The rapidly-growing community of Magnolia saw its football team jump up to Class 6A in 2024.
Head coach Craig Martin, his staff, and the team were ready for the challenge.
It was an up-and-down season that literally came down to the wire. The Bulldogs won some impressive games — starting with a thrashing of Lake Creek in the season opener.
Magnolia came up just shy of extending its playoff streak to two consecutive seasons in a one-point loss to Klein in Week 11.
Rest assured, the Bulldogs – who finished 5-5 – show promise in 2025.
At SportCast Media, we wanted to take some time to tip our caps to the top Magnolia Bulldog 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
Colin Leahey, Running Back
Cemented as the lead running back after playing a supportive role as a junior at the position, Leahey stood out week in and week out for the Bulldogs. Literally. The senior had a rushing touchdown in all 10 games as he piled up 18 visits to the end zone from the ground game and four more through the air for 22 on the season. The future collegiate back totaled 1,253 rushing yards on 179 attempts (an even 7 yards per carry) and 286 yards on 15 receptions.
READ: Magnolia’s Colin Leahey Takes Reign As Leading Rusher
Colin Leahey (2)
Josh Garner, Defensive Line
Garner was recently selected District 15-6A Defensive Most Valuable Player after showing on pass rush and stopping the run. Garner sacked the quarterback seven times, made 18 stops of loss and totaled 27 tackles. He also forced three fumbles and picked off a pass. Garner’s spot on the field will be tough to fulfill next season.
READ: Magnolia DL Josh Garner Named 15-6A Defensive MVP; 19 Bulldogs Recognized
Josh Garner (45)
Jace Chadwick, Defensive Back
A senior captain, Chadwick made his presence known his final year of high school ball with 58 total tackles (45 solo, seven for loss), two fumbles forced and recovered, as well as a pass broken up.
Jace Chadwick (1)
Grayson Holcomb, Defensive Back
Holcomb led the Bulldogs with two interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He also totaled 27 tackles (20 solo).
Anthony Wells, Offensive Line
A senior captain, Wells played at guard and center for the Bulldogs and helped lead an offensive line that shoved ahead for Leahey and his productive season.
Anthony Wells (56)
Can’t Wait Until Next Year
Tyler Covar, Jr., Linebacker/Tanner Covar, Jr., Safety
For his third year on varsity, Tyler racked up 124 tackles (65 solo) with seven for loss and two sacks. Covar forced two fumbles, recovered one and broke up three passes. Tyler and his twin brother Tanner, a safety who missed action due to injury, totaled 34 tackles, had an interception (and a touchdown), should see their recruitment pick up going into their senior seasons.
Tyler Covar (18)
READ: Magnolia’s ‘Covar 2’ Defense Features Twin Brothers Tyler And Tanner
Ayden Johnson, Jr., Defensive Line
Johnson was productive all season with 10 tackles for loss and two sacks. He was in on 26 stops on the season and will be looked upon next season to continue the pass rush.
Ty Miller, Soph., Linebacker
Miller had an outstanding season as the underclassmen turned heads with his physical play at linebacker. The sophomore made 59 solo tackles, assisted on 33 more with three tackles for loss and four sacks. Miller’s will continue to ascend as an upperclassman next year.
Ty Miller (27)
Max Lejsek, Jr., Defensive Back
Lejsek did a little bit of everything from the secondary as he totaled two takeaways (an interception and a fumble recovery) while also breaking up five passes. He could also us his physical strength and agility as well to get to the backfield as seven of his 54 tackles (38 solo) were for loss.
Demond Perrino, Jr., Defensive Line
Big man Demond Perrino made an impact on both sides of the ball. He was celebrated three times during the season for two short-distance rushing scores and he converted a two-point conversion. For his day job on the defensive line, Perrino had 28 tackles (nine solo) and recovered a fumble.
Cash Ferrell, Soph, Running Back
Ferrell’s ability became increasingly valuable for the Bulldogs’ offense as his speed and shiftiness was tough to stop. Ferrell rushed for 376 yards and five touchdowns. Operating out of the ‘Wildcat’ at times Ferrell also faked defenses out by throwing it. He totaled two touchdown passes. Ferrell also had 348 worth of kickoff return yards.
Chase Lowery, Soph., Quarterback
Lowery took the reins at quarterback this season and gave defenses something to think about with both his arm and his legs. As a thrower, Lowery was 67-for-134 for 906 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also ran it 45 times for 236 yards and caught a pass for 41 yards.
Chase Lowery (9)
Gavin Gonzales, Jr., Kicker/Punter
Gonzales was the unsung hero at times for the Bulldogs. The junior was leaned on heavily and came through with by going 8-for-11 on field goals, 41-for-43 on extra points, averaged 39 yards per punt and sent the ball through the back of the end zone for 30 touchbacks.
Carson Smith, Jr., Tight End
Another captain of the Bulldogs, Smith totaled three touchdown receptions and 166 yards on 11 catches.
Aiden Hime, Jr., Offensive Line
Hime was a standout on the offensive line, earning second-team All-District honors.
READ: Undersized For Offensive Line, Magnolia’s John Hallmark Making Big Impact
Games to remember
Magnolia 59, Lake Creek 33 – (Week 1 – Aug. 30)
Lowery came out on fire with 275 passing yards and four touchdown throws as the Bulldogs knocked off a Lions team who hadn’t lost a regular season game since 2021 coming in. Junior Cole Sorensen caught two of those touchdowns while Leahey had three total scores.
Magnolia 60, Klein Oak 21 – (Week 3 – Sept. 13)
You thought 59 points was Magnolia’s cap this season? Think again. Two weeks after piling up 59 points against Lake Creek, the Bulldogs set their season-high with 60 against Klein Oak. Leahey piled up 267 yards on the ground as Magnolia totaled 500 yards of total offense. Leahey had three rushing scores – two of which were 70-plus yards, Lowery threw three touchdown passes and Tanner Covar had a pick six.
Magnolia 27, Magnolia West 14 – (Week 10 – Nov. 1)
Magnolia needed a big win and looked to Leahey in the second half to do it. Trailing 7-3 at halftime in the Magnolia Bowl, the Bulldogs outscored Magnolia 24-7 in the second half as the senior back had three touchdown runs to produce the program’s seventh win in the history of the series.
READ: Meet Magnolia Football’s ‘Super Fan’, Kirby Childs
Final Thoughts
It was a heartbreaking end of the season, especially for the seniors. But the Bulldogs have a bright future ahead as they go to work this winter in anticipation of the 2025 season. Magnolia has plenty of pieces returning to the roster and will look forward to playing the teams on its revenge list as it will attempt to get back to the playoffs.
