KATY FOOTBALL PICKS: Who to Watch this Football Season

Katy area high school football coaches share their picks for the most dynamic, exciting players to watch on the gridiron this season.

By Tanya Erickson & Ashley Lancaster | KATY MAGAZINE, September 2017

Photography by John Glaser

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Katy High School

Connor Galvan, T

Class of 2018

6’6”, 255 lbs.

#76

Connor Galvan has been a starter for the Tigers for three years and has been chosen as one of the captains of the team this year. He dominates on the offensive line and it has gained him a place on first team All-District twice. He’s been offered a spot from the Florida Gators and can expect more in the future.

Seth Small, K/P

Class of 2018

5’11”, 205 lbs.

#47

Coach Joseph says Seth Small is an outstanding leader for the team, and after being named 19-6A Special Teams Player of the Year, its easy to believe. He’s already committed as a punter/kicker for Texas A&M.

Deondrick Glass, RB/SB

Class of 2019

5’9”, 195 lbs.

#2

With 1,912 running yards and 30 touchdowns in the 2016 season, Deondrick Glass is setting the bar high for other running backs in the district. He was District MVP for 19-6A and Coach Gary Joseph says he’s got a chance to be the best running back Katy High School has had in a while.

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Cinco Ranch High School

Blake Kuithe, DE

Class of 2018

6’3 ½”, 234 lbs.

#98

Coach Don Clayton praises Blake Kuithe’s efforts in helping the Cougars reach the state semifinals last season and was also named first team All-District defensive end. Blake will be one of the team captains and is expected to excel on the field with his intensity and focus. In August 2017, Kuithe was also named one of the Houston TD Club Preseason Players of the Year.

Brant Kuithe, RB

Class of 2018

6’2 ½”, 224 lbs.

#14

Brant Kuithe was named first team All-District running back, is a two-year starter, and will be one of the team captains this season. Coach Clayton says Brant runs the ball with reckless abandon and is an outstanding receiver and kick returner. He’s the key to the offense and the Cougars are a better team with the ball in his hands.

Tyler Worell, OT

Class of 2018

6’3”, 266 lbs.

#74

Tyler Worrell has started and completed 26 consecutive games and is the model of consistency and toughness. Coach Clayton says he was instrumental in the success of the offense last year and is an excellent run blocker and pass protector. He was named first team All-District offensive lineman last year and will be a team captain this season.

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TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL

Ean Beek, RB/SB

Class of 2018

5’9”, 175 lbs.

#2

Ean Beek rushed for 2,400 yards last season and was named first team all-district and second team all-state. He’s a returning two-year letterman and Coach Trey Herrmann is expecting great things from him because of his desire to become a well-known player. He already received offers from Abilene Christian, Army, and Houston Baptist.

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Andrew Coker, T/DT

Class of 2019

6’7”, 338 lbs.

#79

Coach Hermann praises Andrew Coker for his tremendous work ethic and the extra time she spends to continue to improve. He gained a place on the 2016 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Team with a rushing attack that averaged 208 rushing yards per game. The offensive tackle received offers from UT, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and recently committed to the University of Florida.

Max Wright, DE

Class of 2018

6’4”, 270 lbs.

#99

Max Wright has been a varsity defensive lineman for the Mustangs since his freshman year and is considered the third best defensive end in the country and number 83 overall according to 247 Sports Composite rankings. The University of Florida has also offered the elite 2018 defensive lineman a place on their team, but he has committed to Texas A&M University.

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Mayde Creek

High School Jonathan Coleman, LB

Class of 2018

5’11"; 251 lbs.

#9

Jonathan Coleman is a returning linebacker for the varsity team. He played outside linebacker his sophomore year and middle linebacker last season, so he will bring a lot of experience to the defensive side of the ball this year.

Keyonte’ Fiakpui, QB

Class of 2018

5’10”, 172 lbs. #1

This will be Keyonté Fiakpui’s third year as a varsity player for the Rams. He led the team last year with 41 passes for nine yards per catch and two receiving touchdowns. He will take on the role of quarterback this season.

Marcus Stripling, DE

Class of 2019

6’3”, 265 lbs.

#33

This huge defensive end was a starter for every game last season and improved with each one according to Coach Mike Rabe. Marcus Stripling has received multiple offers from division one colleges in the country because of his talent and commitment to the game.

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Morton Ranch High School

Christian Advincula, OL

Class if 2018

6’0”, 235 lbs.

#62

The senior offensive lineman and returning starter will help anchor the Mavericks’ offensive line this season. Coach Ron Counter says Christian Advincula will be a great asset in rebuilding the team and making them stronger.

Deonte Bradford, WR

Class of 2018

5’11”, 175 lbs.

#7

Deonte Bradford is the lead returning wide receiver and should have a big year in the spread offense. With his speed and agility, he could help bring the team into another round of playoffs.

Dallas Ross, QB

Class of 2018

5’10”, 175 lbs.

#14

As senior team captain and quarterback, Dallas Ross will be looked at to lead the team further in the district rankings this season. He’s quick, running a the 40 in 4.5 seconds, and Coach Counter thinks he will have a big year both running and throwing with their new offense. Photo by John Glaser

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Seven Lakes High School

Brendan Bibbs, DE

Class of 2018

6’1”, 220 lbs.

#91

This defensive lineman is a two-year returning starter. He currently holds the lead in sacks. Brendan Bibbs’ speed, power, and ability to get off the line quickly will make him a valuable player for the Spartan’s defense.

Jahquan Bloomfield, WR

Class of 2018

6’2”, 175 lbs.

#5

Jahquan Bloomfield will be a returning starter at receiver with an average rush of 25.26 yards per catch. Last season he had 19 catches for 480 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a master at running routes and with a 4.5 in the 40 yard dash, he can sprint past his defenders.

Kelian Johnson, WR

Class of 2018

6’2”, 185 lbs.

#27

Kelian Johnson plays wide receiver and has been a starter for the Spartans for three years. He’s the leading return receiver with 30 catches for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Coach Lydell Wilson says his agility and strength to take on any number of defenders is his key to success.

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TOMPKINS HIGH SCHOOL

Reginald Malone, S

Class of 2018

5’9”, 151 lbs.

#26

He will be a vital part of the Falcon’s secondary team at cornerback and full safety. Coach Todd McVey expects Reginald Malone to help improve the pass defense while locking down the wide receivers at the safety positions with his speed and explosiveness.

Brenden Robisch, C

Class of 2018

6’0”, 243 lbs.

#62

Brendan Robisch is a veteran player and will lead the new form rushing attack. He played every position on the offensive line last season and is expected to anchor the offensive line as center this 2018 season.

Ryan Schmidt, QB/RB/WR

Class of 2019

5’10”, 176 lbs.

#10

According to Coach McVey, Ryan Schmidt is one of the most versatile athletes in the district and he will have a chance to show that this season because he will be playing quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. He was the starting quarterback in 2017 and threw for 714 yards with eight touchdowns and rushed for 514 yards for three touchdowns. The Falcons plan on him making big plays this year.

MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR

• Jianni Angulo, SS - #8, Katy

• CJ Barlow, LB, #35 - Tompkins

• Michael Batton, QB, #7 - Seven Lakes

• Caleb Bircham, OL/DL, #51 - Seven Lakes

• Johnny Coleman, LB, #41 - Morton Ranch

• David Dominguez, K, #23 - Morton Ranch

• Bryce Foster, OL/DL, #62 - Taylor

• Joe McCain, DT, #45 - Cinco Ranch

• Michael Matus, DE/LB, #91 - Katy

• Otito Ogbonnia, DT, #90 - Taylor

• Tyler Pullig, WR, #10 - Katy

• Brendan Ugwoebu, WR - #88 - Seven Lakes

• Devin Wygal, LB, #23 - Cinco Ranch

• Dylan Wygal, DE, #91 - Cinco Ranch

Did we miss someone? Post a comment below.

TANYA ERICKSON is a sports-enthusiast and writer who lives in Katy.

ASHLEY LANCASTER is the digital editor for Katy Magazine.

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