First-Time TXHSFB Starters that Showed Out in Week 1
El Paso Eastlake Falcons QB Julian Williams's six touchdowns, Edinburg Vela Sabercats DB Caidyn Hoover's five interceptions, headline the breakout stars from Week 1.
Egharevba, a senior linebacker, was a defensive force for Frisco Heritage in their Week One 49-27 win over Greenville. He racked up 10 total tackles, three quarterback hurries and two sacks in his Varsity debut. Coach John Fish describes Egharevba as a positive force for the program who wants to be great.
Oliver is only a sophomore, but after Week One, he'll play a big part in Jay's push for a school-record third consecutive playoff appearance. Oliver totaled 193 all-purpose yards, including a 49-yard touchdown run and a 91-yard kickoff return, in a 28-14 win over San Antonio Holmes.
Casiano was Jay's second super sophomore that emerged in a 28-14 win over San Antonio Holmes. Casiano played 131 snaps as a wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner. He notched a receiving toucdown and a fumble recovery.
In his first Varsity game, junior safety Hoover broke the Edinburg Vela stadium record with five interceptions in a 38-2 rivalry win over Edinburg North. The all-around athlete plays quarterback, wide receiver and free safety.
Gary, a senior, ran wild in his first-ever start at running back with 20 carries for 261 yards and three touchdowns. Rosenberg Terry beat Houston Worthing 41-13.
Brenham had one of the biggest preseason question marks of any state championship contender after star running back Jakoby Dixon left the program in August. But sophomore Anthony Washington emerged as a possible solution in a 34-13 win over Huntsville. He totaled 149 rushing yards on 20 carries and added a touchdown catch.
In his first Varsity start, sophomore Rodriguez totaled seven tackles, a pass breakup and a 79-yard pick six in Greenwood's 42-21 win over Childress. The Greenwood coaches knew he'd be ready for the moment after watching him compete in track, basketball and baseball. He twice broke the school's 400m dash record as a freshman, which had stood for over two decades.
Broussard played like a seasoned veteran as a 15-year-old sophomore. The signal-caller earned Beaumont Enterprise's Game Ball after leading Hamshire-Fannett to a 37-13 win over Little Cypress-Mauriceville. Broussard finished with 165 passing yards and 168 rushing yards.
Timmons earned District 7-4A DI Newcomer of the Year after rushing for 774 yards and 20 touchdowns at running back last year, but shone at quarterback in a 48-6 win over Mesquite Poteet. The junior completed a perfect 10-for-10 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns and added 131 yards and two scores on the ground.
Cooper reeled in offers from Penn State, SMU and Baylor before his first Varsity game after running a verified 4.40 40-yard dash at a Rivals camp in eighth grade. The freshman lived up to the hype in his debut. He finished with six receptions for 191 yards and five touchdowns. Cooper and Life Oak Cliff sophomore quarterback Camren Phillips (3,012 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2024) looked like they had mid-season chemistry in their first time playing together because they have trained together since middle school.
Coach Welton Johnson says Cooper puts in more work than just about any kid he's seen.
"He's been preparing for this moment since he was in seventh grade," Johnson said. "I knew he would be that type of kid, as a freshman, since then. He's always been special."
For Johnson, the only thing more impressive than Cooper scoring five touchdowns in his Varsity debut was how the freshman handled scoring five touchdowns in his Varsity debut, keeping a next-play mentality. The TXHSFB world might've been surprised by his output, but Cooper wasn't.
Gage had multiple pairs of massive shoes (Walker Overman, Preston Tarpley) to step into as a sophomore starter for the three-time defending state champions. It looked like a perfect fit after one week. Gage rushed for 223 yards and four touchdowns and completed 7-of-11 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown as Gunter beat defending SPC Champs Houston Kinkaid 49-45 on the road.
Chapa was surgical in Premont's 50-6 win over Monte Alto. The sophomore completed 10-of-14 passes for 191 yards and 4 touchdowns and also added 50 yards and a score on the ground. He'll lead a team that returns 15 starters and seeks its first playoff berth since 2021.
Espinoza took the reins of a Somerville program coming off a historic 11–2 district championship season, and his first start has the Yeguas thinking about a repeat. The junior completed 21-of-32 passes for 311 yards and 4 total touchdowns.
Jankowski made the big play every time Colleyville Covenant Christian had to have it, scoring all five touchdowns in a 40-34 win over Atlas. The senior completed 24-of-37 for 441 yards and five scores.
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