The Texas high school football playoffs start Thursday, and the Houston area features several of the top-ranked teams in the state. Here is a closer look at some of the primary contenders, including their best players and other significant factors to keep an eye on.
C.E. King
Record: 9-1 overall, 7-0 district
Head coach: Cory Laxen
Bracket: Class 6A Division II, Region III
First round opponent: Clear Springs (4-6), 7 p.m. Friday, Sheldon ISD Stadium
Points per game: 49.4
Points allowed per game: 14.0
Yards per game: 445.7
Yards allowed per game: 263.1
Leading passer: Khylan Davis – 1,604 yards, 18 touchdowns, 1 interception
Leading rusher: Triston Willis – 58 carries, 495 yards, 6 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Dillon Mitchell – 29 catches, 579 yards, 5 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders:
Cory Laxen’s first season as the program’s head coach ended with C.E. King playing for a state championship for the first time in its history. His second campaign has already produced an outright district title and victories against North Shore and Summer Creek. The Panthers have established that last year’s breakthrough was more than a one-hit wonder. Their only loss came against Cypress Ranch in September, and they have won eight consecutive games since. Dillon Mitchell gives C.E. King an explosive playmaker at receiver, while quarterback Khylan Davis can contribute through the air and on the ground. The Panthers also have a ton of backfield depth, giving defenses several players to account for rather than one obvious focal point.
Randle running back Laden Williams-Callis has rushed for more than 2,400 yards. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle)
Randle
Record: 10-0 overall, 8-0 district
Head coach: Brian Randle
Bracket:
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Class 5A Division I, Region III
First round opponent: A&M Consolidated (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday, Traylor Stadium
Points per game: 50.2
Points allowed per game: 8.8
Yards per game: 486.9
Yards allowed per game: 109.0
Leading passer: Brady Bratcher – 761 yards, 11 touchdowns, 1 interception
Leading rusher: Landen Williams-Callis – 204 carries, 2,480 yards, 37 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Kamar Chavez-Brown – 28 catches, 476 yards, 8 touchdowns
Why they’re contenders:
After completing a third consecutive unbeaten regular season, the Lions are five wins from making their third straight state championship game appearance. Moving up to Class 5A Division I has changed the potential opponents, but Randle has continued winning under coach Brian Randle. Five-star Texas commit Landen Williams-Callis gives the Lions a player capable of single-handedly deciding a postseason game, and he enters the playoffs just 29 yards from reaching 10,000 for his career. Randle has also shown it can handle resistance, beating Angleton and Friendswood to close the regular season. The Lions have championship experience and a defense capable of supporting their star when running room becomes harder to find.
North Shore offensive lineman Brandon Hebert is one of the key players for the Mustangs. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle)
North Shore
Record: 9-1 overall, 6-1 district
Head coach: Willie Gaston
Bracket: Class 6A Division I, Region III
First round opponent: Deer Park (8-2), 7 p.m. Thursday, Galena Park ISD Stadium
Points per game: 40.1
Points allowed per game: 11.4
Yards per game: 426.0
Yards allowed per game: 156.2
Leading passer: Ja’Voris Taylor – 1,381 yards, 12 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Leading rusher: Kaden Brandley – 100 carries, 725 yards, 11 touchdowns
Leading receiver: La’Damian Defreeze – 25 catches, 403 yards, 5 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders:
North Shore is seeking its seventh state championship and has reached the state semifinals in eight consecutive seasons. The program is averaging 5.25 playoff wins per season since 2018. Last year’s title was the first for North Shore alum Willie Gaston as head coach after succeeding Jon Kay. This year’s team has already won close games against Dallas South Oak Cliff and Summer Creek, experiences that could prove valuable against a Region III field loaded with talented teams. C.E. King was the only team to beat the Mustangs, but the Panthers are not in their playoff bracket. With a defense that has repeatedly shut down opponents, North Shore remains a substantial obstacle for anyone hoping to reach Arlington.
Shadow Creek quarterback Tavis Coleman and receiver B.J. LaFell have been a dynamic duo. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle)
Shadow Creek
Record: 9-1 overall, 8-0 district
Head coach: Tyrone Green
Bracket: Class 6A Division II, Region III
First round opponent: Heights (4-6), 7 p.m. Thursday, Freedom Field
Points per game: 48.8
Points allowed per game: 11.5
Yards per game: 430.3
Yards allowed per game: 139.0
Leading passer: Tavis Coleman – 2,624 yards, 35 touchdowns, 1 interception
Leading rusher: Jacier Pace – 79 carries, 478 yards, 5 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Brandon LaFell Jr. – 37 catches, 937 yards, 13 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders: Shadow Creek has been consistently successful during its relatively short history, but the Sharks have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2020. This team has reasons to believe it can end that stretch. Senior quarterback Tavis Coleman is an established starter with a talented receiving corps that includes B.J. LaFell and Jaylen Addai, whose fathers both won Super Bowls. LaFell, only a sophomore, has the ability to contribute in all three phases of the game. Shadow Creek answered an important question by beating Pearland in a game that required sustained offensive production. The Sharks avenged last year’s loss to the Oilers, claimed the district title and enter the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak.
Ridge Point
Record: 10-0 overall, 7-0 district
Head coach: Rick LaFavers
Bracket: Class 6A Division II, Region III
First round opponent: Katy Taylor (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday, Hall Stadium
Points per game: 43.0
Points allowed per game: 11.0
Yards per game: 425.6
Yards allowed per game: 175.4
Leading passer: Brody Bartee – 2,275 yards, 26 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Leading rusher: DuQuay Buckhanon – 61 carries, 415 yards, 5 touchdowns
Leading receiver: John Rangel – 51 catches, 924 yards, 11 touchdowns
Why they’re contenders:
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Ridge Point has made district championships routine under coach Rick LaFavers, winning seven straight and extending its district winning streak to 51 games. The Panthers’ non-district results provide a more revealing measure of this team’s potential. They handed both Shadow Creek and Bridgeland their only regular-season losses, giving them victories against two other Houston-area contenders. Senior quarterback Brody Bartee has helped sustain that success despite missing three games, and his receiving corps gives opponents more than one difficult coverage assignment. Ridge Point has already shown it can beat teams with different strengths. Its opportunity now is to turn another dominant regular season into a longer stay in the Class 6A Division II bracket. The Panthers have not reached the third round since 2022.
Katy running back C.J. Watts has helped to lead the Tigers’ rushing attack. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle)
Katy
Record: 10-0 overall, 8-0 district
Head coach: Gary Joseph
Bracket: Class 6A Division I, Region III
First round opponent: Travis (6-4), 6:30 p.m. Friday, Legacy Stadium
Points per game: 50.3
Points allowed per game: 10.9
Yards per game: 458.6
Yards allowed per game: 214.3
Leading passer: Mason Hartwell – 840 yards, 12 touchdowns, 1 interception
Leading rusher: Tony Manuel III – 108 carries, 956 yards, 18 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Braylon Pettaway – 24 catches, 370 yards, 7 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders:
Katy is chasing its 10th state championship and first since 2020, with legendary coach Gary Joseph four victories away from reaching 300 for his career. The Tigers have already completed an unbeaten regular season, the program’s first since 2010, but the playoff assignment brings a different challenge after competing in Division II last year. Katy’s 2025 season ended against Summer Creek in a regional semifinal decided by a late touchdown. This team can lean on multiple running backs, with Tony Manuel III and C.J. Watts sharing the work rather than requiring one player to handle every important carry. Early-season wins against Atascocita, Dickinson and Tompkins supplied an early indication of Katy’s potential, and the Tigers have continued winning without interruption since.
La Porte
Record: 8-2 overall, 8-0 district
Head coach: Kevin Berneathy
Bracket:
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Class 5A Division I, Region III
First round opponent: Northbrook (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Bulldog Stadium
Points per game: 45.6
Points allowed per game: 29.4
Yards per game: 472.0
Yards allowed per game: 371.9
Leading passer: Joshua Wells – 1,600 yards, 18 touchdowns, 1 interception
Leading rusher: Sean Simon – 207 carries, 1,855 yards, 25 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Peyton Smith – 39 catches, 615 yards, 9 touchdowns
Why they’re contenders:
La Porte has unfinished business after last year’s district championship season ended with a first-round playoff loss to Pflugerville Weiss. The Bulldogs reached a regional final in 2024, so Kevin Berneathy’s program has experienced both a lengthy postseason and an abrupt exit. This team recovered from losses to Crawford and Deer Park by winning every district game, including a convincing victory against Port Arthur Memorial. Sean Simon was particularly effective in that matchup, rushing for 340 yards and four touchdowns against a team that otherwise went unbeaten. With quarterback Joshua Wells and receiver Peyton Smith complementing Simon, La Porte has more offensive options than simply asking its leading rusher to carry the team.
Crawford
Record: 9-1 overall, 6-0 district
Head coach: David Jackson
Bracket: Class 5A Division II, Region III
First round opponent: Elgin (4-6), 6 p.m. Thursday, Hall Stadium
Points per game: 47.3
Points allowed per game: 15.3
Yards per game: 444.7
Yards allowed per game: 177.7
Leading passer: Benji Fisher – 1,762 yards, 22 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Leading rusher: Jace George – 102 carries, 846 yards, 12 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Alvin Mosley – 62 catches, 938 yards, 12 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders:
Crawford reached a Class 4A Division I regional final last season and has adjusted quickly to the move into Class 5A Division II. The Chargers announced themselves with an opening victory against La Porte, then won their district without a loss. Alvin Mosley brings experience in significant games across two sports, having also helped Crawford reach the state basketball championship game in March. His presence gives David Jackson’s offense an established playmaker, but the Chargers have been almost perfectly balanced in its attack with 2,209 rushing yards and 2,238 passing yards. That combination makes Crawford an interesting contender: a young program moving into a larger classification with players who have already made a deep postseason run.
Bridgeland
Record: 9-1 overall, 7-0 district
Head coach: Lonnie Madison
Bracket:
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Class 6A Division I, Region III
First round opponent: Austin Vandegrift (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday, Cy-Fair FCU Stadium
Points per game: 41.5
Points allowed per game: 16.0
Yards per game: 405.4
Yards allowed per game: 232.5
Leading passer: Taylon Villanueva – 1,304 yards, 14 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Leading rusher: Kash Schwab – 162 carries, 1,657 yards, 27 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Jackson Ewing – 35 catches, 515 yards, 5 touchdowns
Why they’re contenders: Bridgeland understands how quickly a promising season can end after losing to Klein Collins in the first round last year after reaching a regional final in 2024. Several key players, including running back Kash Schwab, have been part of both experiences. The Bears enter this postseason with wins over The Woodlands, Cypress Ranch and Fulshear, providing evidence of their ability to handle tough competition. Their only loss came against Ridge Point. Lonnie Madison’s team also handled a change of districts and regions without surrendering its place among the area’s top programs. Schwab gives the offense a centerpiece, and a strong opening-round test against Vandegrift offers an immediate opportunity to improve on last year’s finish.
Cypress Ranch receiver Manny Leyja is one of several playmakers for the Mustangs. (Eric Christian Smith/Contributor)
Cypress Ranch
Record: 9-1 overall, 6-1 district
Head coach: William Blaylock
Bracket: Class 6A Division I, Region III
First round opponent: Hutto (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday, Tigerland Stadium
Points per game: 36.9
Points allowed per game: 13.4
Yards per game: 326.4
Yards allowed per game: 253.9
Leading passer: Braden Baker – 1,715 yards, 27 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Leading rusher: Khristian White – 141 carries, 800 yards, 11 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Derrick McCullar – 36 catches, 722 yards, 12 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders: Cypress Ranch came close to reaching a regional final last season before Waxahachie rallied late and beat them in overtime. Senior quarterback Braden Baker returns with that experience, and the UH commit has already helped the Mustangs finish another demanding game this fall. Their victory against C.E. King remains one of the most significant results involving Houston-area teams, particularly considering what the Panthers accomplished afterward. Cy Ranch has also beaten Hightower and Fulshear, and its only loss came against Bridgeland. The Mustangs moved into Region III this season, which means an unfamiliar postseason path. But with a talented and experienced quarterback leading the way, they certainly have a chance to make some noise.
Interim head coach David Perez led Klein to its first district championship since 1995. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)
Klein
Record: 9-1 overall, 7-1 district
Head coach: David Perez
Bracket: Class 6A Division I, Region II
First round opponent: Cypress Woods (6-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Klein Memorial Stadium
Points per game: 39.8
Points allowed per game: 12.3
Yards per game: 469.0
Yards allowed per game: 215.4
Leading passer: Carter Lattelle – 2,484 yards, 26 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Leading rusher: Kendrick Brown – 76 carries, 627 yards, 7 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Mike Brown – 53 catches, 1,032 yards, 12 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders: Klein has already ended one lengthy drought, winning its first district championship since 1995 under the leadership of interim head coach David Perez. Senior quarterback Carter Lattelle missed his junior season with a torn ACL before returning to lead one of the area’s most productive passing attacks. The defense has improved as well, addressing a weakness that contributed to last year’s first-round loss against Cypress Ranch. Klein’s district championship is significant, but its postseason potential comes from those changes on the field. The Bearkats are seeking their program’s first playoff win since 2017. They haven’t been past the second round since 2009.
The Woodlands running back Jason Haskins leads the Highlanders in rushing. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle)
The Woodlands
Record: 9-1 overall, 7-0 district
Head coach: Jim Rapp
Bracket:
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Class 6A Division I, Region II
First round opponent: Nimitz (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday, Woodforest Bank Stadium
Points per game: 51.6
Points allowed per game: 16.5
Yards per game: 443.6
Yards allowed per game: 258.3
Leading passer: Kaden Copelin – 2,628 yards, 43 touchdowns, 1 interception
Leading rusher: Jason Haskins – 89 carries, 556 yards, 7 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Carter Cass – 53 catches, 839 yards, 18 touchdowns
Why they’re contenders: The Woodlands is making its 32nd consecutive playoff appearance, but this team has already distinguished itself by winning the program’s first district title since 2021. The Highlanders have not lost since their one-point setback against Bridgeland in their season-opener. The passing game has developed into a significant advantage with quarterback Kaden Copelin setting records throughout the season with 43 touchdown passes and just one interception. Edge rusher Magnus Herndon has broken the school’s career sack record, and his ability to apply pressure for the defense gives The Woodlands another way to influence games.
Angleton
Record: 9-1 overall, 7-1 district
Head coach: Jason Brittain
Bracket: Class 5A Division I, Region III
First round opponent: Georgetown (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday, Wildcat Stadium
Points per game: 47.6
Points allowed per game: 10.1
Yards per game: 448.7
Yards allowed per game: 187.2
Leading passer: Trey Gardner – 1,304 yards, 14 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Leading rusher: Jayden Moore – 100 carries, 967 yards, 13 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Wyatt Neyland – 29 catches, 438 yards, 2 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders:
Angleton is two years removed from a state semifinal appearance under Jason Brittain, now the program’s career leader in coaching wins, but last season ended much earlier with a first-round loss to College Station. The Wildcats’ only loss came in 29-22 game against undefeated Randle. Despite the setback, Angleton proved it can compete with one of the state’s elite teams. The Wildcats pushed the Lions in that matchup and also found a way past Friendswood in another close district game. Duke commit Kasen Jammer gives Angleton a dynamic playmaker capable of contributing in all three phases of the game, and a strong defense that posted four shutouts gives the Wildcats a chance to be completive in almost any matchup.
Montgomery
Record: 10-0 overall, 7-0 district
Head coach: Grant Cooper
Bracket: Class 5A Division II, Region III
First round opponent: Dayton (3-7), 7 p.m. Friday, Montgomery ISD Stadium
Points per game: 44.1
Points allowed per game: 16.3
Yards per game: 465.1
Yards allowed per game: 219.2
Leading passer: Bryce Miles – 1,508 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Leading rusher: Josh Warren – 125 carries, 1,051 yards, 14 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Luke Piro – 39 catches, 894 yards, 13 touchdowns
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Why they’re contenders:
Montgomery’s victory against Huntsville delivered its first district championship and unbeaten regular season since 2021, the final year under former coach John Bolfing. Grant Cooper’s team had to earn that distinction in the closing moments, with sophomore Julian Stirrett kicking the winning field goal. That finish was a useful test before the playoffs, especially for a team accustomed to winning more comfortably. Oklahoma commit Keldrid Ben gives the Bears a prominent recruit in the backfield, but Josh Warren’s emergence means opponents must prepare for more than one productive runner. With Luke Piro providing a downfield receiving option, Montgomery has plenty of offensive firepower to make a postseason run.
Memorial
Record: 10-0 overall, 8-0 district
Head coach: Brooks Haack
Bracket: Class 6A Division II, Region III
First round opponent:
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Manvel (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday, Tully Stadium
Points per game: 43.3
Points allowed per game: 10.6
Yards per game: 449.6
Yards allowed per game: 204.5
Leading passer: Grant Sperandio – 934 yards, 10 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Leading rusher: Conrad Bennett – 149 carries, 1,316 yards, 25 touchdowns
Leading receiver: Parker Welty – 43 catches, 709 yards, 7 touchdowns
Why they’re contenders:
Memorial enters the playoffs after securing its first unbeaten regular season since 1976. The Mustangs have won consecutive outright district titles and reached double-digit victories in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1976-77. Head coach Brooks Haack arrived last year after helping coordinate Randle’s state championship offense, and his success at Memorial has come quickly. The next question is whether that progress translates against stronger postseason opponents, beginning with Manvel. Conrad Bennett gives the Mustangs an established rushing option on offense, and the defense has been steady all season. After taking care of business in its district, Memorial has a chance to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
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This article originally published at Houston high school football playoffs: 15 teams that could make deep runs.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
