Cast Your Vote: Texas High School Defensive Player of the Week (Sept 7‑12)

Every Friday night across the Lone Star State, high‑school defenses roar to life – sacks, interceptions, and tackle‑for‑losses that swing games in a heartbeat. Now it’s our turn to shine a light on those unsung heroes. Below you’ll find the nominees for the Texas High School Defensive Player of the Week for the games played Sept. 7‑12, plus a quick reminder of how to vote.

First, a quick flashback. Week 1’s honor went to Antonio Guevera of San Antonio Central Catholic, while Week 2 was a rare tie: Brody Bartee (Fort Bend Ridge Point) and Jack Folkerts (Prosper Walnut Grove) shared the spotlight. In Week 3, Andrew Adame of Frisco Emerson walked away with the trophy. If you missed any of those performances, you’re not alone – the season’s been a whirlwind.

All that’s left is this week’s slate. The poll stays open until Sunday, Sept. 20, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Once the voting window shuts, we’ll tally the votes and announce the winner. After that, we’ll revert to separate polls for offensive and defensive honors for the rest of the campaign.

Dre Acosta – El Paso Socorro
The senior piled up a season‑high 15 tackles in a 55‑21 rout of El Paso Horizon. Pure volume, and it mattered.

George Anagnostis – Dallas First Baptist
Best known for his quarterback work, Anagnostis surprised everyone by sprinting a 100‑yard pick‑six on defense against Dallas Covenant. That play alone got him on this list.

Tayler De La Cruz – Van Vleck
The outside linebacker logged a career‑best 23 tackles, added a sack, and recovered two fumbles in a nail‑biting 24‑20 win over Sweeny. Talk about a game‑changing night.

Dorian Felix – Fort Bend Willowridge
In a 52‑23 victory over Houston Booker T. Washington, the junior recorded four tackles, three tackles‑for‑loss, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and a pass breakup. He was everywhere.

Josiah Garza – Corpus Christi King
Garza’s senior season is already impressive: 21 tackles (18 solo), two QB hurries and a forced fumble helped the Mustangs defeat Bishop.

Ozzy Giron – El Paso Del Valle
The sophomore posted season highs with 16 tackles and two sacks, plus two tackles‑for‑loss, in a 43‑35 win over El Paso El Dorado.

Lane Jones – Waco
Jones has been a tackle machine all week; he capped the stretch with a personal best 18 tackles against Bryan.

Kirill Liapin – Nacogdoches
His senior year is shaping up nicely – 15 tackles, two TFL and a sack in a 19‑14 win over Center earned him a nod.

Luke Livingston – Lubbock Liberty
Livingston helped the Patriots to a win over Midland Greenwood, highlighted by a 97‑yard fumble return. He also forced two fumbles and posted nine tackles.

Javon Moore – Waxahachie
The sophomore turned a loose ball into an 80‑yard, game‑sealing touchdown in the 44‑30 victory over Denton Guyer. Those moments are the stuff of highlight reels.

Gavin Reyes – Port Lavaca Calhoun
Reyes was a ball‑hawking machine, snatching four interceptions in a 16‑14 triumph over Rockport‑Fulton.

Khrystian Shelton – Corpus Christi Miller
Shelton’s edge‑rushing exploded with 15 tackles, eight tackles‑for‑loss and three sacks – all personal bests for the season.

Jet Thomas – Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal
Thomas contributed nine tackles, seven TFL, four sacks, a pass breakup, and a 45‑yard fumble return for a TD in a 42‑14 win over Plano Prestonwood Christian.

Qor’Darrius Udeh – Coppell
The 6‑foot‑2 defensive end made a 34‑yard pick‑six during a 68‑7 rout of Keller Timber Creek.

Da’Myrian Wash – Fort Worth Brewer
Wash tallied three sacks, 13 tackles and four TFL in a gritty contest versus North Richland Hills Richland.

Kelton White – Winona
White started the game by recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff, then added 13 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups against Hawkins.

Davontre Wiley – Fort Bend Kempner
The 6‑foot‑3, 270‑lb lineman posted three tackles, three TFL, 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble in a 32‑6 win over Houston Worthing.

Cord Williamson – Uvalde
Williamson recorded seven tackles, a season‑high three sacks, plus a forced and recovered fumble versus Hondo.

Now that you’ve got the rundown, hop over to the poll below the write‑ups and cast your vote. Remember, the deadline is Sunday night, so don’t wait until the last minute. Your voice helps recognize the kids who give everything on the field.

Good luck to all the nominees – you’ve already earned a place in Texas high‑school football lore.