houston's most noteworthy teams moving forward.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
What a way to kick off the season -- and I mean that quite literally!
Jonah Williams put the city on notice when he returned the opening kick-off for six points against Manvel, which was only the beginning.
The recent Texas-commit proceeded to score a total of five times in last Thursday's battle against the Mavs, in which Galveston Ball would secure the W by a 54-26 margin.
Williams has already established himself as one of, if not THE top recruit to come out of the Greater Houston-area in the class of 2025, and should only continue to build on that reputation as the Tornadoes progress this Fall.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
It was no secret that LSA was going to a handful for the opposition to contend with in 2024, given that they reached the TAPPS-5A State Final a year ago.
Evidently, they haven't skipped a beat, now that they approach their district with a 13-3 record.
Texas A&M-commit Kirra Musgrove is performing as expected, as she leads the team in kills. But what's even scarier is the fact that her younger sister, Addison (Fr. OH), is right behind her in the stat-line. Of course, the assist-leader Aniston Collins is a worthy mention, as well.
However, one player who has subtly excelled among the crowded Pioneers court is senior Jamie Faseler.
From the DS spot, she has contributed over 110 digs in just 16 games, averaging north of 3 per set.
Suffice it to say, Lutheran South is back with a vengeance.
There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar.
Our team traveled to Port Neches-Groves High School for their 2024 Volleyball Media Day recently.
Check out the PNG Volleyball behind-the-scenes hype video below!
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