The Judson Rockets just crashed the Express-News Power Rankings for the first time this season, and honestly, it’s about damn time! After a massive win against Wagner in the Hammer Bowl on Saturday, the Rockets are finally getting the recognition they deserve. This team is finding its rhythm under first-year coach Vernon Hughes, and you can feel the momentum building.
Hughes’ Squad Is Rolling After a Rough Start
Look, the Rockets didn’t exactly light the world on fire out of the gate, dropping non-district games against Hutto and Austin Bowie. But since then? They’ve flipped the switch, going 2-0 in District 29-6A. That’s the kind of turnaround you love to see, proving that early season hiccups don’t define a team. Other squads like Warren and Roosevelt are back in the rankings, and Floresville even made its debut, having its best season in four years. But for Judson, this climb isn’t just a bump in the rankings, it’s a statement.
While Judson is on the rise, Johnson and Smithson Valley are still just built different at the top. Johnson, sitting at 3-0, hasn’t lost a regular season game since September 6, 2024. That’s a ridiculous 21-game win streak! Then you have Smithson Valley, 4-0, who has absolutely demolished their three District 13-5A-I opponents by a combined score of 226-28. Those are some wild numbers. Steele isn’t messing around either, holding a 3-1-1 record and a ridiculous 31 straight district game wins. Brennan’s defense is straight up suffocating, clocking in with three shutouts in their last four games. And Boerne? They’re 5-0 and have beaten Alamo Heights three times in a row over the past year. Boerne Champion, also 5-0, has hit the 60-point mark three times this season. When these teams are clicking, they are *clicking*!
Who’s Next and What’s at Stake?
The rankings are tight, and every game matters. Davenport, sitting at 3-1, faces No. 13 Kerrville Tivy this Friday. Davenport holds a 3-1 all-time record against Tivy, but Tivy is coming off two games where they dropped 70 points each! That’s going to be a battle. Medina Valley is riding an 11-game regular season win streak at 4-0 and looks to extend it. Alamo Heights, at 4-1, has a chance to rebound from that tough loss to Boerne against winless New Braunfels Long Creek. And Harlan’s defense has tightened up, only allowing three touchdowns in the last three weeks since a 42-7 loss. For Judson, getting into these rankings means they’re playing with the big dogs now. Every snap, every tackle, every touchdown is going to be scrutinized. Let’s see if Coach Hughes and the Rockets can keep this train rolling and make some noise against whatever comes next!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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