UIL 9-5A D1 Preview: Laporte, Port Arthur Memorial & a Loaded District

Few districts in Texas carry as much top-to-bottom talent as UIL District 9-5A Division I heading into the 2026 season. Dave Campbell's Texas High School Football analyst Matt Steph joined the show to break down a district that pulls together programs from the Houston area, Beaumont, and East Texas — and his verdict was blunt: this might be the deepest district in the state, regardless of classification.

La Porte enters as the clear favorite. The Bulldogs return seven offensive starters and five defensive starters, headlined by running back Sean Simon, one of the top backs in the country. Sophomore quarterback Josh Wells and wide receiver Peyton Smith are both Division I prospects, and tight end Ryker Reynolds — a four-year starter — is committed to Pittsburgh. The program is also transitioning away from its long-standing wing-T identity toward a more pro-style attack, which could open up the offense considerably. La Porte's 2025 season ended with a stunning first-round playoff loss to Weiss after leading big at halftime — a result that figures to fuel this group all year. They were regional finalists in 2024, losing to Angleton at NRG Stadium, and Steph believes they're squarely back in that conversation.

Port Arthur Memorial is the other marquee program in the district, but the Titans graduated heavily. Four Power Four signees are gone, the offensive line took significant losses, and the quarterback spot is unsettled. Playmakers like Jim Marquis Hudson and Darryl Jacobs still draw 30-plus offers, and Pierre Gray will lead the offense, but Steph gives the edge to La Porte until Memorial proves it can replace that production.

The battle for the remaining playoff spots is where the district gets particularly interesting. Goose Creek Memorial drops down from 6A after going 4-6 last year — yet still ranked among the state's most improved teams under first-year head coach John Cleveland. Quarterback Rico Richards threw for 31 touchdowns in 2025, and the Gators return 16 starters. Baytown Sterling went 5-5 last year, brings back 14 starters under second-year head coach Spencer Anthony, and features one of the state's most disruptive edge rushers in Justice Broussard. Lufkin, under second-year head coach Carl Roper — formerly of Barbers Hill — finished second in district and reached the area round last season, and their home-field advantage in East Texas makes them a difficult road trip for anyone. Beaumont Westbrook also returns significant talent, with quarterback Cam Anderson drawing attention as one of the better signal-callers in the region. New Caney drops down from 6A as well and is expected to improve in year two under their current staff, with sophomore Peyton Lopez taking over full-time at quarterback.

Steph's early summer order of finish: La Porte, Port Arthur Memorial, Lufkin, Beaumont Westbrook. With 19 teams in the district and only a handful of playoff spots available, several legitimate contenders are going to be watching the postseason from home.