Game Balls: Week 12 – Central Texas
Running games and defense was the name of the game as some schools begin the postseason and some schools continue wrapping up the regular season. Check out who stood out this week across Central Texas.
1. Houston Hendrix (SO-DB) – Boerne High School (Boerne, TX)
Hendrix was all over the ball last Thursday when Boerne defeated Burnet 38-7. Hendrix was a highlight for the well-played defense of the Greyhounds as he recorded two interceptions for a total of 66 yards. On top of that, Hendrix also totaled seven tackles including one for a loss. After the game against Burnet, Hendrix now has three interceptions this season, with the last one coming against Splendora back on Sept. 4.
2. Tyson Cornett (SR-RB/WR) – Leon High School (Jewett, TX)
Cornett made his name known when he reeled in 10 receptions for 142 yards and three touchdowns when Leon defeated Thorndale 40-34, last Thursday. This is not the first time Cornett has had a star night as he had 255 yards and three touchdowns against Dawson on Sept. 4. Alongside that, Cornett has been pretty consistent in having successful games. He has had six games in which he has reached over 100 yards receiving this year out of the 10 he has played in. More so, this game against Thorndale was listed as a playoff game on MaxPreps, giving more emphasis on his performance last Thursday.
3. Rene Galvan (JR-RB) – Sinton High School (Sinton, TX)
Very few running backs can say they have games such as these, but Galvan can as he rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns. Galvan, alongside junior running back Rylan Galvan, unknown relation, who rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Sinton’s running game was the sole scoring force in last Thursday’s playoff game against Pearsall. The Pirates defeated the Mavericks 57-8, and the victory was in large part due to both Galvans’ performances.
4. Case Brister (JR-LB) – Lampasas High School (Lampasas, TX)
Although the game balls are usually gifted to offensive and defensive performances, this case of special teams performance is worthy of a game ball. Brister recorded two blocked punts in Lampasas’, 61-14, playoff win over Uvalde. On top of his highlighted special teams performance, Brister also recorded 15 total tackles with 11 being solo. Lampasas is among the most elite in the Badgers’ district, and the special teams play is something to watch for especially when looking at Brister, who could end up causing havoc for future opponents.
5. Jace Mann (SO-DB) – Rouse High School (Leander, TX)
Mann was the man in the secondary as Rouse defeated East View in a close, 49-42, contest. Mann had two interceptions in the game with nine total tackles. These were the first two interceptions for Mann this season but he also has three fumble recoveries spread out against A&M Consolidated, Bastrop and Pflugerville Connally. Mann will be a player to watch the next couple of years in the Rouse secondary considering he is already showing results for the Raiders.
6. Nick Morris (SR-LB) – Westlake High School (Austin, TX)
Morris stole the show for the Chaparrals on Thursday night as he finished with three sacks and 12 total tackles. The Westlake defense is arguably the best in the state of Texas but Morris stood out as he was disruptive in Westlake’s 45-7 victory over Bowie. The entire pressure from the Westlake defense caused Bowie’s junior quarterback Diego Tello to throw two interceptions. Morris, and the Westlake defense is a force to watch out for as the 6A classes edge closer to the playoffs.
7. Lavonte Benford (SR-RB) – Manor High School (Manor, TX)
Benford had himself a game in Manor’s 41-36 loss to Weiss on Thursday night. Despite that loss, Benford rushed for 201 yards and a touchdown. Overall, Manor’s running game was electric as Benford’s teammate, Eli Holt, rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Benford has had some late success this season as he also rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns against Hendrickson last week. Benford is a late name to keep an eye out for.
8. Alexander Franklin III (JR-RB) – Leander High School (Leander, TX)
The Lions faced another tough loss, but once again, Franklin showed his potential in Leander’s 63-42 loss to Georgetown on Friday. In that loss, Franklin rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns. This was the most productive game for Franklin this season but he has been receiving more reps as of late as the season slows down for Leander. Franklin has the ability to be the starting running back for Leander next year and the Lions’ district will have to prepare accordingly.
9. Case Kuykendall (SR-QB) – Llano High School (Llano, TX)
Another performance for the personal history books was Kuykendall’s, who rushed for 142 yards and four touchdowns against Marion on Friday in a playoff contest. Llano came away with a 49-14 victory over the Bulldogs and Kuykendall had a lot to do with that final score. He has had an excellent season, rushing for 1,029 yards and 10 touchdowns. Equally as impressive is his passing numbers which total to 1,465 yards and 21 touchdowns with three interceptions. Kuykendall is a quarterback with excellent playing ability in both rushing and passing and certainly one to watch for as he remains reportedly uncommitted.
10. L.J. Butler (SR-RB) – Wagner High School (San Antonio, TX)
Yet another big rushing performance was from Butler in Wagner’s 57-56 victory over Samuel Clemens on Friday night. The close win is in large part thanks to Butler, who rushed for 187 yards and four touchdowns. It is worth also noting that Wagner’s rushing game totaled 546 yards and six touchdowns, essentially carrying the whole team in a combined effort from the running back committee but Butler’s performance stands out over all the others.
11. Jaden Schriewer (SR-DB) – New Braunfels High School (New Braunfels, TX)
Another big defensive back performance comes out of New Braunfels. Schriewer totaled two interceptions for 40 yards and six total tackles. The Unicorns defeated East Central 48-14 and while the entirety of the New Braunfels defense was successful, Schriewer’s work in the secondary is worth highlighting.
12. Tristan Moreno (SO-WR) – Seguin High School (Seguin, TX)
Seguin had a dominant 68-7 victory over McCollum and one of the top performances came from Moreno, who had eight receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Still, this does not top Moreno’s performance against Canyon on Oct. 30 when he had 13 receptions for 221 yards and one touchdown. Considering Moreno is a young player and has another two good years with Seguin, he will be a name to keep an eye on these next couple of years as well.
13. Jacob Rubio (SR-WR) – Leakey High School (Leakey, TX)
Much like some of the running backs in this list, Rubio had himself a night when he had four receptions for 117 yards and four touchdowns. That means each time Rubio was thrown the ball, he scored. Leakey came away with a 79-30 win over Lometa in a playoff victory, but Rubio’s performance helped in large part to that dominant win. One of those touchdowns was a 61-yard bomb and there is no telling how big the other plays he caught were as he averaged 29.3 yards per play. Rubio will be a player to watch for defenses as Leakey continues through the playoffs.