All-South Texas high school football 2023 teams, awards

Gilbert Trillo is SBLive's all-South Texas MVP, J.C. Ramirez nabs Coach of the Year. Who else made the cut?

The 2023 Texas high school football season is in the books, and after a fall filled with breakout performances and historic runs, SBLive is taking a look at the best of the best out of the region. 

Who made the cut? Dive into the top individual performers across the region through the fall. The all-South Texas team was compiled by correspondent Ivan Palacios.  

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ALL-SOUTH TEXAS AWARDS

Brownsville Veterans do-it-all senior surveys the field during a historic 2023 fall season in which he led the Chargers to a 12-3 record and 5A Division I state semifinal appearance

MVP

Gilbert Trillo, Brownsville Veterans, sr., athlete

Brownsville Veterans put together a historic run this year, becoming the first Rio Grande Valley football team to reach the state semifinals since 2003. A key part to the Chargers run was do-it-all athlete Gilbert Trillo. The Swiss Army Knife played in all three phases for the Chargers, lining up at running back, safety and returner. He finished the year with 1,401 all-purpose yards and 26 total touchdowns, adding 82 tackles and six interceptions in 15 games played. He delivered a signature MVP performance during the Region IV-5A semifinals, scoring four touchdowns (2 rushing, 2 receiving) and snagging an interception to help his team upset the state-ranked PSJA North Raiders.

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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jaydon Smith, Ingleside, sr., wide receiver

Smith put up videogame like numbers during his final year with the Mustangs, hauling in 84 catches for 1,875 yards, the No. 8 mark in the nation. More impressively, the North Texas commit scored at least once in 12 of his 13 appearances, including 11 games with multiple touchdowns. Smith finished the season with a national high school record tying 39 receiving touchdowns, while averaging 22.3 yards per catch. The two-way athlete also made an impact on the defensive side of the ball, tallying 80 total tackles and four interceptions, while also running back a pair of kickoffs for scores.

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DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jorge Alvarado, Laredo Alexander, sr. 

Few players had as big an impact on the defensive side of the ball this year than Alvarado. The senior defensive end was a force on the edge this season, terrorizing defenses with a combination of size and speed. Alvarado lived in opponents’ backfield all season long, racking up 29 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 11 games played. When he wasn’t getting to the quarterback, the pressure was still there, tallying 68 QB hurries to go along with his 86 total tackles, 7 passes defensed and 3 forced fumbles.

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NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Billy White III, Corpus Christi Veterans, soph., quarterback

White stepped into big shoes this season, taking over for a quarterback who had led the Eagles to back-to-back regional title games. The sophomore signal caller didn’t lead the Eagles to a third straight fourth round appearance but did make a name for himself. White finished the season with over 3,000 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in 12 games played, while throwing just five interceptions. White’s play helped the Eagles clinch a seventh straight playoff berth, while also solidifying the quarterback position for the foreseeable future.

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FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

 Colt Lozano, Laredo United, fr., receiver

 Laredo United had a clear-cut trio of receivers returning from last year set to eat up a chunk of the targets this season. That didn’t stop Lozano from carving out a role in the Longhorns’ offense, emerging as another weapon for UTRGV commit Atzel Chavez. The 5-foot-9 wideout set the foundation for what could be a decorated career, finishing fourth on the team in receiving yards (441) and fifth in touchdowns (7). His biggest performance of the year came during a District 30-6A contest against Eagle Pass, hauling in eight catches for 125 yards and three scores during a 42-28 win.

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COACH OF THE YEAR

J.C. Ramirez, Brownsville Veterans

Year 1 for any head football coach is always one to remember. For Brownsville Veterans head coach J.C. Ramirez it was an extra special one, leading the Chargers to their first state semifinal berth in program history during his first year at the helm. The Chargers didn’t start off on the best footing, going 2-2 during non-district play. Once league play kicked off, however, the Chargers took it to another level, closing the regular season out with six straight wins. They carried that momentum into the postseason, extending their streak to 10 straight wins before falling to Smithson Valley in the Class 5A DI state semis. 

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FIRST TEAM ALL-SOUTH TEXAS

Miller faces Victoria West during the Region IV-5A Division I semifinals on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Buccaneer Stadium in Corpus Christi, Texas :: Photo by Angela Piazza/Caller-Times/USA Today Network

OFFENSE

QB – Aidan Jakobsohn, Ingleside, sr.: Jakobsohn was electric with the ball in his hands this season, completing 204/332 passes for 3,590 yards and 56 touchdowns, while adding 476 yards and 6 scores on 70 carries in 12 games played. The District 15-4A DI Co-MVP’s impact didn’t end on offense, also snagging six interceptions as a defensive back for the Mustangs.

RB – Broderick Taylor, Corpus Christi Miller, jr.: Corpus Christi Miller’s offense was as explosive as they come this season, averaging 536.6 yards and 57.6 points per game this year. At the center of the offense was Taylor. The 5-foot-9 speedster slashed through defenses for 2,333 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground, adding 22 catches for 394 yards and 4 scores.

RB – Jamal Polley, Edinburg Vela, sr.: Polley was a near-guarantee for a first-down this year, averaging 10.0 yards per carry in 12 games. The senior running back eclipsed the 200-yard mark six times this season, coming up just short of the 2,000-yard mark. Polley finished with 210 carries for 1,964 yards and 31 scores, adding seven catches for 107 yards and one touchdown.

FB – Isaac Lozano, Roma, sr.: Roma reached new heights this season, winning the program’s first district title in its 34-year history. Lozano did his part in helping the Gladiators make history, carrying the ball 236 times for 1,822 yards and 28 touchdowns.

WR – Christian Saldaña, Laredo United, sr.: Saldaña’s slight frame earned him the nickname “Slim Reaper” on the field, coming in at 6-foot-1, 165 pounds. His nickname rang true on the gridiron, terrorizing defensive backs all year long. Saldaña hauled in a team-leading 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 games played this year, earning him unanimous District 30-6A first team honors.

WR – Andres Gutierrez, Zapata, sr.: Gutierrez put a ribbon on a decorated three-year career with the Hawks this season, setting personal bests across the board. The 6-foot-1 receiver averaged 123.1 receiving yards per game this year, finishing with 77 catches for 1,354 yards and 14 touchdowns in 11 games played.

WR – Leo Espinoza, Sharyland Pioneer, sr.: It was no secret who was WR1 in Sharyland Pioneer’s offense this season, with Espinoza coming off a breakout year as a junior. Defenses still had no answers for Espinoza, reeling in 64 catches for 1,259 yards and 19 touchdowns in 12 games this year. The Valley’s leading receiver broke the 100-yard mark four times this year, including a 263-yard, 4-touchdown performance in Week 3.

TE – Brodie Mithcell, Gregory-Portland, sr.: Not many defenders can keep up with Gregory-Portland’s Brodie Mitchell. The Wildcats tight end is a matchup nightmare for any defender, measuring 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, while possessing 4.6 speed. The Army signee used his physical attributes to average 21.7 yards per catch, finishing the season with 13 catches for 285 yards and 6 touchdowns, while adding four touchdowns on the ground. Mitchell was also a force on defense, recording 91 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.

OL – Jose Gonzalez, Laredo United, sr.: Gonzalez was a force at tackle for the Longhorns this season, helping protect QB Atzel Chavez’s blindside. The 6-foot-2, 260-pound lineman was as physical as they come en route to District 30-6A Offensive Lineman of the Year honors.

OL – Devin Cage, Corpus Christi Miller, jr.: The Buccaneers offense benefited from having a dominant offensive line. Leading the charge was the 6-foot-2, 275-pound Cage. The junior lineman used a combination of size and speed to dominate defenders and earn District 14-5A DI Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year honors.

OL – Joe Derek Vecchio, PSJA North, sr.: PSJA North’s offensive line is among the most dominant in South Texas, featuring several big bodies in the trenches. The heart-and-soul of that line was UTRGV commit Joe Derek Vecchio. The District 15-5A DI Offensive Lineman of the Year helped the Raiders average 338.2 yards per game on the ground this year.

OL – Aaden Sanchez, PSJA North, sr.: Sanchez was called to play multiple positions on the Raiders front this year due to injuries among the group. The versatile senior delivered, shining wherever he lined up. Sanchez’s plug-and-play ability in the trenches earned him a first-team District 15-5A DI selection.

OL – Jaden Dement, Gregory-Portland, sr.: Dement isn’t the biggest in the trenches, measuring just 6-foot-0 and 235-pounds. That hasn’t slowed him from being among the best in South Texas, serving as a key role in the Wildcats front five. Dement’s dominance helped him earn District 15-5A DII’s Offensive Lineman of the Year award.

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DEFENSE

DL — Danny Garcia, PSJA North, sr.: PSJA North’s defense was among the most dominant in the state this season, allowing just 7.5 points and under 200 yards per game. Senior defensive end Danny Garcia was arguably the heart and soul of the defense. The UTRGV commit was a one-man wrecking crew despite constant double teams, recording 107 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.

DL – Steven Richardson, Corpus Christi Miller, jr.: Corpus Christi Miller’s offense isn’t the one unit on the team filled with playmakers. Junior DE Richardson is one example, stuffing the stat sheet during his second year as a starter. The District 14-5A DI Co-Defensive Linemen of the Year racked up 135 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 7 sacks in 14 game played.

DL – Karmyne Castilleja, San Benito, sr.: Castilleja is undersized for his defensive tackle position, coming in at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds. Don’t let his smaller stature fool you, however, with the senior DT ranking among the best in South Texas. The District 32-6A Defensive Lineman of the Year has been a cornerstone in the Greyhounds defense for two years now, ending this season with 71 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

DL — Cody Robledo, Calallen, sr.: Robledo wreaked havoc from his interior line position all season long for Calallen, serving as a force in the pass and running game. The 6-foot-2 lineman penetrated through opposing teams offensive lines en route to 19 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Robledo finished the year with 51 total tackles.

LB – Jaime Martinez, Brownsville Veterans, sr.: Wherever the ball was on Friday nights, it was almost certain Brownsville Veterans senior Jaime Martinez was around it. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound middle linebacker demonstrated high football IQ night after night, averaging a career-high 11.4 tackles per game in 15 appearances. Martinez finished the year with a team-high 171 total tackles, including 28 tackles during a 27-13 win over Port Isabel in Week 2. He added 10 tackles for loss and 2 sacks to cap the best season of his career.

LB – Lamarcus Cullum, Corpus Christi Miller, jr.: Cullum followed up a breakout sophomore season with an even more dominant junior year, averaging upping his tackles per game numbers from 9.3 to 10.4. The Buccaneers’ outside linebacker used his blazing 4.7 speed to rack up career highs in tackles (146), tackles for loss (23) and sacks (9.5). His outstanding season earned him a share District 14-5A DI’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

LB – Jude Hernandez, Calallen, jr.: Hernandez did a bit of everything from his inside linebacker position this season, stuffing the defensive stat sheet night after night. The third-year letter winner led the team in tackles this year, with 106 total in 10 games played. He also added 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked punt.

LB – Michael Gonzales, PSJA North, sr.: Gonzales commanded arguably the top defense in South Texas this year, serving as the defense’s quarterback in many ways. The two-year starter was the vocal and physical leader of a PSJA North defense that allowed just 7.5 points and less than 200 yards per game. On the year, Gonzales recorded 106 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 4 forced turnovers in 14 games played.

DB – Rob Thomas, Sinton, sr.: Ball hawk is the easiest way to describe Sinton senior Rob Thomas. Night after night the 6-foot-1 cornerback left his stamp on the contest with game-changing plays. Thomas finished the season with 58 total tackles and 7 interceptions, also adding a fumble recovery en route to the District 15-4A DI Defensive MVP award.

DB – Leroy Palacios, PSJA North, sr.: PSJA North senior Leroy Palacios missed three games this season. Still, he was among the best defensive backs in South Texas when healthy, tallying 52 total tackles and 5 interceptions in limited action. Palacios also made an impact on offense and special teams, reeling in six catches for 81 yards and 1 touchdown, while also serving as the teams punter at times. The four-year letter winner ended the year as District 15-5A DI’s Utility Player of the Year.

DB – Nicholas Gonzalez, Edinburg High, sr.: Edinburg High’s season was filled with ups and downs, starting the year 0-5 before closing it out with wins in four of their last five games to earn a playoff berth. One constant on the team, however, was senior DB Nicholas Gonzalez. The 5-foot-8 corner was as close to a sure tackle on the outside, finishing the year with 79 total stops in 11 games played. Gonzalez also had a nose for the big play, snatching six interceptions, along with 3 blocked field goals and 1 forced fumble.

DB – Daniel Mendietta, Santa Gertrudis Academy, sr.: The Lions missed out on a playoff berth this season after losing four of their last five contests. That’s not to take away from a stellar season by senior corner Daniel Mendietta. The two-way athlete picked off opposing quarterbacks in five of 10 games played this year, including a pair of two-interception performances. Mendietta finished the year with 29 total tackles and 7 interceptions, along with 1 blocked punt and one pick-six.

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SPECIAL TEAMS

ATH – Corey Holmes, Corpus Christi Miller, jr.: Corey Holmes lined up wherever the Buccaneers needed him to this season. At times, the junior athlete would line up in the backfield as a running back. Other times he’d play out wide as a receiver. Regardless of where he lined up, however, defenses made sure to know where he was at. Rightfully so, with Holmes finishing with 1,739 all-purpose yards (684 rushing, 925 receiving, 130 return) and 29 total touchdowns in 14 games played.

ATH – Gabriel Juarez, Gregory-Portland, sr.: It’s not often to see an athlete lead his team in an offensive and defensive category. Gregory-Portland senior Gabriel Juarez isn’t just any athlete. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound two-way player finished the year as the team’s leading rusher and tackler. Juarez carried the ball 139 times for 1,120 yards and 15 touchdowns to earn a District 15-5A DII first-team selection. He also stuffed the stat sheet on defense, racking up 114 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and 3 blocked kicks en route to District 15-5A DII Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors.

K – JJ Contreras, Los Fresnos, sr.: JJ Contreras was a quarterback when he came into high school. As a sophomore, he made the permanent switch to kicker and didn’t look back. The move has paid dividends, becoming one of the top kickers in South Texas. This year, Contreras converted all 44 of his extra points, while also going 7-of-11 on field goal attempts with a long of 46. He averaged 49.7 yards per kick on kickoffs as well, with eight ending in touchbacks.

P – Clay Addison, Flour Bluff, jr.: Field position is a key part of football. Having a punter capable of pinning opponents deep can change the outcome of any game. Junior punter Clay Addison had a knack for doing just that, with 17 of his punts being downed inside the 20. Addison averaged 39.6 yards per punt this season, including a long of 61 yards.

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SECOND TEAM ALL-SOUTH TEXAS

Brownsville Veterans full back Alvin Trevillion takes a carry during the 5A Division I state semifinals / Photo by Blake Purcell

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

QB – Trevor Long, Corpus Christi Miller, jr.: (223/339, 3,767 passing yards, 57 TD, 4 INT in 14 GP)

RB – Fabian Garca, San Benito, sr.: (203 carries, 1,761 rushing yards, 21 TD; 15 receptions, 352 receiving yards, 5 TD in 12 GP)

RB – Rene Martinez, Falfurrias, sr.: (212 carries, 1,761 rushing yards, 21 TD; 3 receptions, 81 receiving yards, 1 TD in 11 GP)

FB – Alvin Trevillion, Brownsville Veterans, jr.: (221 carries, 1,497 rushing yards, 10 TD in 15 GP)

WR – Xavier Rodriguez, Donna High, jr.: (73 receptions, 1,143 receiving yards, 7 TD; 13 carries, 106 rushing yards, 1 TD in 11 GP)

WR – Alek Leven, Laredo United, jr.: (65 receptions, 1,082 receiving yards, 14 TD in 13 GP)

WR – Ryan Vallejo, PSJA High, jr.: (65 receptions, 1,204 receiving yards, 14 TD in 11 GP)

TE – Julius Arredondo, PSJA North, sr.: (18 receptions, 297 receiving yards, 4 TD; 29 carries, 126 rushing yards, 6 TD; 41/63, 686 passing yards, 7 TD in 13 GP)

OL – Diego Zavala, Weslaco High, sr.: (District 32-6A Offensive Lineman of the Year in 12 GP)

OL – Justin Flores, Beeville Jones, jr.: (District 15-4A DI Offensive Lineman of the Year in 12 GP)

OL – Diego De La Cruz, Brownsville St. Joseph, sr.: (TAPPS DII First-Team All-State; TAPPS District 3 DII First Team in 11 GP)

OL – Diego Trevino, Alice, sr.: (District 16-4A DI Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in 12 GP)

OL – Brady Buchanan, Calallen, jr.: (District 16-4A DI Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in 11 GP)

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SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

DE – Devon Robinson, San Benito, jr.: (85 total tackles, 20 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 2 BLK PNTS, 1 FF, 1 PD in 10 GP)

DE – Cristian Arriaga, Flour Bluff, sr: (72 total tackles, 19 TFL, 6 sacks, 3 FF in 11 GP)

DT – Joey Esqueda, Laredo Alexander, sr.: (44 total tackles, 9.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR in 11 GP)

DT – Jacob Ortiz, Harlingen High, jr.: (62 total tackles, 20 TFL, 2 sacks, 12 QB hurries, 2 FF, 1 PD in 12 GP)

LB – Sterling Tomlin, Harlingen High, jr.: (139 total tackles, 11 TFL, 10 QB hurries, 2 PD, 1 INT, 1 FR in 12 GP)

LB – Bryce Schmidt, Flour Bluff, sr.: (69 total tackles, 16 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 1 PD in 11 GP)

LB – Delson Cavaness, Corpus Christi Miller, jr.: (166 total tackles, 14 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 1 INT, 2 FF in 14 GP)

LB – Ryan Wilson, Corpus Christi Veterans, sr.: (86 total tackles, 11 TFL, 9 QB hurries, 1 INT, 4 PD, 4 FF in 10 GP)

DB – Jaylen Villasenor, Laredo United, sr.: (117 total tackles, 5 PD, 1 INT in 10 GP)

DB – Andrew Rivera, Sharyland Pioneer, jr.: (76 total tackles, 6 INT, 3 TFL, 1 FR, 1 FF in 9 GP)

DB – Brandon Hernandez, San Benito, sr.: (59 total tackles, 6 INT, 2 PD, 2 FR in 12 GP)

DB – Jeremiah Garza, Tuloso-Midway, sr.: (52 total tackles, 5 INT, 5 PD, 1 FR, 2 FF in 11 GP)

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SECOND TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS

ATH – Keyan Lopez, Rio Hondo, jr.: (47 receptions, 829 receiving yards, 13 TD; 151 total tackles, 15 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FF, 2 FR in 11 GP)

ATH – Claudio Torres, Brownsville St. Joseph, jr.: (3/4, 73 passing yards, 2 TD; 39 carries, 352 rushing yards, 7 TD; 61 receptions, 793 receiving yards, 5 TD; 58 total tackles, 7 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF in 10 GP)

K – Brandon Hernandez, Ingleside, sr.: (79/84 PAT, 6/7 FG, 43 Long in 13 GP)

P – Obed Almeda, Raymondville, sr.: (28 punts, 1,104 punt yards, 39.4 yards per punt, 3 downed inside 20, 62 long in 9 GP)

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HONORABLE MENTION

Jaime Lopez, PSJA High, Senior, QB

Atzel Chavez Jr., Laredo United, QB

Braden Luedeker, Mission Veterans, QB

Elias Rodriguez Jr., Weslaco High, RB

Derek Garcia, Sinton, Jr., RB

Nathan Ambrose, Ingleside, sr., RB

Obed Marin, Mission Veterans, WR

Jacoby James, Sinton, WR

Jorge Rios, PSJA High, sr., DE

Christopher Gonzalez, Port Isabel, jr., DE

Brayden Garcia, Gregory Portland, sr., DT

Marcus Lopez, Falfurrias, jr., LB

Alexis Anguiano, Mission Veterans, sr., DB

Eduardo Salazar, Laredo United South, sr., DB

Esiah Gracia, Santa Maria, sr., ATH

-- Ivan Palacios | @sblivetx