The Woodlands junior quarterback Kaden Copelin has thrown 11 touchdowns with zero interceptions through three games, breaking a program record along the way as the Highlanders prepare to open District 13-6A play.
Copelin has completed 83 percent of his passes for 681 yards. He has added 103 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground.
His signature performance came Friday, Sept. 11, against Humble, when he threw seven touchdown passes in a 58-0 win. That broke the program's single-game passing touchdown record previously held by Eric Schmid, who set the mark during The Woodlands' 2016 state championship game season. The Highlander Football account on X confirmed the record Sept. 13.
Copelin credited his teammates after the milestone. "Thankful for the opportunity and a shout out to the receivers and O line for making it possible," he wrote on X that same day.
The Highlanders enter district play at 2-1, with wins over Klein Oak (41-38) and Humble and a one-point loss to Bridgeland (31-30). They lead District 13-6A in scoring with 129 points through three games, according to Woodlands Online. Grand Oaks sits second with 93.
Copelin's targets form a deep receiving corps. Wide receiver Bryson Bourn leads the team with 214 yards on 14 catches and two touchdowns, averaging 71.3 yards per game. Carter Cass leads in receiving touchdowns with four on 16 catches. Both Bourn and Cass posted 300-yard receiving seasons in 2025, giving Copelin experienced targets from the start.
Kaiden Stewart has five catches for 122 yards and a score. Senior tight end Colton Weddel has hauled in four passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Senior running back Jason Haskins carries the ground game with 27 rushes for 113 yards and a touchdown, plus five catches for 79 yards and a receiving score. He rushed for 650 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
On defense, Woodlands Online flagged tackling issues and missed assignments in the Bridgeland and Klein Oak games. The unit did post a shutout against Humble.
Caney Creek enters the matchup at 1-2, according to MaxPreps. The Panthers beat Aldine 48-7 but lost to Porter 22-10 and Splendora 28-19 in their first two games.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Woodforest Bank Stadium. The Highlanders then travel to College Park on Oct. 2, host Willis on Oct. 9, host Cleveland on Oct. 15, visit Conroe on Oct. 23, host Grand Oaks on Oct. 30 and close the regular season at Oak Ridge on Nov. 6.
