Top Defensive Performances in Week Two: Houston Area

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Here we take a look at a group of defensive players who gave all-out-effort to try and help their teams reach victory. They all stood up to the challenge and made timely plays when needed. The defensive prowess will not go unnoticed and they will be names to follow throughout the season!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nicholas Elko | DE | Paetow | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elko caused havoc in the backfield on most plays, beating his opponent with both speed and power off the edge. He crashed down hard on inside stunts and made numerous plays for losses. Elko kept containment when needed and made sure to funnel everything back inside to his defense. He had an outstanding game vs. Dekaney and flashed great skill in the matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923457' first='Kaleb' last='Burns'] | LB | Cy Falls | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burns showed his playmaking skills as a defender, causing turnovers and making big time stops in crucial moments. In a tough battle vs. Klein Oak, Burns tallied 11 tackles, 1 sacks, and 2 interceptions with a pick six on excellent reaction and ball skills. He was everywhere on the field and in position to make plays when needed. His efforts were noticed even in a defeat. The Baylor commit is a special talent on the defensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304137' first='Kade' last='Phillips'] | DB | Hightower | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips started the game with an effort play, chasing down an opponent after a catch and punching the ball out to cause a turnover and flip the momentum. He was great in coverage all night, tackled well in space, and even had the game-winning touchdown catch on offense. The LSU commit showed his versatility and ability to change the outcome of the game in a single play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parker Johnson | DB | Stratford | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson was very active in the matchup vs. Oak Ridge. He accounted for 15 tackles from his safety position by accelerating downhill and making stops before the opponent could get a head of steam. He showed his closing speed and sideline to sideline effort, getting in on almost every stop and halting yardage gains. Johnson added an interception to his stat line, where he read the opposing quarterbacks eyes and snatched the ball right out of the air. He has had an excellent start to the season and is a player to keep eyes on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->