Alief ISD Fall 2025

Flipping the Script feature TAYLOR FOOTBALL

Taylor is Primed to Remedy Last Season’s Recent Slump

2025 Taylor Football

AFTER A CHALLENGING 1-9 CAMPAIGN LAST SEASON, ALIEF TAYLOR ENTERS 2025 WITH RENEWED PURPOSE AND A ROSTER CAPABLE OF RESTORING THE PROGRAM’S COMPETITIVE EDGE. Despite going winless in District 20-6A play — a rare downturn for the Lions — head coach Shawn Gray’s group returns with experience and upside on both sides of the ball. Junior quarterback Nick Kongolo could be a key catalyst in the team’s turnaround. After leading Taylor to the State 7-on-7 Tournament this summer, he’s shown signs of becoming the steady presence the offense needs. He’ll operate behind standout lineman Dillian Whiteside, a first-team, all-district honoree, and target veteran playmakers like tight end Jaiden Smith and wide receiver Evan Simien. On defense, the Lions feature a strong front seven anchored by senior linebacker Christopher Fierros and junior edge rusher Danilo Penso — both first-team, all-district selections. Meanwhile, second-team linemen Chriso Fagbamila and Jaymes Porter round out a group looking to set a more physical tone. The pieces are certainly there. Now it’s about putting it together.

Chriso Fagbamila

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ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2025 \\ vype.com