Alief Taylor Lions
Head Coach: Shawn Gray (7th season; 22-36 record)
Last Season: 4-6; 2-4 in district
Returning Lettermen: 23 (8 returning starters on offense; 6 on defense)
Alief Taylor Key Players and Storylines
It’s a new district and a new opportunity for Alief Taylor in 2026. The Lions remain in District 20-6A, but they are joined this go-round by Houston ISD and Spring Branch ISD schools.
With 14 returning starters, head coach Shawn Gray believes it’s a prime chance for his guys to chase their first playoff berth since 2022.
Offensively, the Lions have plenty of firepower. 6’5” dual threat quarterback Nick Kongolo (1,497 passing yards and 14 touchdowns) can consistently extend plays and “keep the defense honest.” He’ll have plenty of options at the skill positions led by returning 1,000-yard rusher Hameer Shokunle and explosive slot receiver Michael Faneye (358 receiving yards and three touchdowns).
Pass from C/O 27 Nick Kongolo to C/O 27 Michael Faneye as he breaks away for a touchdown!!#football #recruitment #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/WS9qdOShEx
— Big Time Productions (@official_btp_) September 14, 2025
Up front, expect guard Jaylon Leonard to set the tone for the run game with his physicality and size at 6’5” and 340 pounds.
Defensively, the Lions are stout in the trenches too. Defensive end Ikenna Nwaueze (30 tackles, nine TFLs) is a talented pass rusher while defensive tackle Arthur Rogers (30 tackles, five TFLs) is adept against both the run and pass.
On the back end, Benjamin Amoko will be Taylor’s premier cover corner, especially with his open field tackling ability.
The Lions may lack the depth of a traditional 6A program, but they have taken great pride in their conditioning throughout the offseason. That should have them ready for 48 minutes of football each week, and if it holds up, they’ll have a shot at finishing with a winning record and securing that elusive playoff berth.
2026 Alief Taylor Lions Football Schedule
*-Denotes District 20-6A Contest
August 28 (Friday) — vs. Westbury at Crump Stadium — 7:00 PM
September 4 (Friday) — vs. Dobie at Crump Stadium — 7:00 PM
*September 11 (Friday) — @ Heights at Delmar Stadium — 7:30 PM
*September 18 (Friday) — vs. Elsik at Crump Stadium — 7:00 PM
*September 24 (Thursday) — @ Bellaire at Butler Stadium — 7:00 PM
*October 2 (Friday) — vs. Hastings at Crump Stadium — 7:00 PM
*October 10 (Friday) — @ Stratford at Tully Stadium — 6:00 PM
*October 16 (Friday) — vs. Houston Memorial at Crump Stadium — 7:00 PM
*October 22 (Thursday) — @ Westside at Delmar Stadium — 7:00 PM
*November 6 (Friday) — vs. Lamar at Crump Stadium — 7:00 PM
