Vote: Who Was the Texas High School Football Defensive Player of the Week? (Aug. 24-29)

Three-interception games, 20-tackle performances and dominant pass rushers highlight the top Texas defensive performances from Week 1

Katy defensive back Caleb Ritter celebrates a tackle in a game against Humble Summer Creek in 2025. | Franklin Jankins

Here are High School on SI’s Texas Football Player of the Week nominees for games played Aug. 27-29. Scroll down to read about this week’s list and cast your vote in the poll below.

Voting remains open until Sunday, Sept. 6, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time). The poll is below the write-ups for each athlete.

Want to nominate an athlete? Email Cody Thorn at codythorn1981@gmail.com

Texas Defensive Football Player of the Week nominees 

Ryan Alqorum, Bangs 

The senior defensive end posted 18 tackles — 10 solo — 3 TFL, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery in a 42-7 win over Dublin.

Kristian Barrios, El Paso Hanks

The linebacker racked up 22 tackles and added a sack in a Week 1 game vs. El Paso. He also broke up a pass and had a QB hurry.

Zach Bryant, Stinnett West Texas

The Comanches got a 21-tackle effort from the junior inside linebacker in a 49-26 win against Tulia. He had 1 TFL and forced a fumble. 

Braylen Cunningham, Fort Worth North Crowley 

The Panthers posted a 26-0 shutout win against Aledo in Week 1 and the sophomore had a 65-yard interception return for a score in the first quarter.

Andrew Dickens, Harlingen South 

The senior, a third-year varsity player, scored his first touchdown in Week 1. He picked off a pass and ran it back 74 yards for a touchdown for the Hawks. 

Jack Folkerts, Prosper Walnut Grove

The 6-foot-5 defensive end recorded 4 sacks, 12 tackles, 8 TFLs and broke up a pass against Mansfield Lake Ridge. 

1-0. Week one against Lake Ridge. Thank you @graylionmedia_ for the highlights! @WGHSFootball @Tyrel_Lenard @CoachShullFB @coachtallison @coach_meger @creolehammer17 pic.twitter.com/1SOPtL7SII

— Jack Folkerts (@JackFolkerts) August 29, 2026

Colton Fromberg, Austin Westlake 

The senior edge rusher had two career sacks going into Week 1 and recorded 4 and had 6 tackles against Inglewood, California.

Payton Johnson, Round Rock

The 25-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year had a big opener this year. The nose tackle had 3 interceptions, 1/2 sack, and 2 tackles for the Dragons.

Kieran Lunsford, Clute Brazoswood

The senior defensive back put up some big numbers in Week 1 with 26 tackles — 15 solo — and forced a fumble against Santa Fe.

Gage Patrick, Flower Mound Edward S. Marcus

The senior linebacker is almost up to last year’s tackle total of 57 after 1 game. He recorded 20 tackles in the Marauders’ win against Justin Northwest.

Isaiah Reed, Hamshire-Fannett 

In a close win against La Marque, 35-27, the Texas State pledge recorded 22 tackles and had 2 TFLs.

Caleb Ritter, Katy 

The senior defensive back had 3 tackles and 3 interceptions to help the Tigers knock off Humble Atascocita.

Week 1 highlights vs Atascocita.
Amazing team win ending up with 3 int to start the season off! pic.twitter.com/NhkmGy3T8l

— Caleb Ritter (@CRitt101) September 1, 2026

Brayson Robinson, Manvel

The Mavericks got a big showing from the 4-star junior, who had 3 1/2 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 8 tackles and 5 TFLs.

Jaxyn Tally, Wink 

The sophomore defensive back snared 3 interceptions in a Week 1 win vs. Eunice. He also added 12 tackles. 

Hova Willford, Allen

In an upset of No. 1-ranked Duncanville, the senior linebacker had 13 tackles, 1 sack, 4 TFLs and 2 quarterback hurries.

Hunter Yost, North Richland Hills Richland

The Royals’ middle linebacker had 19 tackles, 2 1/2 TFL and 1 sack in a win against Frisco Wakeland.

About Our Athlete of the Week Voting
High School on SI voting polls are meant to be a fun, lighthearted way for fans to show support for their favorite athletes and teams. Our goal is to celebrate all of the players featured, regardless of the vote totals.Sometimes one athlete will receive a very large number of votes — even thousands — and that’s okay! The polls are open to everyone and are simply a way to build excitement and community around high school sports.Unless we specifically announce otherwise, there are no prizes or official awards for winning. The real purpose is to highlight the great performances of every athlete included in the poll.