One more win. That is all that semifinalists needed to achieve in order to punch their ticket to AT&T Stadium for a chance to earn a state title. On Friday, I covered a rematch of last year’s instant-classic playoff matchup between Crosby and Liberty Hill. Furthermore, I was able to attend a highly-anticipated doubleheader on Saturday, featuring the state’s top two ranked teams in Katy versus Westlake and then later Denton Guyer versus Tomball.
Liberty Hill
- Aaron Brewer: The 6’4″ edge rusher made his presence felt throughout the night against Crosby, totaling 12 tackles and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Brewer had an impressive performance in Liberty Hill’s 42-14 revenge win over Crosby, a game which showcased the fact that he is flying under the radar of many. As of today, Brewer is committed to playing football for Air Force next season.
Crosby
- Kameren Kirkwood: The senior wide receiver caught a screen pass and turned it into a 44-yard touchdown run. Moreover, Kirkwood also put his speed on display with a touchdown rush as well. The 6’2″ Crosby receiver is another recruit who deserves a look from college programs prior to his graduation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Katy
- Nicholas Anderson: The 6’3.5″ Oklahoma pledge was just about the only bright spot for the Katy Tigers on Saturday, tallying two touchdown receptions which represented all of Katy’s only scoring action. In addition to Anderson’s two touchdowns, the Katy product finished the contest with 149 receiving yards, showcasing an ability to make contested catches. According to the 247Sports Composite, the Katy senior wide receiver is the 38th-ranked recruit in the state of Texas.
Westlake
- Passing Attack: 2022 five-star quarterback Cade Klubnik continues to pillage and plunder opposing defenses for touchdowns with the help of a talented receiving core. Both Jaden Greathouse and Keaton Kubecka caught two touchdown passes from Klubnik, while Pierce Turner also joined the scoring action with a touchdown reception as well. Greathouse is a high-profile recruit who holds a couple of offers from schools such as Oklahoma and Texas. Meanwhile, both Kubecka, a junior with three scholarship offers, and Turner, a 6’4″ wideout who uses his frame nicely, deserve to see their recruiting stocks rise as well. Ultimately, with the help of stellar defensive play by the Chaparrals, Westlake was able to coast to a 45-14 victory.
Denton Guyer
- Secondary: 2023 four-star safety Peyton Bowen absolutely stood out on Saturday night against Tomball, ballhawking an interception and taking a punt return to the house for a touchdown. The junior safety received an offer from Texas back in May, however the Longhorns will have plenty of competition for Bowen as he holds offers from schools such as Alabama, Florida and Notre Dame. Furthermore, Peyton’s younger brother Eli Bowen is another player to keep an eye on in the 2024 recruiting cycle at the cornerback position. In addition to the Bowen brothers, 2022 three-star safety Marquan Pope, who is currently committed to Pittsburgh, adds to the talent in the Guyer secondary.
- Jackson Arnold: Arnold, a 2023 four-star quarterback with offers from top-tier programs such as Alabama and Ohio State, threw for three touchdowns against Tomball. Additionally, the 6’1″ quarterback was able to pick up first downs with his legs as well. Overall, Guyer did not have to rely on throwing the football and elected to milk the clock with the ground game, sealing a 59-14 victory. However, Arnold had a solid game and has shown real development throughout his high school career. While it appears that the Longhorns are sold on trying to land 2023 five-star quarterback Arch Manning, I would not be surprised if Arnold is considered in the future.
Miles Logged:
- 302 (Total)
