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<p><em>Below we will take a look at a few players who have caught the eyes of many with their play on the field this postseason. These players have been true stars for their teams and have come up with the big plays when needed. Even though some of their seasons may have ended, they went out swinging, doing their best to keep their teams in it. For the ones who are still on the push for the State Championship, they are continuing their playmaking at a top notch, ready to leave it all on the field. These will be players to leave their marks for their schools and strive for the ultimate success.</em></p>
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<p><strong>Zane Smith | ATH | Fulshear | 2024</strong></p>
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<p>Smith showed dominance in his play this postseason. He and the Charger offense ran all over the opposition and made an incredible run this playoffs. Smith put his skills on display, showing his vision to locate open lanes and his tough, physical playstyle, putting defenders in the dirt when he stepped on the field. Smith made big play after big play, both with the ball in his possession and when lead blocking, creating a pathway for his teammates. Smith ran for 545 yards and tallied 11 touchdowns, including two 4-touchdown games in the 3 games this postseason. He was as impactful as it gets, and gained the attention of many with his play.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632242' first='John' last='Hebert'] | RB | Strake Jesuit | 2025</strong></p>
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<p>Hebert was his usual self during the playoffs. He was a workhorse who anchored the Crusader offense and controlled the game with his runs. He never seemed to wear down, constantly pounding opposing defenses on the ground and keeping the offense on schedule. Hebert showed his ability to break-off big time runs, break tackles in congested spaces, and outrun defenders in the open field. He showed incredible determination and stamina, being the bell-cow and spark of the offense. Hebert ran for an incredible 820 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 3 games, including a 400-yard game. He will be a top name returning next season in the state.</p>
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<p><strong>Sam Malone | LB | Kingwood | 2024</strong></p>
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<p>Malone is another active player on the Mustang defense, alongside his teammate Haug. He plays with great physicality and effort, fighting through blockers and finding his way to the ball carrier. Malone gets downhill with great quickness and uses his physicality to knock the opposition back. Malone plays with great speed and is a sure-tackler, getting players to the ground with urgency. Malone has over 40 tackles and 2 sacks in this 3 game span and will be looking to continue this strong run with the Mustangs.</p>
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<p><strong>Braydon Schoggin | QB | Klein Collins | 2025</strong></p>
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<p>Schoggin put the area on notice with his dual-threat skills. During the playoff run, Schoggin threw for over 300-yards and ran for over 400-yards, totaling 9 total touchdowns. He showed tough running, fighting through tackles and driving his legs for extra yards. Schoggin displayed open-field speed with the ability to outpace defenders, and a knack for scoring inside the five yard-line. Schoggin used his arm to keep defenses honest and made plays both in the air and on the ground. He has built a foundation to capitalize on for next season and will be a player to keep eyes on next season.</p>
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<p><strong>Caden Haug | LB | Kingwood | 2026</strong></p>
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<p>Haug has been a playmaker on the Mustang defense all season, and nothing has changed this postseason. Haug flies to the ball displaying incredible closing speed and is an active defender who gets in on almost every stop. He plays sideline to sideline, showing excellent lateral speed and shows the ability to diagnose plays in a hurry. Haug shoots the gap with power and knocks opposing players on their tails. In the teams current playoff run, Haug has tallied double digit tackles in every game, totaling 34 tackles in 3 games. He takes on any challenge presented and will be a highly sought-after talent in the years to come.</p>
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<p><strong>Blake Thomas | QB | Summer Creek | 2024</strong></p>
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<p>Thomas has been a dynamic playmaker during this playoff run, showing promise in both his arm and legs. His dual-threat abilities has led the Bulldogs thus far and he looks like the star needed to reach their goal. Thomas has shown great confidence all season, and looks prepared for these moments. He extends plays with his legs and can deliver from both inside and outside the pocket when needed. Thomas can take the momentum of a game with his elusiveness in space and his ability to make defenders look foolish. He is a smooth runner who can make a house call at any moment. Thomas has thrown for 512 yards with 7 touchdowns, along with 259 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns during this postseason. He looks like a man on a mission ready to do what it takes to succeed.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1569886' first='Marquez' last='Davis'] | RB | Kingwood 2024</strong></p>
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<p>Davis has been exceptional so far this postseason, running for 586 yards and 9 total touchdowns. He has put on performances where he has been the focal point of the offense, and has willed the Mustangs to victory. Davis has shown no signs of slowing down and is willing to put the team on his back offensively to reach victory. His skills with the ball in his hands are a sight to see. He has a great blend of speed and power, taking on any defender in his path and having the burst needed to outpace any player in the open field. Davis is a baller who can take over a game with his play.</p>
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<p></p>
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Below we will take a look at a few players who have caught the eyes of many with their play on the field this postseason. These players have been true stars for their teams and have come up with the big plays when needed. Even though some of their seasons may have ended, they went out swinging, doing their best to keep their teams in it. For the ones who are still on the push for the State Championship, they are continuing their playmaking at a top notch, ready to leave it all on the field. These will be players to leave their marks for their schools and strive for the ultimate success.
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