Katy Paetow Panthers
Head Coach: David Hicks (4th season; 14-18 record)
Last Season: 5-6; 4-4 in district (Lost to Strake Jesuit in bi-district round)
Paetow Key Players and Storylines
Paetow has firmly established itself at the 6A level after reaching the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.
This year, it will be all about an offense that averaged 34 points per game a year ago. Paetow should be just as explosive this season starting with its backfield. Experienced starting quarterback Jaiden Noel (1,911 passing yards and 23 touchdowns) is heading into his third year of starting at the varsity level, while speedy running back Curtis Zeno Jr. (316 rushing yards and seven touchdowns), an Arizona commit, appears ready for a bigger role this fall. Out wide, explosive receiver Tyler Washington (491 receiving yards and five touchdowns) is another three-year starter.
Posting 1 play every day until Texas High School Football is back!
42 Days left!@PaetowFootball @jaiden_noel @TyWashingtonn pic.twitter.com/KfhlZZYaQZ
— Houston Inside High School Sports (@ihss_houston) July 16, 2026
The Panthers also have good size on the offensive line with 6’5″, 302-pound Texas Southern commit Fernando Lizama and 6’5″, 260-pound tackle Joe Pettigrew.
Defensively, the Panthers have a strong core with the middle linebacker tandem of Cayden Ayro (95 tackles and nine TFLs) and Aiden Ludwig (49 tackles). Defensive tackle Klenam Attipoe (33 tackles, seven TFLs) will be the anchor in the trenches, while safety Demonceon Coleman (65 tackles) can contribute both in run defense and in coverage as well.
A year ago, while the Panthers’ offense shined, Paetow also allowed 33.5 points per game. David Hicks and his staff will be looking for that defense to take a step forward as Paetow eyes both another playoff berth and potentially its first 6A playoff win in school history.
Paetow Panthers 2026 Football Schedule
*-Denotes District 22-6A Contest
8/28 vs. Langham Creek at Legacy 6:30 p.m
9/4 @ Pearland at The Rig 7:00 p.m.
*9/11 @ Katy Jordan at Rhodes 7:00 p.m.
*9/19 vs. Cinco Ranch at Legacy 6:30 p.m.
*9/25 @ Seven Lakes at Legacy 6:30 p.m.
*10/1 vs. Morton Ranch at Rhodes 7:00 p.m.
*10/15 @ Katy at Legacy 6:30 p.m.
*10/24 vs. Katy Taylor at Legacy 6:30 p.m.
*10/30 @ Mayde Creek at Rhodes 7:00 p.m.
*11/5 vs. Tompkins at Legacy 6:30 p.m.
