The Humble Wildcats took a step forward in the 2024 season.
Despite playing in one – if not the most – challenging district in the state, the Wildcats hung tough despite numerous injuries while overcoming depth issues in comparison to the opposition.
Humble coach Robert Murphy, in his second year leading the program, saw his team start 3-0 for the first time since 2019 and finish 5-5, a game better than a year ago. The Wildcats also had a shot to make the playoffs late in the season.
At SportCast Media, we wanted to take some time to tip our caps to the top Humble Wildcat players, games, storylines and what to look forward to next year.
This article was produced independently by SportCast Media and should have no influence on postseason awards given out by the team, district or recognition given out from local or state media outlets.
SENIOR STANDOUTS
McArthur Baker III, Running Back
Humble’s offense went as Baker went. The senior, who holds several college offers, averaged 10.4 points per game, scored 17 touchdowns (15 rushing, 2 receiving), 1,310 all-purpose yards, including a team-best 747 from the ground game. He kick-returned 334 yards and also passed for 168.
READ: Who’s Cooking For Humble Football? McArthur Baker III (Oct. 8)
McArthur Baker III (3)
Tristian Bernard, Quarterback
Bernard, plagued by injuries most of his high school career, passed for 816 yards and nine touchdowns as the general of the Wildcats’ offense. Bernard was able to use his legs at time with 174 rushing yards. Bernard was big on thanking his offensive line, including a possible trip to IHOP after beating Goose Creek Memorial in late October.
Stanley Deams, Tight End
Deams’ statistics won’t blow you away, but the senior was a major target for Bernard and a blocker for Baker to get some space to work. Deams was second on the team in receiving yards with 218 and reached the end zone once.
Jalen Lolesio, Defensive/Offensive Lineman
Lolesio is a coach’s dream in not only having his size to utilize (6-3, 265), but also his versatility. Lolesio was meant to anchor the defensive line at the beginning of the season as well as serve as the long snapper. Due to injuries, Lolesio played some on the offensive line midway through the season. Defensively, he totaled 44 tackles while also forcing a fumble and recovering one. Lolesio can help any college team.
READ: Lolesio Brothers Have Been Massive For Humble This Season (Oct. 23)
Juan Lolesio, Linebacker
Jalen’s older brother Juan was injured for two games down the stretch and it was very noticeable his impact was missed. Lolesio was still third on the team with 59 tackles (11 for loss) and he also sacked the quarterback twice. Lolesio also recovered a fumble and had two interceptions.
Juan (40) and Jalen (33) Lolesio
Patrick Long, Linebacker
Durable Long led the Wildcats in tackles with 95 on the season. He also came up big on takeaways with two forced fumbles (one recovered) and an interception.
Demoy Carr, Linebacker
Like Juan Lolesio, Carr’s presence was missed when he was injured for a game earlier in the year. Otherwise, Carr was a havoc-maker on defense with a team-high five sacks. He was second in tackles with 88 (team-high 11 for loss) and his talent will be missed next year.
Demoy Carr (44)
Tymir Askew, Defensive Lineman
Askew was a team leader for Humble and totaled 42 tackles with six for loss. He also sacked the quarterback three times, which was third on the team.
Ernesto Avila, Kicker/Punter
Murphy mentioned after the North Shore game – a game Avila missed due to injury – how massive his impact was on everything Humble does. On field goals, Avila was 7-for-10 with a long of 46 yards while also going 28-for-28 on extra points. Avila had eight touchbacks on kickoffs and averaged 37.5 yards per punt with seven inside the 20.
Ernesto Avila (85)
CAN’T WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR
Marcus Bourda Jr, Defensive Back/Receiver
Bourda is the most important piece to Humble’s puzzle in 2025. The 6-foot, 175-pound junior made an impact on defense, offense and special teams and is one of the bigger recruit names on the Wildcats. Bourda finished defensively with 40 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovered. He was the leading receiver with 285 yards and three scores and he was the lead punt returner.
READ: Humble’s Bourda Contributes In All Three Phases Against Patriots (Nov. 2)
Marcus Bourda Jr (2)
Jaydon Heaton, Wide Receiver
Heaton became a reliable target of Bernard down the stretch. The sophomore had two touchdowns on eight receptions.
Dallen Grant, Defensive Lineman
The junior was second on the team with four sacks and totaled 25 tackles.
Jeffrey Tillotson, Defensive Back
The junior returns next year as the leading tackler after totaling 58 on the season, good for fifth on the Wildcats. Tillotson defended four passes and forced a fumble.
Ke’Marion McGee, Offensive Lineman
McGee will return as an offensive lineman to watch for in 2025.
GAMES TO REMEMBER
Humble 24, George Ranch 22 (Week 3 – Sept. 14)
Of the three non-district games, this one was probably the most impressive. The Wildcats came into the Saturday night contest. Baker played with an injured hand and a beat up Bernard hit Deams for the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Humble brought up several junior varsity players in this game.
Humble 49, Channelview 21 (Week 6 – Oct. 5)
Humble put up its most prolific night of offense in front of a homecoming crowd on Saturday night. Baker ran for four touchdowns against the Eagles while the Lolesio brothers memorably scored – Juan on defense and Jalen on offense – in the win.
Humble 35, Goose Creek Memorial 7 (Week 10 – Oct. 31)
The Wildcats were scary good on Halloween as Bernard threw for four touchdown passes and the defense allowed a season-low in points (the Patriots scored on the final drive). The win snapped a three-game slide and gave the Wildcats a longshot hope at the playoffs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It was a weird year schedule-wise. Humble played just two of ten games on Friday night, which is never good for consistent weeks of practice. Especially in District 23-6A, where as of Thanksgiving, all four playoff teams (North Shore, Atascocita, Summer Creek and Kingwood) are still playing. The Wildcats will be hurt by graduation, but the future is bright.
The 2024 Humble Wildcats football team. (Chris Zorzi/SportCast Media)
