Game Changers of Week 4: Houston Area Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>We were given some exciting, down to the wire games in week 4 and opening district play did not disappoint. Tempers were high and pads were hitting. We had a handful of guys who had outstanding performances. Players who came up in the clutch and helped seal the victory for their teams. Below are those players and units who did not shy away from the big moments and stepped up when needed.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1171457' first='Paris' last='Melvin Jr.'] | ATH | Cypress Springs | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melvin Jr. made it his mission to spoil Cy Ranch's homecoming and he did just that for the entirety of the game. His athleticism and elusiveness in tight areas made him a nightmare to tackle. His strength carried defenders into the end zone. Melvin Jr. showed his smooth running style and ability to outrun a defense with his explosiveness. He accounted for 4 touchdowns on the night, running for 150 yards and hauling in 8 receptions for 161 yards. Melvin Jr. played with intensity and the Panthers rallied behind his big play. A special talent who can take over games with his skill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1082099' first='Micah' last='Rhodes'] | RB | Klein Oak | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The freshman phenom struck once again vs. a strong Klein Cain defense on Thursday night. He was used as a bell-cow back, playing smash mouth football and wearing down the opposition without losing a step. Rhodes was a difference maker, making play after play even when the defense knew what was coming. He was a punishing force who did not let up. His play helped lead the Panthers to an impressive win vs. district rivals. Rhodes finished the night with 144 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries. This included the eventual game-winning 1-yard punch in to take the lead with 40 seconds left in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Terrence Johnson | RB | Paetow | 2025 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson started the night off with a bang, taking his first carry 75-yards to the house! This set the tone for the game. Throughout the night Johnson gashed and fought through Tompkins defenders. He gained tough yards and keeping drives alive for the Paetow offense. Johnson ran for an impressive 315-yards(!) and 3 touchdowns on 22 carries, including the game-sealing 12-yard touchdown run on a crucial third down. Johnson is getting better as the season continues and is a name to keep eyes on in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colin Leahey | RB | Magnolia | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leahey showed some tough running and determination in the matchup vs. Tomball Memorial. He displayed his burst and strength, running through lanes and dragging defenders for positive gains. Leahey kept the sticks moving and punished the opposition on short yardage. He finished his night with 3 running touchdowns and a game-ending third down conversion. Leahey showed that he possesses the traits needed to grind out a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='688604' first='Courtland' last='Guillory'] | CB | Klein Oak | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Guillory stepped up on both sides of the ball in the matchup vs. Klein Cain. Defensively, he was locked in, holding one of the most explosive teams in the area in check. Guillory made plays in the run game, shedding blocks, making key tackles before big gains were made. He looked excellent in coverage, allowing little separation and causing big time PBUs to stall drives. Offensively, Guillory showed his athleticism. He took command running the wildcat offense, taking a counter 30-yards to the house shifting the momentum of the game. Guillory was a major piece in the victory and showed why he is a top ranked player in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paetow Offensive Line</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line dominated from the opening whistle. The Panthers big dawgs up front created running lanes all game long and manhandled the Tompkins front seven. Behind their dominate blocking, the Paetow backs gained positive yards on almost every carry and totaled over 300 rushing yards. This unit physically wore down their opponents and were a major reason behind the big time win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->