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District 19-6A Season Preview

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District 19-6A is one of the deepest districts in all of the states with the nine Katy ISD schools. Katy has won 14 of the last 15 district titles, but a 15th district title in 16 years won’t come easy. Five of these nine teams won at least five district games last year, while Morton Ranch and Mayde Creek got a fresh start this offseason with new head coaches.

Here’s what to watch in District 19-6A.

Katy Tigers

Head Coach: Gary Joseph (21st season; 265-26 record)

Last Season: 10-2; 8-0 in district (Lost to Cy-Fair in the area round)

Katy Key Players and Storylines

A year ago, Katy bowed out in the area round in a 28-21 overtime defeat to Cy-Fair. It was the Tigers’ earliest playoff exit since 2001.

This season, the Tigers will be leaning on the tradition they established with five starters back on offense and just three on defense.

They’ll be strong in the trenches with offensive tackles Patrick McMath and Byron Nelson. Both are Division I prospects and earned all-district honors a year ago. Their protection off the edge will allow quarterback Gunner Nelson to operate when the Tigers turn to the air.


However, for anyone who knows Katy football, it’s all about the run game. Junior Tremayne Hill is back after a season where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Defensively, linebacker Jeremiah Smith burst onto the scene a year ago, earning district Newcomer of the Year honors and leading the Tigers in forced turnovers. Defensive lineman Adam Carter brings plenty of strength. He was a finalist in the state shot put.

In the secondary, head coach Gary Joseph is looking for Jacob Hilton to lead the way. He was a third team all-district selection last season.

The Tigers may be short on experience this year, but you don’t win 14 district championships in 15 years on luck. Expect this Katy team to come out motivated this fall after a 2023 season that they feel like ended too early for their standards.

 Katy Cinco Ranch Cougars

Head Coach: Chris Dudley (6th season; 24-30 record)

Last Season: 6-4; 5-3 in district

Cinco Ranch Key Players and Storylines

A year ago, a three-way tiebreaker left Cinco Ranch as the odd team out of the playoffs. Still, it was the third-straight winning season under head coach Chris Dudley. A huge accomplishment considering the Cougars won just one game in his first two years at the program.

Heading into 2024, the Cougars have the weapons to put up some fireworks on offense. Nine starters are back on that side of the ball and there’s no shortage of talent at the skill positions.

Running back Marcus Gadlin (623 rushing yards and five touchdowns) has a “great blend of power and speed” and should form a formidable tandem with fellow back Tessiah Young (581 rushing yards and nine touchdowns).

The Cougars also have options at quarterback. Charlie Adamoli played just one game last year due to injury, but still threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns. In his place, Davis Roup stepped up and threw for nine touchdowns in his first two varsity starts.

Whoever gets the call behind center shouldn’t have too much trouble finding open receivers. Tight end Kellen LeCronier (230 receiving yards and three touchdowns) is a versatile option in the passing game. Scott Eckel (385 receiving yards and four touchdowns) is a “reliable pass catcher” and Drew Tureau averaged 15 yards per catch a year ago.

Defensively, the Cougars return just four starters. Almost all of last year’s defensive line is gone, so defensive end Chuk Ekwueme and defensive tackle Jeremiah Adams will be expected to step into bigger roles.

Luke Mathiasmeier will be the quarterback of the defense from his linebacker position. He and Carson Wald will make sure the Cougars don’t lack physicality in the middle of the field.

In the secondary, Superior Hill has superior ball instincts and is a threat on special teams too. Daniel Scarabino has a “high motor” and is “always around the football.”

Dudley expects his squad to play disciplined and bring plenty of energy on Friday nights. And with the offense the Cougar possess, there’s a good chance there will be plenty of excitement from a neutral’s perspective as points go flying up on the scoreboard.

Katy Jordan Warriors

Head Coach: Mike Rabe (4th Season; 15-15 record)

Last Season: 7-4; 5-3 in district (Lost to Fort Bend Hightower in bi-district)

Jordan Key Players and Storylines

The Warriors earned their first playoff berth in school history a year ago in just their second full varsity season. They aren’t going anywhere anytime soon either.

Their roster is loaded yet again this season with six starters back on offense and seven on defense.

The skill talent on this Jordan roster is enough to keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night. Receiver Andrew Marsh (1,158 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns) is a four-star talent that consistently makes big-time plays for this Jordan squad. Florida commit running back Chad Gasper is a hard runner with great vision.

Tanner West (410 rushing yards, 448 receiving yards, eight total TDs) is a jack-of-all trades type player, who can play running back or be a weapon in the passing game.

On the other side of the ball, defensive lineman Jimmy Alo-Suliafo has “numerous moves in his arsenal” and can keep opposing linemen guessing.

Behind him, linebacker Brayden Coffie is “smart and aggressive” and can make plays all over the field. Defensive back Zion Jones (32 tackles and four interceptions) is not only great at finding the ball in the air, he can also “fill holes and make tackles.”

The Jordan coaching staff is feeling highly optimistic heading into 2024. In addition to their returning starters, the Warriors “have added some great depth behind them.” That should be a warning sign to their District 19-6A bunkmates as the Warriors go in search of their first-ever playoff win this fall.

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Katy Mayde Creek Rams

Head Coach: Mike Arogbonlo (1st Season)

Last Season: 3-7; 2-6 in district

Mayde Creek Key Players and Storylines

Mike Arogbonlo is back in the head coaching ranks after spending a year as Duncanville’s quarterback coach. He previously spent four years as the head coach at Fort Bend Austin. He replaces J Jensen, who accepted the Katy ISD assistant AD position.

The Rams snapped a 19-game losing streak in district play a season ago, and they have a good bunch back to try and make further progress this fall. Seven starters return on each side of the ball.

Offensively, quarterback Cole Jensen (909 passing yards and seven touchdowns) is heading into his third season at quarterback. The Ram coaching staff has full confidence in him to “operate the offense.”

Trey Williams (338 passing yards, 202 rushing yards, and 231 receiving yards) played a little quarterback last year but can be utilized anywhere offensively. He has great hands and plenty of speed. Jensen will also have junior running back Christian Bradford (382 rushing yards and four touchdowns) and sophomore receiver Chad Nelson (258 receiving yards), who has “elite speed” at his disposal.

On the offensive line, center Chris Morales is expected to be the anchor for the Rams this season.

Defensively, linebacker Kosi Okpala (66 tackles, 12 TFLs) was Mayde Creek’s leading tackler last season. A three-star prospect, he’s “long, athletic, and physical.” He and defensive end Stone Bankston will be the players to watch in the front seven.

In the back end, safety Johnaton Haywood (65 tackles, five TFLs) is a vocal leader, who was also Mayde Creek’s second-leading tackler in 2023. Rover Tremion Bryant (23 tackles) is a physical player with the closing speed necessary to make plays across the field. Cornerback Anthony Aileru is an explosive athlete who opposing quarterbacks will have to be weary of. He led the Rams in interceptions with three in 2023.

Mayde Creek had a number of underclassmen playing key roles a year ago. That experience will be vital as this team looks to take another step forward in the ever-competitive District 19-6A.

Katy Morton Ranch Mavericks

Head Coach: Nick Cavallo (1st season)

Last Season: 2-8; 2-6 in district

Morton Ranch Key Players and Storylines

Morton Ranch will have a new head coach for the first time since 2017 as Nick Cavallo replaces Ron Counter. Cavallo was most recently at George Ranch, where he took the Longhorns to the playoffs each of the past two seasons.

The Mavericks’ 2-8 record from last year looks a lot worse than it actually was. Six of their eight losses came by nine points or less.

The good news is they get 21 lettermen back from that squad, including three starters on offense and five on defense.

Offensive lineman Adrian de la Garza will be the leader in the trenches.

At the skill positions, Tyler Gilmore will need to step up at running back after last year’s starter Ryan Hall headed to the college level. Gilmore has “great strength and great acceleration for through the hole. Junior receiver Tyler Williams will be the premier target in the passing game. He is great at “winning 50-50 balls” with his six-foot-two frame. These weapons will be vital as the Mavericks settle in a new quarterback.

On the other side of the ball, linebacker Jonathan Durate is “the soul of the defense.” Defensive end Charles Fleming will be a threat in the pass rush with his speed and quickness.

In the secondary, Jerome Ryans is one of a couple of starters the Mavericks have returning on the backend. He has the agility to make big time plays.

The Maverick coaching staff expects this squad to get better as the season progresses. They’ll need to find a way to win those one-possession-type games this year if they want to make the playoffs in a stacked District 19-6A.

Katy Paetow Panthers

Head Coach: David Hicks (2nd season; 2-8 record)

Last Season: 2-8; 2-6 in district

Paetow Key Players and Storylines

The Panthers are going to have some fresh faces this fall. Just eight starters (three on offense; five on defense) are back from last year’s team.

David Hicks enters his second full year leading Paetow, and he couldn’t be more excited about his defense.

A year ago, the Panthers gave up just 22 points per game. They should be anchored by their defensive line again this season with Nick Elko, who can play anywhere on the line, and defensive tackle Carmello Brooks, who is getting looks from several Power Five programs.

Hicks said behind them his linebackers and defensive backs are “disciplined and quick, adept at both tackling and coverage.” Nothing says quick like Texas A&M commit Deyjhon Pettaway (80 tackles and one INT). He runs a 4.3 second 40-yard dash and will be a lockdown corner for the Panthers this year.

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers will be looking for a much improved season after averaging just over 11 points per game a year ago. Kai Nguyen is an all-district lineman who can play guard or center. Tackle Will Thornton will be another leader up front.

At quarterback, the Panthers are keeping the ball in the hands of one of their best athletes in Jackson Farrar. He’s a dual threat who can “make plays in space.” He was also an all-district kick returner a year ago.

The Panthers may not have a ton of depth on either side of the ball, but Hicks is hopeful focusing on the fundamentals will help his squad this year. He wants to see “hard-nosed, disciplined football that will take us back to Paetow football.”

 Katy Seven Lakes Spartans

Head Coach: Jimmy Hamon (7th season: 23-38 record)

Last Season: 2-8; 1-7 in district

Seven Lakes Key Players and Storylines

The Spartans are hoping for a bounce back campaign after winning just three games across the past two seasons.

It helps that they’ll have over half their starters back from a year ago (six on offense and seven on defense).

Head coach Jimmy Hamon said he likes the accuracy and decision making of his returning starting quarterback Shaan Patel. Tight end Peter Noonan is a “versatile tight end,” who will contribute both as a run blocker and a pass catcher.

Up front, four of Seven Lakes’ starting linemen will have varsity football experience, so that should help the Spartans “run the football between the tackles.”

On the other side of the ball, Hamon said the Spartans are undergoing some transition on the defensive line after losing two key players to graduation.

However, the front seven still should pack a punch with linebackers Justin Fowler and Amani Hooks. Hamon said Fowler will be the quarterback of the defense, while Hooks has a “great motor” and can be a threat as a pass rusher.

And if you feel like you’re hearing the last name Fowler a lot this fall, it won’t be all Justin. His brothers Matt, a corner, and Ryan, a receiver, are both returning lettermen for the Spartans and will be looking to make an impact.

In the secondary, the Spartans return all four starters from a year ago, so their pass defense should be a strength.

Hamon believes his team has the chance to push for a playoff spot. He said a balanced offense will be key as the return of Patel and several players along the offensive line should make the Spartans harder to slow down this year.

 Katy Taylor Mustangs

Head Coach: Chad Simmons (7th Season; 34-36 record)

Last Season: 5-6; 5-3 in district (Lost to George Ranch in bi-district)

Taylor Key Players and Storylines

The Mustangs made it back to the playoffs for the first time in three years last season. They nearly pulled off the upset over George Ranch too in the bi-district round, but came up just short, 21-19, after an unsuccessful two-point try.

This year the Mustangs will have a new look squad. Just 18 lettermen are back from last season’s team. Among those lettermen are four returning offensive starters and three on defense.

The Mustangs graduated their top two rushers from 2023, but head coach Chad Simmons believes junior running backs Javion Garrett (231 rushing yards) and Josh Jacobson should create a reliable backfield tandem. Garrett will handle work between the tackles, while Jacobson is more of a speed threat out on the perimeter.

On the offensive line, Taylor will lean on the leadership of senior Hank Tulenko. He was a second team all-district selection last season.

On the other side of the ball, Taylor does have its leading tackler back from 2023 in linebacker Landon Saurage (105 tackles, three TFLs). Up front, Alex McMoore (43 tackles, 10 TFLs) will be a great run stopper from his defensive end position.

In the secondary, Solomon Ross (43 tackles) is an “excellent safety.”

The Mustangs won’t be the deepest this year with so much turnover, but Simmons loves the work ethic he’s been seeing from his squad this offseason. With that effort and determination, the Mustangs will be eyeing another playoff berth this fall.

 Katy Tompkins Falcons

Head Coach: Todd McVey (7th season; 57-24 record)

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

Tompkins Key Players and Storylines

In Todd McVey’s first year at Tompkins back in 2017, the Falcons finished 0-9. They haven’t missed the playoffs since.

So even though they return just four starters on offense and three on defense in 2024, don’t expect much of a drop off on the field.

They have a good foundation to build on offensively in the trenches with Deacon Parrish and tackle Erben Birkhoff, who is a three-year starter. Both were all-district selections in 2023.

Bisi Bello (300 receiving yards and four touchdowns) is the skill player to watch for the Falcons. He was their leader in receiving yards last season and will be the leader of that group again this year.

Defensively, the Falcons may not have many familiar faces, but they aren’t to be messed with in the middle of the field. Linebacker Josh Davis is a playmaker, who is “always around the ball.” He’ll be joined at that position by Kendree Madriz, a reliable player who “always does his job.”

McVey has a good thing going at Tompkins, and he believes that culture that has been established will play a big role in any success the Falcons have this year. But with such a young roster, he knows it may take some time for this team to reach its potential.

“We will take it one game at a time so to get 1% better each practice and game,” McVey said.

 

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