Ridge Point may have to replace the most talented roster in program history, but the Panthers aren’t rebuilding.
After sending 16 players to Division I programs and 19 players overall to the next level, Ridge Point enters the 2026 season with a new challenge: Proving it can remain among the Houston area’s elite without the overwhelming star power it had a year ago.
With eight defensive starters returning, a proven quarterback back under center, and another group of Division I-caliber players on the roster, the Panthers believe they have enough to make another deep playoff run.
“Last year’s team was the most talented team in Ridge Point’s history since I’ve been here,” said Ridge Point head football coach Rick LaFavers. “We have some pieces to replace, but more importantly, I believe we have people who have worked hard, developed, and are ready to step in and hit the ground running.”
At Ridge Point, it isn’t just about talent. It’s the hard work that goes with it.
“They work their tails off at all levels,” said LaFavers. “Development is the keyword in our program. The question for every kid is, ‘Where am I going to be in 4 years?” We preach to our kids all the time that it isn’t about what team you’re on. It is about development, getting reps, and getting better.”
That development is driven by a competitive culture in which players constantly push each other to improve.
“Our culture and program have proven, year in and year out, that our process works,” said LaFavers. “We preach ‘iron sharpens iron.’ Our kids are in a daily competition with each other. They know that if they don’t bring it every day, someone is right behind them, ready to take their spot.”
Ridge Point’s culture of hard work led to an 11-1 overall record and a perfect 7-0 in 6A Region III, District 21 last season, with no district losses since October 17, 2019.
But while last year’s team was defined by its depth of Division I talent, this year’s Panthers may be defined by something they have in abundance: defensive experience.
“We have tremendous speed and length across the board,” said LaFavers. “Our front seven is talented, and every defensive starter has an offer to play college football, with several rotational players who have offers as well. We rotate a lot of guys, which helps our development and our ability to play fast and stay fresh.”
Six-foot senior linebacker Dyllon Bennett, who recorded 77 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season, will lead the defense this season.
“I want this defense to be known as violent, physical, and aggressive, one that brings pressure on every play,” said Bennett.
Six-foot-one, 235-pound junior defensive end Chris Racey, who recorded 46 tackles and seven sacks last season, enters the season as the reigning district defensive lineman of the year.
“Last season was a remarkable team. My defensive line award wasn’t just me, it was the whole team helping me get that,” said Racey. “Winning district defensive lineman of the year last season taught me that the hard work I put in during the off-season led to that success, so this year, I hit the off-season knowing I had to work harder. Now I’m looking to dominate and have fun with my guys.”
Four-star, 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior outside linebacker Brayden Bonik recorded 58 tackles and 10 tackles for loss last season. That standout performance drew college interest, and he currently has more than 40 offers.
“Development is the keyword in our program,” said Rick LaFavers.
“I just want to play football,” said Bonik. “I don’t care about the recruitment right now or the stars. If I play well out here, it will take care of itself.”
An experienced defense can give Ridge Point a foundation, but the Panthers will still need their offense to replace the significant production from a year ago.
“Brody Bartee’s experience gives this offense a calm in the storm,” said LaFavers. “He’s a tremendous leader, someone who is proven. When you have someone like that, particularly at the quarterback position, it gives everyone a strong belief that we are always in it and never out of the fight. It elevates everyone. They want to play better and harder. It is what you want as a coach when both sides of the ball are pushing each other and elevating each other. On offense, it starts with Brody.”
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound three-star senior quarterback threw for 2,098 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
“Last year I transferred in and was still growing into that leadership role, and I feel this year I’m taking it on,” said Bartee.
With offensive weapons at wide receiver in John Rangel, Suhaib Ramseur, and Caiden Lawrence, Bartee will have plenty of options.
While the passing game may not be in question, the running game has to be proven after the loss of a starting running back and three Power Four offensive linemen.
“We need guys to step up, produce and execute,” said LaFavers. “It is their time now. We believe we have guys who can do that. That is what the pre-season scrimmages and the first three non-district games are for. Trying to see what that looks like and who is going to step up and be the “next guy” in a long history of guys at those positions.”
If Ridge Point can find answers on the offensive line and in the running game, the Panthers could achieve the balance needed to complement what could be one of their better defenses in recent years.
With Strake Jesuit joining 6A Region III, District 21, Ridge Point could land in Division II, depending on which Fort Bend schools qualify for the playoffs. LaFavers believes that could give the Panthers a legitimate opportunity to make a state run, but health and ball security will also be important.
“The path is a little different this year,” said LaFavers. “There are different potential matchups than in years past, especially in the early rounds. But bottom line, regardless of Division 1 or 2, Region 3 is a beast. There are monsters in both divisions, and the path to get out of Houston is tough whether it is Division 1 or Division 2. The goal and focus are week by week. We must grow and develop week by week into the team I think we can be. If we do that, we should be in a good position to take that next step. But we can’t get ahead of ourselves at this point.”
Ridge Point has already established that winning district championships is the expectation. Now, with a new group of players carrying the program forward, the Panthers have an opportunity to prove that standard extends beyond any single roster.
