The Woodlands Highlanders

Head Coach: Jim Rapp (9th season; 69-28 record)

Last Season: 9-3; 6-2 in district (Lost to Klein Collins in area round)

Returning Lettermen: 28 (5 returning starters on offense; 3 on defense)

The Woodlands Key Players and Storylines

It’s the 50th season of The Woodlands football, and one that Jim Rapp is looking forward to. The Highlanders graduated a large senior class, including 14 starters, but they’re fresh off a semifinal run in state 7-on-7 with plenty of newcomers.

One of the players stepping up this year is quarterback Kaden Copelin, who served as the backup last season. He’ll have plenty of reliable targets in the receiving corps, including explosive junior receiver Carter Cass, who Rapp said opponents will have to keep an eye on, and baseball standout senior Bryson Bourn (314 receiving yards). The Highlanders also hope to create some mismatches with 6’5″, 220-pound tight end Colton Weddel (268 receiving yards and three touchdowns).

Jason Haskins (689 rushing yards and ten touchdowns) is back to start at running back, while junior Brody Hulett will be expected to anchor the offensive line with his 6’3″, 300-pound frame.

Defensively, Magnus Herndon (64 tackles, 16 sacks) is the player to watch after leading the state in sacks in the regular season a year ago. The second level will also help contribute to the pass rush with playmaking outside linebacker Max Mitchell, fellow outside linebacker Vincent Lewis, and “big, strong” inside linebacker Nate Beagle.

Junior Season Highlights
GP-12
16 Sacks
30 Hurries
64 TOT
33 Solo
18 TFL
5 FF
1 Blocked FG@ColschenDavid @extrastout72 @coach_kemble @_CoachNupe #CollegeFootball #recruitment #ncaa https://t.co/cZRpTCrSJh pic.twitter.com/Q7ru7fa4Yq

— Magnus Herndon OLB/EDGE (@HerndonMagnus) December 8, 2025

Behind them, safety Thomas Daigle is a physical player in run defense who can also be trusted in coverage. This will be his first season starting, but Rapp has confidence he can lead the secondary.

This is a team that Rapp expects to develop and grow throughout the season. They may have to weather some storms early, but Rapp believes they will be ready to contend when the postseason arrives.

2026 The Woodlands Highlanders Football Schedule

*Denotes District 13-6A Contest

• 28-Aug vs. Bridgeland 7:00 at Woodforest Bank Stadium
• 5-Sep @ Klein Oak 6:00 at Klein Memorial
• 11-Sep @ Humble 7:00 at Turner Stadium
• *25-Sep vs. Caney Creek 7:00 at Woodforest Bank Stadium
• *2-Oct @ College Park 7:00 at Woodforest Bank Stadium
• *9-Oct vs. Willis 7:00 at Woodforest Bank Stadium
• *15-Oct vs. Cleveland 7:00 at Woodforest Bank Stadium
• *23-Oct @ Conroe 7:00 at Moorhead
• *30-Oct vs. Grand Oaks 7:00 at Woodforest Bank Stadium
• *6-Nov @ Oak Ridge 7:00 at Woodforest Bank Stadium