Season Preview: Pieper Warriors

<ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>@Boerne</li>   <li>@ San Antonio Johnson</li>   <li>San Antonio Davenport</li>   <li>San Antonio Wagner *</li>   <li>@ Smithson Valley *</li>   <li>Seguin *</li>   <li>@ New Braunfels *</li>   <li>San Antonio MacArthur *</li>   <li>@ Victoria East *</li>   <li>Boerne Champion *</li> </ul>    Thor Myklebust announced his commitment to Air Force on June 22, 2025, getting ready to cap off an exceptional run at Pieper High School in San Antonio. At 6′5″ and 250 lbs, Thor brings an imposing physical presence to the Warriors' defensive front. His size and length allow him to dominate both the edge and the interior, causing quarterbacks to rethink pocket position and offensive lines to account for his pursuit angle on screens and outside runs.   In the 2024–25 varsity season, Thor recorded 51 total tackles (35 solo) and 6 sacks over just 11 games, averaging 4.6 tackles and 0.5 sacks per contest—well above the district average . His efforts earned him District 13‑5A‑I Defensive Line MVP honors, a recognition that underscores his impact every snap. What stands out is his consistent disruption—plowing through double teams, deflecting passing lanes, and pulling down ball‑carriers in the backfield, often on back‑to‑back downs.   What makes Thor truly excel isn't just strength and size—it's his relentless motor, high football IQ, and technique. On film, he regularly sets the edge, sinks his hips with power on inside counters, and wins with sharp hand usage to shed blocks. Teammates and opponents alike note his "Motor"—blending brute force with savvy moves. At Air Force, Thor projects as a disruptive force who can anchor the defensive line, set the tone in the trenches, and lead by example both on game day and in the academy.   Thor Myklebust checks every box: elite physical tools, standout production, and the traits that translate to success at the next level—making him one to watch in Colorado Springs.     [player_tooltip player_id='1673904' first='John' last='Como'] has emerged as one of the top linemen in the Class of 2026 at Pieper High School in San Antonio. Measuring in at 6′5″ and roughly 315 lbs with recorded gym numbers like a 350 lb bench and a 585 lb squat, he's a physical specimen who anchors the Warriors' offensive front with rare power and consistency. Several Division I programs—including UIW, UTRGV, and Stephen F. Austin—have extended offers, drawn by his ability to control the point of attack and his capacity to move defenders both in the run game and in pass protection .   On the field, Como's dominance starts at the snap. He displays a rare mix of leverage and hand technique, quickly setting a firm base and using powerful punch-and-lock moves to neutralize speed rushers. His squat and bench numbers translate to game speed on inside zone and power runs, where he drives the line of scrimmage vertically, opening lanes for his backs. Equally impressive is his pass-blocking posture—he maintains a low center of gravity and engages with controlled aggression, making it tough for defenders to bend the edge.   What truly sets Como apart is his football IQ and motor. Coaches praise his ability to diagnose defensive fronts and adjust protections on the fly, while teammates note his leadership in the trenches. A first‑team All‑District 13‑5A‑I selection , he brings consistency to every snap—whether sustaining on the 5th‑yard drive or cleaning up a blitz. With his blend of size, athleticism, technique, and instinct, [player_tooltip player_id='1673904' first='John' last='Como'] looks well‑poised for further development at the next level—and offers from programs like UIW, Lamar, and SFA are just the beginning.     Brady Hopper steps onto the field for Pieper High as a compact yet powerful presence—standing 5′10″ and weighing around 210 pounds. Though he's in the Class of 2026, his impact on varsity can't be overstated. In his last two seasons, he combined for 1,922 all-purpose yards—1,230 rushing at a 5.7 YPC clip and 692 receiving—averaging nearly 77 all-purpose yards per game across 25 contests. That kind of production puts him among the top offensive weapons in District 5A‑1.   On film, Hopper sets himself apart with a relentless downhill running style and a nose for contact. In the 2024 Pigskin Classic opener, he “barreled his way for 19 yards to the Greyhounds' 12-yard line,” a play that helped set up the game-winning touchdown. His ability to drive defenders backward on first contact—often breaking tackles or fighting for extra yards—disrupts defensive timing and opens up multiple phases of the offense. With no fumbles last season and consistent performances, he's shown remarkable reliability with the ball .   But it's Hopper's blend of physical traits, versatility, and competitive edge that elevate him beyond mere yardage. Coaches and teammates highlight his nose for the end zone; in a 56–37 blowout over Seguin, he found the end zone early and often, reinforcing his explosive play-making . His catch radius out of the backfield keeps defenses honest, while his between-the-tackles toughness keeps Pieper's offense on schedule. In short, Brady Hopper plays with a blue-collar hunger, tough-minded instinct, and multi-phase utility—all qualities that mark him as one of the most dynamic backs in the region heading into the 2025‑26 season.     [player_tooltip player_id='438734' first='Carson' last='LaCombe'] has quickly become one of the most compelling wide‑out prospects in the Class of 2028. At 6′3″ and approximately 195 lbs, he combines a towering frame with explosive athleticism—posted metrics include a 4.78‑second 40-yard dash, a 4.41 shuttle, and long jump distances over 9'6″ at the San Antonio Stock Up Showcase. LaCombe's impressive mix of size and speed has caught the attention of several Division I programs, with offers already in-hand from Utah, Mississippi State and TCU, among others.   On the field, his play stands out in multiple phases. As a freshman, LaCombe showcased his physical dominance at the line of scrimmage—jamming defensive backs off the release and consistently winning contested catch situations . Film from early games even shows him taking snaps as a gadget-type wildcat QB, rushing for over 100 yards and making yet more clutch catches, compiling 180 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. That versatility—offensive creativity blended with route-running prowess—makes him a matchup problem at the next level.   What truly separates LaCombe is his ruthless competitiveness and breakaway potential. With SEC-caliber offers on the table, he's validating the hype with impressive athletic testing and on-field production. Coaches describe him as a “constant bully at the line,” imposing both physical presence and technique. Heading into his final 3 years, expect him to become a true alpha receiver—stretching the field vertically, winning contested jump balls, and evolving into a dominant, multi-phase weapon for Pieper's offense and beyond.   Carson is already turning heads with his size, athletic profile, and competitive DNA—he's a player to keep your eyes on as college interest builds       [player_tooltip player_id='1650153' first='Isaiah' last='Gaitan'] stands at a smooth 6'0″ and 185 lbs, bringing power, poise, and production to Pieper's offense. Through 12 varsity games in the 2024‑25 season, the Cornerstone transfer completed 132 of 219 passes for 2,015 yards—an impressive 183.2 yards per game—while tossing 19 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions. His ability to consistently deliver big-yardage through the air will separate him from many peers in District 5A‑I and beyond.   On film, Gaitan displays advanced pocket presence and anticipation. He keeps his eyes downfield under pressure, stepping into throws with confidence. His athleticism shines with occasional scrambles—61 rushes for 179 yards, around 3.0 YPC, showing he's more than just a pocket passer . These gains keep defenses honest and sustain drives. Coaches also praise his 4.6‑second 40-yard dash, strong arm, and accuracy.   But what truly makes Isaiah stand out is his football IQ, leadership, and consistency. A Hudl profile lists him as a strong student-athlete (@isaiah_gaitan26 with a 3.8 GPA) , while scouting notes highlight his “good pocket/foot work, strong arm and good accuracy, good speed”. Whether dropping precise darts on crossing routes or guiding the offense in high-leverage moments, Gaitan combines mental sharpness and physical tools. As a rising senior, he's poised to take a leadership role and emerge even stronger in the high-stakes 2025 season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1667929' first='Laiton' last='Springer'] emerges as a standout presence at linebacker for Pieper High, standing in at 6′0″ and 210 lbs, with functional strength illustrated by a 295‑lb bench and 415‑lb squat . In the 2024 varsity season, he notched 78 total tackles (58 solo) over 12 games—an average of 6.5 tackles per game, placing him sixth in District 5A‑1 Region IV. Those numbers underscore his reliability and consistent presence across every down, often serving as the first defender in pursuit.   What truly sets Springer apart is his football IQ and motor. Prep Redzone highlights his “high motor,” pinpointing his ability to read plays, fill gaps decisively, and “shoot through lanes to disrupt the run.” Add in his pursuit angles and coverage instincts, and he “consistently finds himself around the football,” often setting the tone with his physical play and vocal leadership . Teammates and trainers alike note his intensity during drills—lateral change-of-direction, shock drills, and block-shedding work are all part of his refined skill set.   On game film, Springer balances aggression with discipline. Whether cleanly shedding blockers or dropping into short zones with smooth transition, he blends physical presence with positional awareness. His leadership springs through in critical moments; piecing together solo stops in key drives and rallying the defense. With his proven production, relentless pursuit, and evolving technique, [player_tooltip player_id='1667929' first='Laiton' last='Springer'] is shaping into a true field general—and as he continues to refine his game, he's fast becoming the heartbeat of Pieper's defense heading into his junior and senior seasons.   Laiton brings the complete linebacker package—tough, smart, and unrelenting. He's one you'll want to track as his recruitment and impact deepen.