6:30 p.m. – Thursday night showdown: Galveston Ball vs. Manvel
Madisonville Mustangs
Sealy Tigers
Giddings Buffalo
La Grange Leopards
Caldwell Hornets
(Bold indicates playoffs)
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VYPE’S PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: DD Murray, Bellville
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ty Williams, Madisonville
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DJ Sanders, Bellville
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Oliver Gunn, La Grange
ON THE TURN: Giddings Buffalo
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As one of the most dominant forces in the entire Class 4A, Bellville (15-1) will look to improve on their 2023 finish, when they narrowly lost to Gilmer 28-26 in the UIL Class 4A-DII state championship game. Led by Coach Grady Rowe, the Brahmas’ offense will be powered by reigning offensive MVP DD Murray (Sr. RB), who has amassed over 2,300 all-purpose yards and 38 TDs. Ryan Broz (QB) should continue to develop his skills, with senior RB Corrian Hood (1,605 yds, 25 TDs) providing an additional force in the running game. Four-star defensive lineman DJ Sanders (Texas A&M commit) is a true national talent and looks to make a splash in the trenches after being named District 10-4A-II MVP a year ago. Also keep an eye on second team Adarius Hutchinson (DB) and Jakorey Lewis (OL/first team).
Madisonville finished second in district last year before being swept by eventual state finalist Bellville in the Area Round of the playoffs, finishing the year 9-3. Senior QB Ty Williams is back to run the offense after earning a district first-team selection, with Phillip Green (RB/first team) expected to lead the running attack. Fellow first-team honorees Sam Alvarado (OL), Tristan Whaley (WR/DB), Deruise Johnson (DL), Charlie Newton (TE/LB) and Jarius Dickey (DL) should also play important roles.
After finishing fourth in their previous district and a brief playoff appearance, Sealy prepares to face a new combination of opponents in 2024. First-team and All-District selection Noah Washington (WR/DB) remains the primary target for junior QB Kane Killough, who battles dual offense with Caysen Bolden (Sr. RB/DB) serving as the team’s lead back. Defensively, the Tigers will rely on the talents of first-teamers Elijah Sanders (DB/WR), Dereon Burns (DL/second team) and Javien Grant (DB/second team).
Giddings went 3-8 a year ago, which doesn’t exactly indicate the threat they can pose — especially on offense. Junior RB Bryson McDaniel will be a beast in the backfield after racking up 1,621 yards on the ground with 13 scores, earning him 12-4A-II Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors. First-team WR Cade Patschke should be another reliable target for junior QB Gunnar Fromme (second-team). Meanwhile, Rex Shoemaker (LB/first-team), Jas Shelby (LB) and Trey Reyna (DB) will lead the Buffs’ defense.
Despite a final score of 3-8, La Grange managed to finish third overall in District 12-4A-II last fall, which could bode well for them as they move into a new division. Numerous starters return for coach Kyle Cooper, starting with senior QB Clayton Cooper, along with freshmen Le’Kayvion Broussard (RB/LB) and Julian Sherman (WR/DB). On defense, we expect sophomores Oliver Gunn (DL/TE) and Devonte McKenzie (DL) to have productive seasons.
Caldwell will look to get back to winning ways in 2024, relying heavily on the team’s offense to lead the Hornets to victory. Unanimous first-team pick Preston Supak anchors the O-line, while second-teamers Braxton Fritcher (RB) and Coy Becka (ATH) should provide some momentum in the scoring department. On the defensive side of the ball, watch out for Josh Wilson (LB), Dylan Carter (DB), and Hays Beavers (DB), each of whom were selected to the second-team a year ago.
