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2025 District 19-6A Season Preview

Austin Roof Inspection


Katy has owned this district for awhile with 15 titles across the past 16 seasons.

However, there are some newcomers on the scene. Katy Jordan just won its first-ever playoff game, while Paetow made the 6A playoffs for the first time in 2024.

They along with the other six schools in this district will all be chasing the Tigers this season. Here’s what to watch in District 19-6A.

Katy Tigers

Head Coach: Gary Joseph (22nd season; 276-28 record)

Last Season: 11-2; 8-0 in district (Lost to North Shore in regional semifinal)

Returning Lettermen: 38 (5 returning starters on offense; 8 on defense)

Katy Key Players and Storylines

Katy has had some work to do this offseason as Gary Jospeh looks to rebuild his depth chart following the graduation of a number of key players.

The good news is, as always, the Tigers should be able to move the ball on the ground. Trey Hill (1,330 rushing yards and 20 TDs) is back for his third year pacing the Katy backfield. He’s been a 1,000-yard rusher each of the past two seasons. He’ll have a trio of returning starters on the offensive line in front of him too with guards LeMar Brown and Andrew Freeze, and tackle Adedapo Adetosoye.

Katy will be settling in a new quarterback, so the presence of receiver Cade McCall (450 receiving yards and five TDs) will help. He’s a returning starter, who is attracting Division I attention.

Talking about players attracting Division I offers, good luck trying to challenge cornerback Isaiah McMillan in the Katy secondary. He’ll be joined by fellow defensive backs seniors Mason Dismuke and Cooper Knott, who were both second team all-district picks in 2024.

In the front seven, linebacker Jeremiah Smith is a three-year starter and can be a key pass rusher off the edge. Junior defensive tackle Isaac Coughran is another player that should enforce his will up front for the Tigers.

Katy has won the district title 15 of the past 16 seasons. So despite some of the roster turnover the Tigers are dealing with, they’ll expect to be in the mix with another playoff run to follow this fall.

Katy Cinco Ranch Cougars

Head Coach: Chris Dudley (7th season; 28-36 record)

Last Season: 4-6; 4-4 in district

Returning Lettermen: 22 (3 returning starters on offense; 3 on defense)

Cinco Ranch Key Players and Storylines

The Cougars graduated the majority of their starters from a year ago with just three returning on each side of the ball.

However, that doesn’t mean their offense won’t be able to produce some fireworks this year. Running back Marcus Gadlin (578 rushing yards and 11 TDs) is a “physical runner with speed” and has already led the Cinco Ranch backfield the past two seasons. Sophomore receiver Jacob Chevez (223 receiving yards and four TDs) is poised to explode this year. He already has an offer from Texas Tech.

Quarterback Davis Roup will be returning to the starting role this season. He got playing time as a sophomore when Cinco Ranch’s quarterback went down injured. He’s got a great arm and a good read of the game, which makes head coach Chris Dudley believe he’s due for a “monster year.”

Nose tackle Brayden Hopkins (17 tackles) will be Cinco Ranch’s anchor in the trenches defensively. He’s got “good size and athleticism” and the “potential for a huge senior year.”

In the secondary, Daniel Scarabino (105 tackles) is plenty explosive. He averaged 30 yards per kick return on special teams last year. He’ll be joined by safety Andrew Reagan (48 tackles), who Cinco Ranch will rely on to hold down the fort on the back end.

A year ago, a five point loss to Tompkins is all that separated Cinco Ranch from a playoff spot. Dudley expects to see his guys win close games like that this year as they aim for a return to the postseason.

Katy Jordan Warriors

Head Coach: Mike Rabe (5th season; 26-17 record)

Last Season: 11-2; 7-1 in district (Lost to Summer Creek in regional semifinals)

Returning Lettermen: 35 (5 returning starters on offense; 6 on defense)

Jordan Key Players and Storylines

In 2024, Katy Jordan broke through with its first playoff victories in just its third postseason-eligible season.

Now, the Warriors want even more with a strong core of players returning. That starts on an offense full of weapons. It starts with quarterback Beau Bryant in the driver’s seat. He can extend plays with his legs and is someone the Warriors trust with the ball in his hands.

Around him, he’s got Tanner West, Jordan’s do-it-all star (694 rushing yards, 534 receiving yards, and 13 total TDs), and rangy receiver Landon Williams (452 receiving yards and five TDs). Tight end Benny Okwura will be another option in the passing attack with his “great catch radius” at six-foot-four.

The Warriors will look to put opposing quarterbacks through the ringer with North Carolina commit defensive end Jimmy Alo-Suliafu (70 tackles, 15 TFLs) and explosive junior defensive end Elijah Wright.

Linebacker Jeremy Alo-Perry (70 tackles, three INTs) led Jordan in interceptions last year and is also its co-leading returning tackler. On the back end, three-star prospect cornerback Zac Taylor (53 tackles) has “elite speed” while Austin Baird (32 tackles) has “great instincts” from his safety/nickel position.

Across the board, the Jordan coaching staff believes they’ve got “great natural talent.” They did lose some on-field leadership, but with last year’s foundation to build on, this is a program that has its eyes set on eventually building itself into a state title contender.

Katy Mayde Creek Rams

Head Coach: Mike Arogbonlo (2nd season; 5-5 record)

Last Season: 5-5; 3-5 in district

Returning Lettermen: 21 (5 returning starters on offense; 8 on defense)

Mayde Creek Key Players and Storylines

Mike Arogbonlo had an instant impact in his first year at Mayde Creek. The Rams won their most games in a single season since 2019 last fall.

Now, they’ll look to close the gap on the top half of the districts.

13 returning starters in a group that has impressed the Ram coaching staff with its chemistry will certainly help.

Mayde Creek will need to replace its starting quarterback and re-shuffle its offensive line to find the best combination of starters, but once they get that settled, there’s no shortage of skill talent.

Junior receiver Chad Nelson “can blow the top off any defense” (240 receiving yards and two TDs).  Sophomore Tristen Shwartz will be shifting to tight end after starting every game on the offensive line a year ago.

Running back Julian Vela fought through injury last year to play in Mayde Creek’s last three games. The Ram coaching staff is excited to see what he can do with a full season ahead of him.

On the other side of the ball, learn the name Kosi Okpala (55 tackles, 17 TFLs). He’s “relentless to the quarterback” and is one of the most highly-touted edge rushers in the state.

Linebacker CJ Arogbonlo (70 tackles) had a tremendous sophomore season, leading the Rams in tackles last year. Safety Trennien Stidam (51 tackles) will keep things locked down on the back end as he returns for his third year as a starter.

The tide is turning at Mayde Creek. Head coach Mike Arogbonlo and his staff have been impressed with the way the players have taken charge of leading the program. That bodes well as the Rams look to snap a six-year playoff drought and make some noise in the Houston area.

Katy Morton Ranch Mavericks

Head Coach: Nick Cavallo (2nd season; 0-10 record)

Last Season: 0-10; 0-8 in district

Returning Lettermen: 36 (9 returning starters on offense; 7 on defense)

Morton Ranch Key Players and Storylines

Morton Ranch took some lumps a year ago, finishing winless in its first season under Nick Cavallo.

The good news? Most of those players who went through that a year ago are now juniors and seniors with another year of experience under their belt.

Running back Tyler Gilmore will keep the offense moving. He’s a “physical downhill runner”, who had 14 touchdowns in 2024. Junior quarterback Jayceon Jenkins-Hamilton is back to lead the passing attack after finishing as an all-district honorable mention a year ago.

He’ll have some familiar options to target including six-foot-three receiver Tyler Williams, who is starting to generate some Division I interest.

Offensive tackle Douglas Hammond will be tasked with keeping Jenkins-Hamilton protected. He’s got good size at six-foot-three and 280 pounds.

Defensively, the Mavericks will be the strongest on the defensive line with the trio of Simeon Fontenette, Great Obikili and Henry Reed.

Morton Ranch’s coaching staff is confident the Mavericks will be better than they were a year ago. Now, this group will just need to show that it knows how to close out victories as the Mavericks look to move up the standings this fall.

Katy Paetow Panthers

Head Coach: David Hicks (3rd season; 9-12 record)

Last Season: 7-4; 6-2 in district (Lost to Fulshear in bi-district)

Paetow Key Players and Storylines

The Panthers made a huge jump in David Hicks’ second full season in charge. They improved by five wins from 2023 and made it back to the playoffs for the first time since their 5A Division I state championship in 2021.

Their signal-caller from 2024 graduated, but they do have San Diego State commit receiver Derek Stevenson (566 receiving yards and six touchdowns) and promising juniors wide receiver Tyler Washington and running back Curtis Zeno Jr. to give the offense some dynamic threats.

The Panthers have some strength too with right tackle William Thornton, who didn’t give up a sack last season, and powerful defensive tackle Daryl Campbell, a Vanderbilt commit. Safety Jaedyn Spelmon (67 tackles) is a ballhawk on the back end of the defense. He led District 19-6A with four interceptions last season.

The Panthers seem to be settling into 6A football now as they head into their fourth year at the top level. Next up on their bucket list is their first playoff win since that 5A Division I state championship.

Katy Seven Lakes Spartans

Head Coach: Jimmy Hamon (8th season; 27-44 record)

Last Season: 4-6; 2-6 in district

Returning Lettermen: 16 (6 returning starters on offense; 3 on defense)

Seven Lakes Key Players and Storylines

Seven Lakes is hopeful on sneaking up on some teams in District 19-6A in 2025 after a 4-6 campaign a year ago.

Over half of the Spartans’ offensive starters are back from last year. Tight end Peter Noonan is both “a devastating blocker and very capable receiving threat.” With just one returning letterman back at receiver, his presence will be crucial.

Running back Edgar Varela will take charge in the ground game. He’s a “great runner between the tackles.” One of those tackles will be Marcelo Goldberg-Herrera. He’s got great athleticism and size at six-foot-five and 305 pounds.

Defensively, the Spartans return just three starters, but head coach Jimmy Hamon expects them to be stout on the defensive line. Hayden Gandolfo will lead that group with his pass rushing ability.

Linebacker Kameron Floyd is another threat off the edge. He’s someone who Seven Lakes will expect to lock down opposing teams’ tight ends.

Safety Jack Marchitello will make plays all over the field. The Spartans will rely on him to get up by the line of scrimmage to help defend the run.

It has now been four years since Seven Lakes made the playoffs. Hamon expects this group to be competitive in district play as the Spartans look to make a run at snapping that drought.

Katy Taylor Mustangs

Head Coach: Chris Babin (1st season)

Last Season: 2-8; 1-8 in district

Returning Lettermen: 28 (5 returning starters on offense; 7 on defense)

Taylor Key Players and Storylines

Chris Babin comes to Taylor after most recently serving as Katy Jordan’s defensive coordinator. He has nine years of previous head coaching experience at Warren, Deweyville, and his alma mater Lumberton.

He’ll look to turn around the Mustangs with his “Taylor Tough” philosophy.

The offense is well-stocked with skill talent. Running back Xavier Haynes (640 rushing yards and six TDs) is an “explosive back” while Javion Garrett (333 rushing yards) is a “big, strong runner” who will bring power to the Taylor ground game.

Slot receiver Josh Jacobson (279 receiving yards, 158 rushing yards, two total TDs) is a dynamic option who can impact the passing attack or rushing game. Cameron Lewis (169 receiving yards) is Taylor’s home run threat. He’s got big-play ability with the way he can track down the deep ball.

On the other side of the ball, the Taylor secondary will be a minefield for opposing quarterbacks. Owen Brown (43 tackles, two INTs) shifts over to safety after impressing as a corner last season. He’ll be joined by fellow safeties Connor Chnupa and Landon Pina (62 tackles), who led the Mustangs and tackles last season.

Up front, senior defensive end Adian Wara is a force to be reckoned with. He can squat over 500 pounds.

The Mustangs will look to improve throughout the fall in their first year under Babin. If they can avoid plateauing, the Taylor coaching staff believes they’ll have a shot at getting back to the playoffs.

Katy Tompkins Falcons

Head Coach: Todd McVey (9th season; 63-29 record)

Last Season: 6-5; 5-3 in district (Lost to Strake Jesuit in bi-district)

Returning Lettermen: 27 (6 returning starters on offense; 7 on defense)

Tompkins Key Players and Storylines

The Falcons secured their seventh-straight playoff berth a year ago, coming home fourth in the district standings.

They will have a new starting quarterback this year, but running back Ethan Meadows is back to pace the backfield with his speed and vision. He’ll be running behind offensive lineman Phoenix Smith, who has plenty of strength at six-foot-two and 310 pounds.

Tight end Will Mays is another leader up front. He’s “physical at the point of attack” and also can be an occasional weapon in the passing game.

On the other side of the ball, both defensive end Ryan Machado and defensive back Blake Jenkins are returning from injury for the Falcons. Head coach Todd McVey is excited to see what they can do with a full season ahead of them.

Linebacker Colton Simonton (31 tackles, six TFLs) will be the Falcons’ enforcer in the middle of the field. He’s their leading returning tackler from a year ago.

The Falcons still are looking to develop some more depth for their program, but the biggest thing they have going for them is the buy-in from players across the board. That strong culture should carry them as they look to get “1% better every day” throughout the season.


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