UIL Class 6A Division I Bi-District Playoff

Friday, November 13, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Cy Fair FCU Stadium | Cypress, Texas

Austin Vandegrift and Bridgeland open the UIL Class 6A Division I playoffs with a matchup between two teams that have taken different paths through the regular season. Vandegrift enters at 6-4 after finishing third in its district, while Bridgeland brings a 9-1 record and an undefeated district championship season into the postseason.

The teams feature contrasting offensive profiles. Vandegrift has relied on a productive rushing attack led by Preston James and Evan Williamson, while Bridgeland has combined a powerful ground game with an efficient passing offense. The Bears have scored at least 31 points in every game this season, while the Vipers will face one of the most productive offenses on their schedule.

AUSTIN VANDEGRIFT TEAM SNAPSHOT

Record: 6-4
Head Coach: Drew Sanders
Points Per Game: 29.9
Points Allowed Per Game: 26.2
6A Classification Ranks: Not included

SEASON SO FAR

• Aug. 28: Defeated San Antonio Brennan, 28-21
• Sept. 4: Defeated San Antonio Johnson, 38-7
• Sept. 11: Defeated Liberty Hill, 45-14
• Sept. 18: Defeated Round Rock, 41-38
• Oct. 2: Defeated Georgetown East View, 28-14
• Oct. 8: Defeated Cedar Park Vista Ridge, 49-20
• Oct. 16: Defeated Cedar Park, 23-10
• Oct. 23: Defeated Leander, 42-14
• Oct. 30: Defeated Leander Rouse, 42-28
• Nov. 6: Lost to Hutto, 49-10

BRIDGELAND TEAM SNAPSHOT

Record: 9-1
Head Coach: Lonnie Madison
Points Per Game: 41.5
Points Allowed Per Game: 16.0
6A Classification Ranks: Not included

SEASON SO FAR

• Aug. 28: Defeated The Woodlands, 31-30
• Sept. 4: Defeated Katy Tompkins, 35-7
• Sept. 10: Lost to Fort Bend Ridge Point, 56-35
• Sept. 25: Defeated Cypress Ranch, 31-14
• Oct. 3: Defeated Cypress Springs, 37-21
• Oct. 9: Defeated Richmond George Ranch, 49-8
• Oct. 16: Defeated Fulshear, 49-7
• Oct. 23: Defeated Cypress Park, 59-7
• Oct. 30: Defeated Waller, 34-10
• Nov. 5: Defeated Richmond Foster, 55-0

THE BREAKDOWN

The statistical profiles point to two offenses built around the running game, although Bridgeland has been more productive overall. Vandegrift has rushed for 1,961 yards and 32 touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. The Vipers have added 1,237 passing yards and six touchdowns, giving them 3,198 total yards of offense, or 319.8 per game.

Bridgeland has generated 4,048 yards of total offense, averaging 404.8 per game. The Bears have rushed for 2,621 yards and 37 touchdowns, averaging 8.3 yards per carry, while adding 1,427 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. Their 460 yards of all-purpose offense per game reflect a unit that has consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.

The Bears’ ground game features multiple contributors. Kash Schwab leads the way with 1,662 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns in nine games, averaging 184.7 yards per game over those nine appearances. He has also caught nine passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 1,864 yards of total offense in nine games. Austin Mitchell has added 501 rushing yards and five touchdowns, providing another productive option.

Bridgeland has also been efficient through the air. Taylon Villanueva has completed 87 of 127 passes for 1,296 yards and 14 touchdowns, with two interceptions. Blake Vernon has completed 13 of 16 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson Ewing leads the receiving group with 35 catches for 516 yards and six touchdowns, while Jackson Gruber has contributed 24 receptions for 376 yards and three scores.

Vandegrift’s offensive identity begins with its backfield. Preston James leads the Vipers with 1,026 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Evan Williamson has added 620 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in seven games. Together, the pair has accounted for 1,646 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. James has also contributed 324 receiving yards, giving him 1,350 yards of total offense.

The Vipers have used multiple quarterbacks. Gavin Koester has thrown for 700 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 134 rushing yards. Collin Williams has passed for 537 yards and two touchdowns. Vandegrift has completed 55.3 percent of its passes, with six touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

The difference in overall offensive production is reflected in the scoring averages. Bridgeland is averaging 48.6 points per game, while Vandegrift is scoring 29.9. The Bears have scored at least 31 points in every game and have topped 50 points multiple times. Vandegrift has shown the ability to produce points as well, including a 49-point performance in its regular-season finale against Hutto.

Defensively, Bridgeland has recorded 24 sacks and 65 quarterback hurries, creating consistent pressure on opposing passers. Regan Fodje and Gavin Aldmon have seven sacks apiece, with Fodje also leading the team with 18 quarterback hurries. Ethan Shitera has contributed three sacks. The Bears have also recorded 67 tackles for loss, five interceptions and 22 passes defended.

Vandegrift’s defense has accumulated 757 tackles, including 40 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Luke Davis leads the team with 93 tackles, followed by Colt Stevens with 89 and Joey Fennell with 71. The Vipers have recorded eight interceptions and five fumble recoveries. Their ability to get Bridgeland’s offense off the field will be an important part of the matchup.

Special teams also offer contributors to watch. Bridgeland’s Austin Anderson has made five field goals and 50 extra points, while Camden Buchanan has contributed 336 return yards. Vandegrift’s Landon Klein has made six field goals and 39 extra points. Preston James has added 274 kickoff-return yards, and Ontario Jackmon has contributed in both the kickoff- and punt-return games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUSTIN VANDEGRIFT

PRESTON JAMES — James leads the Vipers with 1,026 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He has added 324 receiving yards and 274 kickoff-return yards, totaling 1,624 all-purpose yards.

EVAN WILLIAMSON — Williamson has rushed for 620 yards and 12 touchdowns in seven games. His production gives Vandegrift another established option in the running game.

COLLIN WILLIAMS — Williams has passed for 537 yards and two touchdowns. His role in the passing game will be important as Vandegrift works to keep Bridgeland’s defense from concentrating entirely on the run.

LUKE DAVIS — Davis leads Vandegrift with 93 tackles.

COLT STEVENS — Stevens has recorded 89 tackles, second on the team.

JOEY FENNELL — Fennell has contributed 71 tackles as part of a defense that has recorded 40 tackles for loss.

BRIDGELAND

KASH SCHWAB — Schwab has rushed for 1,662 yards and 27 touchdowns in nine games, averaging 184.7 yards per game over those appearances. He has also caught nine passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

TAYLON VILLANUEVA — Villanueva has completed 87 of 127 passes for 1,296 yards and 14 touchdowns, with two interceptions. He has also added 191 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

JACKSON EWING — Ewing leads Bridgeland with 35 receptions for 516 yards and six touchdowns.

REGAN FODJE — Fodje has recorded seven sacks and leads the Bears with 18 quarterback hurries.

GAVIN ALDMON — Aldmon also has seven sacks and leads Bridgeland with 7.2 tackles per game.

CAMDEN BUCHANAN — Buchanan has contributed 336 return yards, including 185 kickoff-return yards and 151 punt-return yards.

RECENT MATCHUP HISTORY / ALL-TIME RESULTS

2019: Austin Vandegrift 14, Bridgeland 13

KEYS TO THE GAME

AUSTIN VANDEGRIFT

1. Establish the running game. Vandegrift has rushed for 1,961 yards and 32 touchdowns. Preston James and Evan Williamson give the Vipers a productive one-two combination, and the ground game will be central to keeping the offense on schedule.
2. Limit Bridgeland’s explosive runs. The Bears average 8.3 yards per carry and have scored 37 rushing touchdowns. Preventing Schwab from turning routine carries into long gains is a major defensive priority.
3. Get the defense off the field. Bridgeland averages 48.6 points per game. The Vipers need to turn stops into completed defensive series rather than allowing the Bears to extend drives and build momentum.

BRIDGELAND

1. Keep the ground game rolling. The Bears average 262.1 rushing yards per game and have 37 rushing touchdowns. Schwab and Mitchell give the offense multiple options to maintain that production.
2. Pressure Williams. Bridgeland has 24 sacks and 65 quarterback hurries. Creating pressure can disrupt Vandegrift’s passing rhythm and make the Vipers work in longer-yardage situations.
3. Contain James and Williamson. Vandegrift has two backs with more than 600 rushing yards and a combined 27 rushing touchdowns. Limiting their production would challenge the foundation of the Vipers’ offense.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

• Kashing In: Bridgeland’s leading rusher, Kash Schwab, has 1,662 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns in nine games. How Vandegrift handles his production will be one of the game’s defining matchups.
• Fodjemon: Regan Fodje and Gavin Aldmon have seven sacks apiece, and Fodje has 18 quarterback hurries. Their pressure could influence Vandegrift’s ability to balance its offense.
• Vandy’s 2-headed backfield: Preston James and Evan Williamson have combined for 1,646 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. Their workload and effectiveness will shape the Vipers’ offensive approach.

FROM THE COACHES

Austin Vandegrift Head Coach Drew Sanders:

“It’s always good to be back in the playoffs and we are excited about our match up with an elite team, the district champion Bridgeland Bears. We haven’t played them since 2019 when we won 14-13 vs. the soph led Conner Weigman version. What an amazing team they were then and they of course are even better now. Their defense is elite lead by a bunch of playmakers and their offense really hasn’t been slowed down at all. We are excited about the opportunity and look forward to the matchup.”

Bridgeland Head Coach Lonnie Madison:

“We are preparing for a great Program in Vandegrift that has a tradition of winning and is extremely well coached. We are taking on a program that is two years removed from a State Championship and lost in the semi-finals last year, so we know we must prepare and play well. It has been a great season, and we are looking forward to the next step which is the playoffs. We will continue to focus on the things that we do well and try and play a clean football game against a very good opponent.”