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Manvel Mavericks 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
July 29

Manvel Mavericks

Head Coach: Kirk Martin (14th season (two stints); 127-40 record)

Last Season: 8-4; 6-2 in district (Lost to Summer Creek in area round)

Returning Lettermen: 26 (6 returning starters on offense; 7 on defense)

Manvel Key Players and Storylines

Manvel is galloping into 2026. The Mavericks are fresh off their most wins in a season since 2022 and have won a playoff game in back-to-back years.

With 13 returning starters, head coach Kirk Martin believes they should be even stronger this season.

Offensively, they are loaded with experience at the skill positions. Running back Kenneth Hayes (573 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns) will be a four-year starter, while his fellow senior back Xaiden Brown (338 rushing yards and eight touchdowns) has started since he was a sophomore.

In the passing attack, Manvel has to replace a two-year starter at quarterback, but there is a clear leader in the receiving corps. 6’3” junior Carter St. Junious (585 receiving yards and five touchdowns) has a great mix of size and speed and already has a swath of Division I interest after a breakout sophomore season.

Defensively, the Mavericks have another difference maker in LSU commit safety Greedy James. He has breakneck speed and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last season. In the front seven, linebacker Sam Weary led Manvel with 117 tackles last year, while defensive end Brayson Robinson (67 tackles, eight sacks) has proven to be a constant presence in opponents’ backfields.

Regular Season Highlights @SWiltfong_ @GregBiggins @adamgorney @TheUCReport @BrandonHuffman @TomLoy247 @MikeRoach247 @jackson_dip @CoachKirkMartin @jeffries_jacob @CAT_TAKEOVER @EarlGill10 @Jalil_Johnson21 @samspiegs @I_Coach_Speed @eatyohartout @CoachKJames504 pic.twitter.com/canNrJg1OK

— 4⭐️ Karnell (Greedy) James Jr (@Greedyjames7) November 11, 2025

The Mavericks have made progress in each of the three seasons since Martin returned to the program. He feels like he’s re-established the culture that was prevalent when they made the state title game under his leadership in 2017. Combine that with the returning talent and the Mavericks should have a shot to make a run at a district title this fall.