Blake Dildy, the senior forward from Pieper High School, has been crowned the 2026 UIL Class 5A Division II Boys Soccer Player of the Year after orchestrating a historic championship run that culminated in the school's first state title in a team sport.
A Season Defined by Excellence
Dildy finished the campaign with 18 goals and 17 assists, the only returning starter from the previous year's squad, and earned recognition as District 26-5A MVP and a TASCO First Team All-State selection. His commitment to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor adds a new chapter to a career that also saw him break school records for goals and assists.
Coach Corwyn Ritch, honored as Coach of the Year, guided the team to a 1-0 victory over Frisco Wakeland in the title match, a win sealed by Nolan Masker's ten saves that preserved the shutout.
The championship capped a 21-2-5 season for Pieper, a record that reflects the program's rapid ascent under Ritch's leadership and the depth of talent across the San Antonio metro area.
Rising Stars Across the Region
Other standout performers included Joann Torres of LEE, who recorded 14 goals and 15 assists and was named District 27-6A Newcomer of the Year, and Caleb Barajas of Southwest, who netted 27 goals and eight assists to earn District 28-5A MVP honors.
Kam Guerra was named co-MVP of District 28-6A after leading Warren to a perfect district run, while Braylon Jernigan earned Defender of the Year accolades and committed to the University of San Francisco.
Additional recognitions spanned the region: Darriyn Morales set new school records for goals and career assists, Enrique Padilla captured District 26-4A MVP as Davenport reached the regional finals, and Nate Peterson was unanimously selected Forward of the Year in District 27-6A.
The all-area and super team selections, compiled by Express-News staff writer Christina Huang in consultation with local coaches, highlighted a deep pool of talent that will shape the next generation of high school soccer in Texas.