Here are our selections for the 2024 All-Big Country Preps Rising Stars Team — an honor reserved for the area’s top freshman and sophomore football players. For the rest of this year’s selections, click the links below.
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Vitals: 5-9, 140, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Surrounded by seniors on an experienced Miles offense, Yancy played like a seasoned veteran in his first year as the Bulldogs’ starter, completing 156 of 243 passes (64.2 percent) for 2,472 yards and 34 touchdowns.
And in addition to his ability to make plays, the sophomore showed the ability to make good decisions and limit mistakes as well, throwing 10 interceptions in 11 games.
RUNNING BACKS
Vitals: 5-11, 175, Freshman
Why he’s here: Sanderson had a terrific year out of the Eagles backfield, rushing for 1,175 yards and four touchdowns on just 131 carries to earn Newcomer of the Year honors out of District 10-2A Division II.
He was also a contributor on defense at free safety, tallying 32 tackles, one tackle for loss, two forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Vitals: 6-1, 195, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Sharing the rushing load with senior Coty Farmer (108-951, 9 TDs), McDonald had a big year running the ball for the Class 4A DII state semifinalist Eagles, finishing with 797 yards on 112 attempts.
The talented sophomore found the end zone 11 times, setting expectations high for when he returns as a junior in 2025.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Vitals: 5-8, 170, Sophomore
Why he’s here: After exploding onto the Big Country scene last year as a freshman, Reedy further established himself as one of the area’s most promising pass-catchers in his second high school season.
For the year, he caught 67 passes for 914 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing for 195 yards and eight more scores and taking a kickoff back to the house to finish with 1,179 all-purpose yards and 16 total TDs.
Vitals: 5-10, 165, Sophomore
Why he’s here: One of several explosive wideouts in Wall’s new spread offense, Boehle hauled in 42 passes for 714 yards and nine TDs this fall.
With senior Briggs Jones (39-878, 11 TDs) graduating, Boehle — the District 4-3A DII Offensive Newcomer of the Year — will join junior Reid Robertson (60-913, 12 TDs) at the top of a still-talented receiving corps next season.
TIGHT END
Vitals: 6-4, 205, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Ables had a monster sophomore season, finishing with 55 receptions for 1,419 yards and 14 touchdowns in his second varsity campaign.
The sky is the limit for this big and athletic target, who needs just 51 receiving yards to reach 2,000 for his career.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Vitals: 6-1, 275, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Just a sophomore, Doty was already the top lineman not only on an excellent Stephenville team but in his entire district.
The standout center graded out at 93 percent with 14 pancakes and zero sacks allowed to claim Offensive MVP honors out of District 4-4A DI and help lead his team to the Region I-4A DI championship game.
Vitals: 6-1, 240, Freshman
Why he’s here: White was nothing short of excellent in his first high school season, blocking to a 92 percent success rate to earn Offensive Newcomer of the Year accolades out of District 4-2A DI.
The talented right guard is poised to be a four-year starter for the Bearcats, making his name one you’ll certainly want to remember.
Vitals: 6-4, 308, Sophomore
Why he’s here: This massive offensive tackle is far more than just a big body. He proved that this season in posting a 90 percent blocking grade for a region finalist Steers squad.
Voted the Offensive Newcomer of the Year for District 3-4A DI, Louder should be a cornerstone of the Graham offense each of the next two seasons.
Vitals: 6-2, 215, Freshman
Why he’s here: Another promising freshman on the HHS O-line, Trojcak graded out at 91 percent in his debut campaign.
If the rangy youngster goes to work as expected in the weight room and adds more muscle to his 6-2 frame, he could be a force to be reckoned with the next three years.
Vitals: 6-3, 345, Sophomore
Why he’s here: One of the largest players in the Big Country Preps coverage area, Menefield is already difficult assignment on both sides of the football.
After grading out at 88 percent with 32 pancakes from his offensive tackle spot and tallying 43 solo tackles, 31 assists, eight tackles for loss and two sacks from his nose tackle spot, this mammoth sophomore will be one to watch in 2025 and beyond.
UTILITY
Vitals: 5-10, 175, Sophomore
Why he’s here: An elite running quarterback with improving passing skills, Tharp was one of the area’s breakout stars in 2024.
In addition to hurting defenses for 1,889 yards and 21 touchdowns on 174 rush attempts, the sophomore completed 58 of 100 passes for 781 yards and eight more TDs to take home Newcomer of the Year honors out of District 14-2A DI and lead the Armadillos to their first playoff appearance since 2021.
Vitals: 5-10, 160, Freshman
Why he’s here: A multi-talented weapon for an explosive Glen Rose offense, Males made his presence felt as a freshman.
Splitting his time primarily between running back and receiver, the District 4-4A DII Offensive Newcomer of the Year ran for 365 yards and three touchdowns on 80 carries, received for 265 yards and three TDs on 26 receptions and completed 6 of 12 passes for 86 yards and two more scores.
Vitals: 5-10, 145, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Hamm saw both his role and impact grow as the season went along, culminating in first-team all-district nods as both a running back and cornerback.
On top of his offensive production, which included 576 yards rushing, 364 yards receiving and 17 total touchdowns, the sophomore also had 51 tackles and three interceptions defensively to establish himself as a future building block for the Zephyr program.
KICKER
Vitals: 5-10, 135, Freshman
Why he’s here: Villa made an instant impact for the Plowboys, hitting all but one of his extra point attempts and going 4 of 7 on field goals with a long of 41 yards.
With three more years remaining in his high school career, this young man could be one of the area’s premier placekickers before he leaves Roscoe.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Vitals: 6-0, 175, Sophomore
Why he’s here: While undersized for a Class 5A defensive end, Lopez made his presence felt in a major way for the Bulldogs as a sophomore, collecting 58 total tackles and 15 tackles for loss to go with nine sacks and 13 hurries.
Coming off that campaign, which ended with a second-team all-District 2-5A DII nod, this talented pass rusher should be a big part of the Wylie defense next season.
Vitals: 6-1, 190, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Another sophomore pass-rusher who spent a lot of his time in the backfield, Green closed the 2024 season with 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
His body of work, which featured 100 total tackles and three fumble recoveries, was enough to earn the talented end first-team all-district honors out of District 7-2A DII.
Vitals: 6-0, 255, Sophomore
Why he’s here: This physical defensive tackle was no fun to block this fall, and those who tried to keep him in front of them often failed.
For the season, he collected 43 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven quarterback hurries and a pair of forced fumbles to claim Defensive Newcomer of the Year recognition out of District 4-4A DI.
Vitals: 5-10, 170, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Muro may not the be the most physically imposing defensive lineman on our list, but his play speaks loudly for him.
The District 4-4A Defensive Newcomer of the Year closed his sophomore year with 83 total tackles, six tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries, establishing himself as a playmaker for a talented Tigers team.
LINEBACKERS
Vitals: 5-11, 185, Freshman
Why he’s here: Farhat may be a freshman, but he didn’t play like one in helping Brock reach the Class 4A DII state semifinals, starting with the 130 tackles he charted for the year.
The standout also had 21 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a pair of touchdowns, flashing a playmaking ability not often seen in first-year players.
Vitals: 5-8, 170, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Everett had a big sophomore season for the coach Andreas Aguirre and the Armadillos, amassing138 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, one sack, four hurries, one forced fumble and a pass breakup.
With that year of experience under his belt, the first-team all-District 14-1A DI selection should be one of San Saba’s top defensive players next fall.
Vitals: 5-9, 165, Sophomore
Why he’s here: This talented inside linebacker was all over the place as a sophomore, making 118 total tackles, including 63 solos.
Shaginaw also had 19 tackles for loss, five sacks, eight quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, an interception and three pass breakups, showing strong ability against both the run and pass.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Vitals: 6-0, 175, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Corley was good enough as a sophomore to earn Defensive Newcomer of the Year recognition out of District 3-4A DII.
The young free safety did so with a resume that included 34 total tackles, three tackles for loss, four interceptions and 12 pass breakups.
Vitals: 5-9, 165, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Wolf played an active role in the Lions secondary as a sophomore, evidenced by the 100 tackles he charted in 2024.
But that only tells part of the story, as he also had two sacks, four quarterback pressures, a fumble recovery and three pass breakups to help Brownwood reach the playoffs for the 16th straight year.
Vitals: Freshman
Why he’s here: Blueford was an impact player from the word “go,” producing at a high enough level as a freshman to earn Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors out of District 3-3A DI.
In addition to his 74 total tackles (48 solo), he intercepted two passes and returned a fumble to lead Sweetwater to its fifth playoff berth in the last six years.
Vitals: 6-0, 155, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Was a major contributor for a state runner-up Stamford squad, amassing 80 tackles and a tackle for loss from his spot in the Bulldogs secondary.
The District 4-2A DI Defensive Newcomer of the Year was also strong against the pass, breaking up 10 pass attempts and coming up with an interception in the Class 2A DI state championship game.
UTILITY
Vitals: 6-2, 215, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Abrego was a force on the defensive line for the Rattlers this fall, tallying 75 tackles (46 solo), nine tackles for loss, 1½ sacks, six hurries and two fumble recoveries.
The first-team all-District 5-3A DII selection will likely see his role grow to include more offensive snaps at tight end next season and beyond.
Vitals: 6-0, 205, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Kates made a splash from his linebacker spot as a sophomore, racking up 105 tackles to earn Defensive Newcomer of the Year recognition out of District 2-5A DII.
The talented playmaker also had a tackle for loss, four quarterback hurries and a pair of pass breakups in helping Wylie to its third consecutive winning season.
Vitals: 5-9, 140, Sophomore
Why he’s here: Vargas emerged as a two-way contributor as a sophomore, filling key roles for the state champion Jaybirds on both sides of the ball.
As a cornerback on defense, he had 79 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery. And as a running back on offense, he rushed for 235 yards and eight touchdowns on 16 carries while catching six passes for 111 yards and four more scores.
OTHERS TO WATCH
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKS — Tristan Beal, So., Abilene High (Passed for 1,612 yards and 21 TDs); Devan Wright, So., Clyde (Passed for 1,220 yards and 13 TDs; ran for 1,074 yards and 9 TDs; named district Newcomer of the Year); Caiden Ortiz, So., Sweetwater (116-222-12—1,625, 18 TDs passing; 69-281 rushing); Easton Malone, Fr., Merkel (Passed for 6 TDs; ran for 4 TDs; named district Newcomer of the Year); Briton Rice, So., Tolar (123-201-6—1,886, 21 TDs passing; named first-team all-district); Hunter Edington, So., Coleman (Passed for 685 yads and 6 TDs; named second-team all-district); Haegen Pinkerton, So., Haskell (Passed for 1,569 yards and 13 TDs; ran for 992 yards and 14 TDs); Santana Pantoja, So., Loraine (named second-team all-district)
RUNNING BACKS — Miles Wilsher, So., Clyde (68-550, 5 TDs rushing; named first-team all-district); Ladainian Smith, So., Comanche (147-747, 5 TDs rushing; 8-100 receiving); Kelvin Murray, So., Tolar (25-226, 3 TDs rushing); Kiyryn Wilson, So., Munday (107-523, 6 TDs rushing; 3-49, 1 TD receiving); Caleb Rutherford, So., Winters (62-317, 5 TDs rushing; named second-team all-district); Lorenzo Vargas, So., Jayton (16-235, 8 TDs rushing; 6-111, 4 TDs receiving); Chayden Woodcock, So., Zephyr (78-675, 11 TDs rushing; named second-team all-district); CJ Byers, So., Zephyr (53-355, 10 TDs rushing; 18-218, 3 TDs receiving; named first-team all-district)
WIDE RECEIVERS — M’Aujehl Aboso, So., Abilene High (160 yards, 1 TD receiving); Zaylon Johnson, Fr., Cooper (25-314, 6 TDs receiving); Dylan Regala, So., Wylie (34-526, 5 TDs receiving; named district Offensive Newcomer of the Year); Barron Burkhall, Sr., Mineral Wells; Branson Rister, So., Anson (20 catches and 2 TDs receiving); Clay Chapman, Fr., Albany (30-414, 6 TDs receiving; named district Offensive Newcomer of the Year); Ethan Camacho, So., Haskell (41-518, 4 TDs receiving); Dallas Keller, So., Lohn (named second-team all-district)
TIGHT END — Malachi St. John, So., Anson (59-759, 17 TDs receiving; named first-team all-district)
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN — Isaac Perez, Fr., Big Spring (Graded out at 87 percent with 29 pancakes); Waylon Winfrey, So., Brock; Ruben Vasquez, So., Snyder (Allowed 2 sacks all year); Brody Chapman, So., Santo (named first-team all-district); Braden Hoppe, Fr., Winters; Clayton Johnson, So., Loraine (named second-team all-district)
UTILITY — Major De Los Santos, So., Cooper (53-230, 4 TDs rushing; 7-111, 1 TD receiving; named second-team all-district)
KICKER — Brandon Gonzales, So., San Saba (36-42 on PATs; named district Kicker of the Year); Tucker Scott, So., Jayton (101-114 on PATs; named first-team all-district)
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN — Adyn Tristian, So., Big Spring (26 tackles, 46 assists, 6 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 4 sacks); Avery Lozano, Fr., Anson (named second-team all-district); Collin Ryan, So., Hamlin (25 tackles, 3 tackles for loss; named honorable mention all-district); Braden Hoppe, Fr., Winters (27 tackles, 3 hurries; named first-team all-district)
LINEBACKERS — Skylar Faimoa, So., Abilene High (68 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks); Levon Koonce, So., Abilene High (30 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack); Miles Wilsher, So., Clyde (110 tackles; named first-team all-district); Jeffery Watson, So., Clyde (95 tackles, 1 interception; named second-team all-district); Zaden Tello, So., Comanche (54 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles; named first-team all-district); Easton Malone, Fr., Merkel (42 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble); Kelvin Murray, So., Tolar (71 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception; named first-team all-district); Samuel Wilburn, Fr., Anson (55 tackles, 2 sacks; named district Defensive Newcome of the Year); Chants Adams, So., Coleman (20 tackles; named second-team all-district); Hagen Greenway, Fr., Goldthwaite (91 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception; named first-team all-district); Bennett Neece, Fr., Albany (96 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked punt; named district Defensive Newcomer of the Year); Rowdy Holden, So., Hamlin (41 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup); Caleb Rutherford, So., Winters (37 tackles, 3 tackles for loss; named second-team all-district); Gabriel Perez, Fr., Loraine (named second-team all-district); Quinton Smith, Fr., Loraine (named first-team all-district); Chayden Woodcock, So., Zephyr (45 tackles, 3 interceptions; named second-team all-district)
DEFENSIVE BACKS — Braeden Ray, So., Brock (77 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 defensive TD); Ladainian Smith, So., Comanche (48 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack; named second-team all-district); Malachi St. John, So., Anson (55 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception; named first-team all-district); Reece Rainey, So., Hamlin (42 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 pass breakups; named honorable mention all-district; Tucker Scott, So., Jayton (59 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, 1 defensive TD; named first-team all-district)
UTILITY — CJ Byers, So., Zephyr (68 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive TD; named first-team all-district)