SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our preseason predictions for each district in the San Angelo Live coverage area for the 2024 high school football season — with last year's overall and district records in parentheses.
The top four teams in 11-man districts (2A-6A) qualify for the playoffs. Only the top two teams advance from six-man districts (1A):
District 2-6A
1. Midland Legacy (10-3, 4-1)
The Rebels have won six straight district titles, and they have to be considered the favorites until someone dethrones them. They lost six starters on each side of the ball, and they have to break in a new quarterback, so they'll have their work cut out for them holding off contenders for their crown in a competitive district. New QB Jaden Rogers will have a 1,000-yard receiver, Aiden Serrano, to help in the passing game.
2. Wolfforth Frenship (9-3, 3-2)
The Tigers only lost by a touchdown to Midland Legacy last year, and they return 11 starters from a 9-3 team. Frenship also earned an impressive win over Permian last year, so the Tigers are a real threat. Wide receiver Leyton Stone (6-3, 190), who had 1,658 yards and 23 touchdowns last year, is a dynamic playmaker.
3. Midland High (9-3, 3-2)
The Bulldogs were part of a three-way tie for second place in district last year, with a 10-point win over Frenship and a seven-point loss to Permian. Midland High brings back six starters on each side of the ball, and the Bulldogs should be in the mix again. Quarterback Stroman Bridges, who has committed to play at Army, is back after being limited by injury last year.
4. Odessa Permian (7-5, 3-2)
The Panthers showed what they were capable of last year with a 32-31 win over Midland Legacy, but Permian also lost to an Odessa High team that didn't make the playoffs. So it's hard to know what to expect from this group. They graduated most of their top playmakers, but they have a big, experienced offensive line. They return 11 starters, including seven on offense, and are undoubtedly a dangerous wild card.
5. San Angelo Central (1-9, 0-5)
The Bobcats may not be as far away as their record last year would indicate. Central lost six of its games by 10 points or less. The Bobcats also scored 34 points per game and return quarterback Christian English, who accounted for over 3,600 yards of offense. He'll have his top receiver, Colton Hill, back after hauling in 57 catches for 854 yards. Central returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense as the Bobcats begin a new era under head coach Mark Smith.
6. Odessa High (5-5, 2-3)
The Bronchos return only four starters on each side of the ball, and they may have a tough time keeping up in this district. That being said, Odessa High showed grit last season with an overtime win over Permian and an 11-point loss to Legacy. The Bronchos also return quarterback Mikey Cota, who threw for 3,054 yards and 37 TDs last year. Two receivers return who had at least 650 yards, so there's some firepower here.
The Central Bobcats take the field at San Angelo Stadium one last time. (Contributed: Ryan Chadwick)
District 3-4A Division I
1. Andrews (6-6, 2-2)
With 16 starters back, led by 2,200-yard rusher Jaesean DeBouse, the Mustangs are the heavy favorite to win this district. Andrews is also the district's only team to win a playoff game last year and not post a losing record.
2. Pecos (5-6, 3-2)
The Eagles bring back eight starters on both sides of the ball from a solid team a year ago, but Pecos is making the jump up from 4A Division II. Every school in the district has an enrollment of over 1,000 students, compared to 818 for Pecos.
3. San Angelo Lake View (1-9, 0-4)
The Chiefs will carry a nine-game losing streak into this fall, but there is some hope for an improved season on the north side of San Angelo. The Chiefs return six starters on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Auston Perez, who flashed some exciting potential before being limited by injuries. Lake View scored 35 points or more in three of Perez's six starts last year.
4. Big Spring (2-9, 1-3)
The Steers only return four starters on each side of the ball in what looks like a rebuilding year. Big Spring allowed a whopping 47 points per game last season, an issue that will have to be fixed.
Lake View Takes the Field Against the Brownwood Lions in San Angelo Stadium. (LIVE! Photo: James Bouligny)
District 3-3A Division I
1. Clyde (11-2, 4-1)
The Bulldogs return 11 starters, including seven on offense, from last year's team that went three rounds deep in the playoffs. This has the looks of one of the toughest districts in the state, so Clyde could easily drop a couple spots on this list.
2. Jim Ned (6-6, 4-1)
The No. 16-ranked Indians are coming off back-to-back 8-win seasons, a dip from their remarkable 27-2 run the previous two years, but this is still a high-quality program. Jim Ned returns 12 starters, including quarterback Gray Beasley, who suffered a season-ending injury last year. Johnathon McClure was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach.
3. Sweetwater (7-5, 2-2)
The Mustangs are receiving some preseason hype with the state's No. 10 ranking. They're dropping down from 4A Division II and return nine starters on both sides of the ball, including 2,300-yard passer Caiden Ortiz. However, they also lost 41-7 to Clyde last year, so they may not walk right in and take over this district.
4. Comanche (8-5, 3-2)
It speaks to the depth of this district that Comanche is getting picked fourth after winning two playoff games last year. However, the Indians are making a move up from 3A Division II, and they lost 13 starters, including 1,200-yard running back Sawyer Wilkerson, who transferred to Stephenville.
5. Breckenridge (4-6, 1-4)
The Buckaroos will have a difficult time breaking through for a playoff spot in this stacked district. They were 8-3 two years ago, but they return just nine starters from last year's team that managed only district win.
6. San Angelo TLCA (5-6, 2-3)
Already tasked with moving up to 3A Division I this year, the Eagles were then handed a district loaded with strong teams. TLCA returns only four starters on each side of the ball and has a new head coach, Bradley Oh, who will try to lay the foundation for future success.
The Wall Hawks holds the trophy for winning the Regional Semi-Finals in the 2022 State Football Playoffs
District 4-3A Division II
1. Wall (11-3, 5-0)
The Hawks enter the season ranked No. 9 in the state. They return 12 starters from last year's state quarterfinal team, but there's a lot of change in the air. Wall will have a new head coach, former defensive coordinator Craig Slaughter, a new QB after Gunnar Dillard opted to sit out his senior season to focus on baseball, and a new spread offense after years of the run-based flexbone.
2. Coahoma (5-5, 2-3)
The Bulldogs look like a team ready to take the next step this fall. They return 14 starters, including nine on offense, highlighted by 2,300-yard passer Boyd Cox and 1,400-yard rusher Jaidyn Vineyard. This is a team that could be dangerous.
3. Merkel (6-4, 2-3)
The Badgers are light on experience with only eight returning lettermen in the program. They also have a new quarterback and a new head coach, Wes Wood from Snyder, so there could be some growing pains this fall.
4. Stanton (1-9, 0-5)
The Buffaloes carry a nine-game losing streak into this season, but they return 17 starters. Their only win last year was a 42-6 rout of Grape Creek, so that was enough to give them the nod for the fourth and final playoff spot.
5. Grape Creek (2-8, 2-3)
The Eagles snapped a 19-game losing streak last year by winning their final two games of the season. They return 16 starters and hope the momentum they took into the offseason will carry over into this fall.
District 5-3A Division II
1. Tolar (14-2, 6-0)
A state finalist from a year ago in 2A Division I, Tolar makes its 3A D-II debut ranked No. 11. The Rattlers return seven starters on each side of the ball, and they're a heavy favorite to win this district.
2. Eastland (3-8, 2-3)
The Mavericks bring back seven starters on each side of the ball, and they're dropping from 3A Division I. Both of those facts should spell an upswing for Eastland after last year's three-win season.
3. Early (6-6, 4-1)
The Longhorns return nine starters from last year's team that won a playoff game. Five of those starters are on offense, including junior quarterback Rohyn Price, who is also a standout linebacker for Early's defense.
4. Clifton (5-6, 3-2)
The Cubs are a bit of an unknown in this new district. Clifton is located about 30 miles northwest of Waco and hasn't traditionally played schools in this area. They return 10 starters and should vie for a playoff spot.
5. Brady (3-8, 2-3)
The Bulldogs return a ton of experience with 10 starters back on defense and eight on offense. They only won three games, but they narrowly lost their playoff game 29-23 to Alpine. It wouldn't be surprising to see Brady jump up and claim a postseason bid.
6. Dublin (1-9, 0-5)
The Lions are 3-17 since a trip to the third round of the playoffs in 2021. They return seven starters on offense, including three impact linemen and quarterback Kaden Gaitan, so Dublin should be an improved squad.
The Sonora Broncos charge onto the field before a game in 2020.
District 3-2A Division I
1. Sonora (11-2, 4-1)
The Broncos lost some big-time playmakers with the loss of running back Edgar DeLuna and quarterback Jaime Buitron, but they return 11 other starters from an 11-win team. They'll have speed and talent all over the field, and they should again be one of the best teams in our area.
2. Forsan (8-3, 4-1)
The Buffaloes' 24-22 win over Sonora last year forced a three-way tie for the district title with them and Ozona. Forsan returns 13 starters, including eight players on an offense with some serious talent. The Buffaloes will be a district-title contender again.
3. Ozona (6-5, 4-1)
After graduating 15 starters, the Lions may have trouble keeping pace with the top teams in this district. However, Ozona returns 2,200-yard passer Hudson Fowler and 1,100-yard rusher Christian Villarreal, so this is still a dangerous group.
4. Reagan County (5-5, 1-4)
The Owls bring back seven starters on both sides of the ball, led by quarterback Kason Brown, who threw for over 2,000 yards and rushed for over 500. After a promising start last year, Reagan County wasn't much of a factor once district play began. Maybe the Owls can take the next step this season.
5. Christoval (3-7, 1-4)
The Cougars return all but one starter on each side of the ball, so the experience is there. Christoval averaged only 13 points per game last season, a number that will have to increase if the Cougars are going to challenge for a playoff spot.
6. Colorado City (2-8, 1-5)
The Wolves are a dismal 4-46 since 2019, but this program has turned out a lot of good seasons over the years. With 15 returning starters, maybe Colorado City can begin to get back on track this fall.
District 5-2A Division I
1. Coleman (9-3, 5-1)
The Bluecats are 29-7 over the last three seasons, a testament to the stability of their program. They return five starters on each side of the ball and enter the season ranked No. 18 in the state.
2. De Leon (7-5, 3-3)
The Bearcats are a legitimate threat. They return nine starters on both sides of the ball, led by junior quarterback Heston Jobe, who threw for 3,284 yards and 37 TDs last year. His top receiver, Jake Cooper, is also back after a 1,400-yard season.
3. Hamilton (6-5, 3-3)
The Bulldogs are a solid group that beat De Leon last year and only lost to Coleman by seven points. They return six starters on offense and eight on defense, and they're more than capable of shaking up the district standings.
4. Hico (8-4, 4-2)
The Tigers are a wild card in this district after jumping up from the 2A Division II level. Hico returns five starters on both sides of the ball from an 8-win team, led by first-team all-state utility player Buck Powell, a running back and linebacker.
5. Ballinger (0-10, 0-5)
The Bearcats had a rough season in 2023 against a brutal schedule. Hope is on the horizon after they dropped from 3A Division II in the last realignment. Ballinger returns nine starters on both sides of the ball and has a chance to make some strides in head coach Ty Lang's third year.
6. Bangs (2-8, 1-5)
The Dragons bring back six starters on each side of the ball, including first-team all-district senior quarterback Kenny Cole, but they'll have to adjust to new head coach Colton Buzzard and a new offensive scheme.
Ballinger and Breckenridge football game from 2020
District 14-2A Division I
1. Mason (11-1, 4-0)
The Punchers haven't lost a district game since 2010, though they had a close call last year in a 28-27 win over Johnson City. There will be some more landmines this season on the way to a 13th straight district title, but the No. 9-ranked Punchers look up to the challenge with 15 returning starters, including their entire offensive line, quarterback and running back.
2. Holland (12-1, 6-0)
This district has two defending champs as the Hornets won 13-2A Division I last year. Holland didn't lose a game until the third round of the playoffs. The Hornets are a very real threat to Mason's longtime district dominance. Holland beat Mason 26-0 in their only meeting - a third-round playoff game in 2019.
3. Johnson City (9-3, 3-1)
The Eagles will have to get through two defending district champs to claim the top spot, but they're a capable group. They return 10 starters from last year's 9-win team, including six starters from an offense that averaged 38 points per game. Johnson City lost to Mason by one point last year, by 12 points in 2022, and by five points in 2021, so the Eagles have been knocking on the door for a while.
4. Thorndale (0-10, 0-6)
Don't let last year's winless record fool you. The Bulldogs were a 9-3 team two years ago, and they suffered a handful of close defeats last season. They were even within 56-41 of Holland. They bring back 14 starters and should be a playoff contender as long as they can recover mentally.
5. San Saba (3-7, 2-4)
The Armadillos return 15 starters, including nine on defense, and they're capable of pushing for a playoff spot. They were competitive in losses against some quality opponents last year, and that experience could pay off this fall.
6. Harper (5-6, 1-3)
The Longhorns' district schedule was already difficult, but realignment managed to take it up a notch. Harper returns six starters on both sides of the ball from a team that won five games last year, so the Longhorns should be solid, but that may not be enough to punch a playoff ticket in this district.
District 4-2A Division II
1. Wink (10-2, 5-0)
The Wildcats begin the year ranked No. 12 in the state with seven starters back on both sides of the ball. Wink overwhelmed this district last year as no game was closer than 22 points. There are no obvious challengers to take Wink's spot this fall.
2. Iraan (4-6, 1-4)
The Braves qualified for the 7-on-7 state tournament for the first time last summer. They'll carry that momentum, along with eight starters back on each side of the ball, into this season.
3. McCamey (5-6, 3-2)
The Badgers had a knack for winning close games last year. They were 4-0 in one-score contests, three of which came in district play. They bring back 15 starters and should be in the mix for district's runner-up spot.
4. Eldorado (5-5, 2-3)
The Eagles should be right in the thick of a competitive district race. They were a couple touchdowns away from finishing in second place last year instead of fourth. They return 11 starters and will be led by new head coach William Robledo, who was promoted from defensive coordinator.
5. Sterling City (6-4, 3-2)
The Eagles return only four starters on each side of the ball, and they'll be welcoming a new head coach, DJ Howell from six-man Miami. Sterling City hasn't had a losing record since 2013, so you can expect the Eagles to still put a solid team on the field.
6. Van Horn (6-5, 2-1)
The Eagles are returning to the 11-man game after four years in six-man. They return three starters and will put a sophomore-heavy team on the field. Some growing pains are to be expected.
The Eldorado Eagles take the field before a game in 2019.
District 7-2A Division II
1. Albany (16-0, 5-0)
The back-to-back state champions return only two starters on defense and five on offense, but they bring back quarterback Chip Chambers, who threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 35 TDs last year. The Lions allowed only one touchdown in five district games last year, so they remain the runaway favorite.
2. Miles (8-4, 3-2)
The Bulldogs have weapons all over the field, led by 1,000-yard wide receiver Cooper Ellison. They'll have a sophomore QB, Liam Yancy, but he stepped in and led Miles to the quarterfinals at the 7-on-7 state tournament. With eight starters back on offense and nine more on defense, Miles should be one of the area's top teams again. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 16 in the state.
3. Roscoe (10-3, 4-1)
The Plowboys survived a 34-33 win over Miles to take the district's runner-up spot last year on the way to the third round of the playoffs. They return six starters on each side of the ball, led by all-state running back Ivan McCann. Roscoe is ranked No. 14 in the state.
4. Cross Plains (4-7, 2-3)
The Buffaloes return 16 starters, including a four-year starting quarterback in Kade Purvis. Cracking the top three in this district will be a difficult task, but Cross Plains looks like a strong bet to take fourth again.
5. Hamlin (5-5, 1-4)
The Pied Pipers will be experienced with 17 starters back from last year, led by quarterback Ian Gruben. They faded after a 5-1 start last season when they ran into the top four teams from this district, losing all four games by at least 22 points.
6. Winters (1-9, 1-5)
The Blizzards struggled again last year and have failed to post a winning season since 2018. They return six starters on each side of the ball, but progress is hard to come by in such a difficult district.
District 14-2A Division II
1. Junction (6-5, 2-2)
The Eagles have the potential for their best season in a long time. They return every starter from last year's playoff team, including the 1-2 punch of running backs Korren Hoing (1,001 yards) and Aidan Cardwell (767 yards). They're also dropping from 2A Division I. Junction is ranked No. 20 in the state and favored to win its first district title in 21 years.
2. Brackettville (9-3, 6-0)
The Tigers are the defending district champs, but they return only four starters on each side of the ball and have a new head coach. With 1,800-yard running back Kontagious Cook returning, Brackettville may have the district's best player.
3. Rocksprings (7-3, 5-1)
The Angoras have an enrollment of only 65, which is far below the cut-off to play six-man football, but they continue marching on in the 11-man game. They return five starters on each side of the ball from last year's 7-win team that finished as the district runner-up.
4. Sabinal (5-6, 3-3)
The Yellowjackets return 11 starters -- including four offensive linemen -- from last year's team that finished as the district's No. 3 seed. A win over Center Point was crucial, and that matchup could determine their playoff fate again this season.
5. Center Point (4-6, 3-3)
The Pirates bring back 11 starters, led by quarterback Clayton Forster, who rushed for 1,500 yards last season. Center Point lost to Rocksprings (36-28) and Sabinal (28-14) last year, and they'll need to get past them to get into the playoffs.
6. D'Hanis (3-7, 3-3)
The Cowboys finished on the wrong end of a three-way tie for third place in this district last year, and they were left out of the playoffs. The road to the postseason is only more difficult now. They return 11 starters from last year.
7. La Pryor (2-8, 1-5)
The Bulldogs return eight starters on both sides of the ball, but they're facing an uphill climb again. Their only district win last year came against a Charlotte team that was realigned into a new district.
Water Valley in action versus TLCA Abilene
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
District 8-1A Division I
1. Water Valley (2-7, 1-4)
The Wildcats are dropping back to the six-man game after a brief two-year stay in 11-man. They went 12-1 and played in the state quarterfinals the last time they were a six-man team in 2021, so it shouldn't take them long to get back up to speed. They'll take the state's No. 12 ranking into the season. Water Valley has a whopping 25 lettermen returning, led by running back Anthony Quintana, who rushed for 850 yards last year.
2. Robert Lee (8-3, 3-1)
The Steers weren't far away last year, losing 56-36 to state power Irion County. Robert Lee may be able to get past Irion County this year, but can the Steers take down Water Valley as well to get the district title? The Steers return three starters on offense and four on defense, led by second-team all-region players Brenner Sherwood, Wyatt Bosworth and Lucas Martinez. They're ranked No. 23 in the state.
3. Irion County (8-3, 4-0)
The No. 19-ranked Hornets have been one of the state's best teams with a record of 44-12 over the last five years. They graduated some big-time players, however, and have a new head coach in Tell Rutledge. Linebacker Parker Posey, who earned second-team all-state honors, will lead a team with only two returning starters on offense and three on defense.
4. Veribest (8-2, 2-2)
The Falcons started 7-0 last year but missed the postseason as the district's third-place finisher behind Irion County and Robert Lee. With Water Valley joining the district, Veribest is now looking at three Top 25 obstacles in the way of the playoffs. The Falcons bring back three starters on each side of the ball, led by running back Bryce Martin.
5. Paint Rock (6-5, 2-1)
The Indians had a winning record last year for the first time since 2011, but they return only six lettermen and two starters. They're also moving up from 1A Division II, so Paint Rock faces a significant challenge this fall.
District 15-1A Division I
Medina (9-2, 4-0)
The No 24-ranked Bobcats are the team to beat in this district. They return three starters on both sides of the ball, including 2,000-yard passer Davis Peterson.
Menard (6-4, 1-3)
The Yellow Jackets have a new head coach, former Junction star athlete Clay Holland. Menard played three of the teams in this district last year and won all three games. They return three starters on offense and two on defense, and they plan to turn some talented freshmen loose.
Leakey (5-5, 3-1)
The Eagles were the district runner-up last year, but they lost 34-22 to Menard in nondistrict. That matchup could determine the second and final playoff spot this year. Leakey brings back three starters on offense and four on defense.
Eden (2-8, 0-4)
The Bulldogs could be ready to make a jump this fall. They bring back four starters on offense, including all-region spread back Ezra Gamboa, and return five on defense. They only lost to Menard by six points last year, so there's potential here.
Nueces Canyon (4-6, 2-2)
The Panthers lost to three of their district opponents by 40 points or more last year, so they could struggle to find success this season. However, they return four starters on each side of the ball, and have a longtime six-man coach taking over in Todd Lawdermilk.
District 6-1A Division II
1. Blackwell (4-5, 1-2)
The Hornets didn't make the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016, but they should be in for a bounce-back season. They return four starters on both sides of the ball from a team that only lost by 19 points last year to district champion Loraine.
2. Loraine (4-8, 3-0)
The Bulldogs lost 10 of the 12 lettermen from last year's team, so a mostly new group will try to bring home a fourth straight district title. Loraine is only two years removed from a state final appearance, but this is a considerable overhaul.
3. Bronte (4-8, 2-1)
The Longhorns upset Blackwell 46-42 last season to punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. With four starters back on offense and five returning on defense, Bronte could certainly continue its upward trajectory and challenge for a playoff spot or even a district title.
4. Trent (3-7, 0-3)
The Gorillas had some early success last season but were overmatched in district play. On the bright side, they return five starters on each side of the ball, so there's hope for a program that hasn't seen a winning season since 2012.
5. Olfen (0-4)
The Mustangs are still trying to find their footing after playing their first year of varsity football in 2020. After playing an outlaw schedule the last two years, Olfen returns to UIL play this fall.
District 15-1A Division II
1. Richland Springs (13-1, 4-0)
The Coyotes return four starters on offense and five on defense from last year's state semifinal team. Four of those players earned all-state honors. Richland Springs is ranked No. 2 in the state and locked and loaded for a run at state title No. 10.
2. Rochelle (7-2, 2-2)
The Hornets bring back every starter from last year's 7-win team, led by spread back Merek Howell, who accounted for nearly 3,000 yards of offense in nine games. Rochelle is ranked No. 11 and shouldn't be overlooked.
3. Brookesmith (4-5, 1-3)
The Mustangs return three starters on each side of the ball, including 1,000-yard rusher Adyn Ribble, but it will be a feat to break into the top two in this district.
4. Panther Creek (4-4, 1-2)
The Panthers don't bring back much experience with only three returning lettermen. Panther Creek is home to three state titles in its proud history, but the Panthers' lack of depth hurts them, and they haven't posted a winning season since 2017.
5. Lohn (0-10, 0-4)
With one of the smallest enrollments in the state at just 29 students, numbers are always an issue for Lohn. Yet the Eagles return 10 lettermen from last year's winless squad, including five starters on each side of the ball, so that continuity could make a difference this fall
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