Unbeaten and state-ranked Ridge Point heads to Hall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, to face an Elkins squad that needs wins to stay in the UIL playoff race.
The Panthers (6-0, 3-0 district) carry a No. 26 state ranking into the 6 p.m. kickoff against the Knights (2-4, 1-2), according to schedules posted by MaxPreps. Fort Bend ISD Athletics announced the Week 7 slate at Hall Stadium on Monday, Oct. 5.
Ridge Point has outscored opponents 232-83 through six games. The Panthers beat Fort Bend Austin 41-6 on Friday, Oct. 2, according to SI.com's statewide scoreboard. Head coach Rick LaFavers' program hasn't lost a district game since Oct. 17, 2019.
The Panthers have backed it up.
"Last year's team was the most talented team in Ridge Point's history since I've been here … We have some pieces to replace, but more importantly, I believe we have people who have worked hard, developed, and are ready to step in and hit the ground running," LaFavers told the Defender Network in a Sept. 16 interview, before the season began.
Senior quarterback Brody Bartee, who threw for 2,098 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025, leads the offense. The defense returns eight starters from a unit that dominated last season, including four-star junior outside linebacker Brayden Bonik (58 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 40-plus college offers), junior defensive end Chris Racey (46 tackles, seven sacks) and senior linebacker Dyllon Bennett (77 tackles, nine tackles for loss).
Elkins needs a win to keep pace in district. The Knights lost 17-16 to Fort Bend Travis on Oct. 2 but are 2-1 at home this season, including a 24-6 victory over Fort Bend Bush on Sept. 25.
Senior running back Tyson Craft gives Elkins its best chance to control the clock. The 2024 District Newcomer of the Year has piled up more than 1,800 career rushing yards. Craft told VYPE Fort Bend on Oct. 3 that being the team's go-to playmaker means delivering every time he touches the ball.
Both teams return to action Oct. 23: Ridge Point hosts Fort Bend Bush, and Elkins travels to Strake Jesuit.
