West Texas Football 2026 District Predictions

District 3-4A Division I

1. Midland Greenwood (13-1, 4-0)

The Rangers moved into the state’s elite last season on the way to the state quarterfinals. It’s been quite a climb for a team that was 3-8 just two years ago. Though they’ve moved up a classification to 4A D-I and lost a bunch of key starters, they’ll enter this year ranked No. 15 in the state. They return five starters on offense and three on defense. Greenwood also beat what appears to be its closest district competition, Andrews, 54-6 last year, so they look like the team to beat here.

2. Andrews (5-6, 3-0)

The Mustangs have had back-to-back losing seasons, but they also found a way to win the district title each of those years. It should be a more daunting task this season with Greenwood joining the mix, but don’t count Andrews out. This is a program with a strong tradition, and the Mustangs return a lot of last year’s squad, including nine on offense and five on defense. 

3. San Angelo Lake View (7-4, 2-1)

The Chiefs are coming off their winningest season in 29 years, but it will be difficult to replicate last season’s success. Though Lake View returns six starters on each side of the ball, they lost nearly all of their top playmakers. However, they return third-year starting QB Chris Alvizo, who threw for 2,836 yards and 37 TDs last year while completing more than 70% of his passes. His presence could help solidify the offense, while Conner Williams will be counted on to lead the defense after being named the district’s Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year.

4. Plainview (3-7, 1-5)

This is a program that hasn’t posted a winning season since 2014. The Bulldogs are dropping from 5A Division II, which gives them hope for a brighter future. They return three starters on offense and six on defense, but the only all-district returner is offensive lineman Ian Garza. Plainview is going to have to prove it before we pick them to beat any of these teams.

District 3-3A Division I

1. Wall (16-0, 4-0)

Coming off their first state championship in program history, the No. 6-ranked Hawks will now embark on a daunting title defense. They’re moving up to 3A Division I and must tackle a much more challenging district with only three returning starters on both sides of the ball. New quarterback Gunner King has some established weapons around him like wideouts Evan Boehle and Jager Thompson, but the Hawks will have to rebuild their running game around a largely new offensive line. Linebacker Slayton Hallmark is back to lead the defense. A road trip to Llano, a state semifinalist last year, is a considerable roadblock in the way of the district title.

2. Llano (13-2, 5-0)

Like Wall, Llano was an undefeated district champion from last year. The Yellow Jackets return five starters on each side of the ball from last season’s team, including four-year starting QB Luke Davis, who threw for 2,501 yards and was named the district’s Preseason Offensive MVP by Texas Football. His No. 1 receiver, Cash Lynch (71 catches, 1,266 yards, 13 TDs) is also back. Cole Landers returns after rushing for 712 yards as a freshman. Llano is ranked No. 14 and could very well end up as the best team in the district.

3. Ingram Moore (7-6, 4-1)

The No. 17-ranked Warriors return eight starters on both sides of the ball from a team that won two playoff games a year ago. That would qualify as the district favorite for a lot of teams, but that’s only good enough for third place here. The Warriors bring back quarterback Logan Spalding after he threw for 2,374 yards and his favorite target, JJ Stewart (43 catches, 680 yards, 10 TDs). Ingram Moore’s 7-6 record last year was its first winning season since 2018. This program is now commanding some respect.

4. Early (5-6, 4-1)

The Longhorns finished in a three-way tie for the District 5-3A Division II title last year, adding another defending champion to the mix in this district. They’re only picked to finish fourth here, however, as they’re moving up a classification and return only five starters on both sides of the ball from a five-win team. They return quarterback Caden Wilson and running back Isaac Ybarra, but the offensive line brings back only one starter.

5. TLCA San Angelo (0-10, 0-5)

The Eagles have struggled through back-to-back winless seasons, and the latest UIL realignment again did them no favors by placing them in this district. Despite that, new head coach Robert Ontiveroz has reason to believe in a brighter future. They return seven starters on both sides of the ball, including Jackson Chacon. The promising junior rushed for 621 yards last year and leads the defense at linebacker. Quarterback Jonah Munoz and wide receiver Justin Reynolds (567 yards) are also back. Look for some important strides to be made this fall.

District 3-3A Division II

1. Coahoma (9-3, 3-1)

The Bulldogs look like the frontrunner in this district after last year’s 9-win season. They bring back five starters on each side of the ball, including senior quarterback Austin Joslin after he threw for 1,499 yards and 27 TDs. Their top two rushers, sophomore Aidyn Rodriguez (720 yards) and senior Lanson Moore (532 yards) also return. 

2. Grape Creek (7-5, 2-2)

The Eagles will look to build off last year’s first playoff win in program history. They return five starters on each side of the ball, and they only lost to Coahoma 33-27 last season, so a district title seems within reach. New head coach Trey Morgan will have to replace 1,965-yard rusher Darrell West. Anthony Saavedra (593 yards last year) is the new featured back. He’ll have the benefit of running behind a big, strong offensive line led by Edgar Torres.

3. Crane (6-5, 4-2)

Cannon McWilliams, who grew up just down the road in McCamey, takes over the Golden Cranes. He’ll inherit a solid program that hasn’t had a losing season since 2017. Crane returns five starters on each side of the ball. McWilliams said the roster has speed but lacks depth, so staying healthy will be especially important.

4. Alpine (2-9, 2-4)

The Bucks will have to replace quarterback Daedrick Hardwick after he accounted for more than 2,500 yards of offense last year. Junior Ezra Lujan will take over the offense with six returning starters around him, along with seven on defense. Junior Thaddeus Prieto will give Lujan a dependable target after hauling in 41 passes for 596 yards and nine TDs a year ago.

5. Stanton (1-9, 0-4)

The Buffaloes have posted just one winning season since 2013, and that came only two years ago when they went 6-5. They struggled last year with just one win, but they had three losses by six points or less. They also return nine starters on both sides of the ball, so there’s reason for optimism here, led by imposing offensive lineman Oscar Salcido (6-5, 265).

6. Anthony (2-9, 0-6)

The Wildcats haven’t had a winning season since 2016 and struggled mightily last year. The good news is they return seven starters on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Joey Van Ert. This isn’t an overwhelming district, so Anthony could potentially find some footing for a better future.

District 4-2A Division I

1. Ozona (10-1, 5-0)

Coming off their first perfect regular season since 2002, the Lions are the favorite to repeat as district champs. With the exception of a 46-40 win over Forsan, they won every other district game by at least 40 points. They must replace sensational running back Christian Villarreal after his 3,667-yard season, and quarterback Michael Preddy, but they bring back eight starters on offense and six on defense. The strength of this team is a powerful offensive line ranked No. 2 in the state by Texas Football.

2. Sonora (7-4, 3-2)

The Broncos have no shortage of playmakers for third-year quarterback Aaron Segura to distribute the ball to, but the only all-district offensive lineman returning is sophomore Pancho Silva. If they can find the blocking they need, they have a dangerous offense with nine returning starters, including running back Armani Coronado, wide receivers Jayden Welborn, Angel Diaz and Wyatt Killough, and tight end Evan Arredondo. They also bring back seven returning starters on defense.

3. Forsan (4-7, 3-2)

The Buffaloes showed what they were capable of last year in a 46-40 loss to Ozona, but they ultimately didn’t beat a team with a winning record, and they’ve combined for just six wins the last two years. Could they put it all together this season? They lost only four lettermen and return nine starters on both sides of the ball, so the experience is there. They have a strong collection of athletes, including running back Ashton Ellis and wide receiver Coy Evans, along with Korbett Worden anchoring the defense.

4. Ballinger (3-7, 0-5)

The Bearcats didn’t get a chance to show what they could do when fully healthy last year. This year will hopefully be different. Ballinger brings back promising quarterback Wyatt Clemens after he suffered a broken leg in Week 1. He’ll have an athletic group of wide receivers to throw to, led by Hunter Kresta. The Bearcats also have a solid offensive line with Josh Martinez (6-1, 215) and transfer Braden Hoppe (6-1, 200) from Winters. With eight starters back on both sides of the ball, this is a team that could surprise some people in what appears to be a wide-open race for the fourth and final playoff spot.

5. Reagan County (3-7, 1-4)

The Owls crashed back to Earth after an undefeated run through district in 2024. They could bounce back this fall with nine returning starters on offense and eight on defense. Quarterback Marquis Vargas could be primed for a strong year after throwing for 1,430 yards as a junior. Speedy running back Hector Rios also returns after rushing for 583 yards. This is a team that should compete for a playoff spot.

6. Christoval (4-7, 2-3)

The Cougars earned the fourth and final playoff spot in this district last year, and they should be in the mix again. They return only four starters on offense and five on defense, but they bring back junior quarterback Ty DeBusk after he was named the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year. He threw for 1,443 yards and ran for 589, so he’s a dual threat. A young offensive line will need to grow up fast to help the Cougars reach their potential. 

7. Colorado City (1-9, 1-4)

The Wolves have won only seven games since 2019, so Colorado City has some work to do if it wants to challenge for a playoff spot. However, they return nine starters on offense and eight on defense, led by first-team all-district linebacker Noah Atkinson and second-team QB Ace Mejia. The Wolves will also be operating behind a big offensive line, so perhaps they can make some strides this fall.

District 7-2A Division I

1. Mason (10-4, 5-0)

The Punchers have the look of a state-title contender with nine starters back on offense, along with eight on defense from last year’s team that reached the state quarterfinals. District MVP Slade Buell leads the way after rushing for 1,328 yards and earning all-state honors at linebacker. Quarterback Ryder Balmos and blazing-fast wide receiver Kingston Garza also return, along with offensive linemen Jackson and Hudson Contrucci, who have received offers from UTEP. Edge rusher Cass Dutton (117 tackles, 29 tackles for loss) anchors the defense. On top of all that, Luke Tharp transferred from San Saba after rushing for 1,581 yards, and he should see time at RB and WR. Watch out for this team.

2. Brady (7-4, 4-1)

The Bulldogs are a team that should be taken seriously in this district. They’re dropping down from Class 3A Division II, and they beat Mason last year, 24-22 in Week 2. They were hit hard by graduation, however, and lost 18 seniors, including three-year quarterback Sean Jacoby. They return four on offense and five on defense, including district co-MVP Nasir Menefield, a 6-5, 365-pound mountain on the offensive line. Linebacker Johnny Roque also returns after racking up 134 tackles. 

3. San Saba (6-5, 3-2)

The Armadillos had a sneaky strong season last year, highlighted by a 17-14 win over a Hamilton team that went on to claim the 2A Division I state title. Unfortunately for San Saba, it lost quarterback Luke Tharp in the offseason after he rushed for 1,581 yards, leaving a significant hole in the lineup. Six other starters return on each side of the ball, led by running back/linebacker Jason Everett, who had 1,075 yards and 95 tackles. This is still a dangerous team.

4. Johnson City (5-6, 2-3)

The Eagles return most of last year’s playoff team, including nine starters on offense and eight on defense. They have a strong offensive line, led by Carson Metcalf (6-0, 235) and Chris Martinez (6-1, 230). Quarterback Wyatt Lorenzen and the top two rushers from last year, Cody Spence and Heston Hohenberger, are also back. This is a group that could make some noise.

5. Bangs (6-5, 3-2)

The Dragons made big strides last year after back-to-back 2-8 seasons, but they lost much of that team. Five starters return on offense, along with four on defense. They’ll have to replace their biggest playmakers, so Bangs currently looks like a team that could be left out of the playoff picture, though head coach Colton Buzzard has built a program that shouldn’t be overlooked.

6. Coleman (2-8, 1-4)

The Bluecats had a late coaching change after John Elder unexpectedly resigned in July after 13 seasons. Longtime offensive coordinator Zach Edington was promoted to head coach. Coleman has an uphill climb in a tough district. The Bluecats return six starters on both sides of the ball, including second-team all-district quarterback Hunter Edington (6-5, 195), speedy wideout Jadin Smith and some solid linemen in Easton Meador and Corbin Rosalez.

District 4-2A Division II

1. Wink (9-3, 5-0)

The Wildcats are a perennial power that has nine straight seasons with a playoff win under their belt. They’ll begin this year ranked No. 8 as eight starters return on offense, along with 10 on defense. Running back Kemyd Faciane rushed for 1,887 yards and 29 TDs, while quarterbacks Gunner Voyles and Layne Lusby are back after throwing for a combined 1,913 yards and 26 TDs. Linebacker Kolt Lusby had a team-high 121 tackles as a freshman.

2. Iraan (7-4, 3-2)

Despite having numbers that could drop them to the six-man level, the Braves remain a strong 2A program with a combined record of 17-6 the last two years. They return five starters on offense and six on defense, but they must replace numerous playmakers. Sophomore Manny Gonzalez is taking over at QB. He can lean on running back Danny Reyes, who had 597 yards last year. Reyes also had a team-high 130 tackles on defense.

3. Eldorado (6-5, 4-1)

The Eagles had a thrilling 45-42 comeback win over Iraan last year — erasing a 20-point deficit — to finish as the district runner-up. They bring back five starters on offense and six on defense, but they lost key playmakers. Quarterback Jonnie Rae Adame graduated, and running back Kane Brock transferred to Miles. Senior tight end Garrett Walling returns after catching 49 passes for 619 yards. Promising sophomore wideout Brindon Gamez is also back. Three of their top four tacklers return — Walling, Andrez Gomez and Tyler Proffitt.

4. McCamey (3-8, 2-3)

The Badgers return seven starters on offense and nine on defense, including junior QB Trace McMurray (6-3, 170), who threw for 1,171 yards and ran for 273. He’ll work behind an experienced offensive line led by Landon Smith (5-9, 230), but he’ll need to find some new playmakers. Sophomore Ruben Baeza has the potential to become the featured back. Junior linebacker Lexx DeLeon (6-0, 190) racked up 140 tackles last year, including 101 solos.

5. Van Horn (2-8, 0-5)

The Eagles have had back-to-back two-win seasons since returning to 11-man football, but they lost only three seniors from last season. With eight starters back on both sides of the ball, they could make some important progress this fall, but a playoff push seems unlikely.

District 7-2A Division II

1. Albany (10-3, 5-0)

It has been 24 years since the Lions failed to win at least eight games, so we’re not betting on anything but a district title from this program, which remains under the guidance of Denney Faith as heads into his 40th year with the team. Albany is ranked No. 6 and brings back five starters on offense and four on defense, including junior QB Clay Chapman, who threw for 1,596 yards in 10 games last year. He’ll be surrounded by a largely new group of running backs and receivers. Junior linebacker Bennett Neece was second on the team with 91 tackles.

2. Goldthwaite (8-4, 5-2)

The Eagles return almost everyone — nine starters on offense and 10 on defense — from a team that won a playoff game last year. This team has come a long way from a winless season in 2022, but are they ready to challenge Albany for the title? Maybe not quite yet, but there’s a reason they’re ranked No. 13. Linebackers Hagen Greenway (130 tackles) and Walt Thompson (125 tackles) are the heart of the defense. Sophomore QB Blake Howard was the district’s Newcomer of the Year, while senior receiver Aidyn Lee was first-team all-district. Junior running back Landry Sanderson was second-team all-district.

3. Stamford (7-5, 3-2)

With only two losing seasons since 2008 — including state titles in 2012 and ‘13 — Stamford is home to one of the area’s better programs. The Bulldogs are only two years removed from a state final appearance. They bring back seven starters on both sides of the ball from last season’s team that won a playoff game. Junior QB Miles Follis returns after starting five games last year and throwing for 990 yards. Leading receiver, junior Slayden Young (53 catches for 615 yards) is also back.

4. Miles (2-8, 1-4)

The Bulldogs had three straight seasons with eight wins before a young team struggled to only two victories last year. Expect them to bounce back and be a factor in this playoff race with nine returning starters on both sides of the ball, along with an impact transfer in Kane Brock, who produced over 1,000 yards of offense as Eldorado’s running back last year. He’ll be the No. 1 receiver in Miles’ passing game for third-year quarterback Liam Yancy. Miles also has a 1-2 punch in the backfield with Ryder Satepauhoodle (738 yards) and Weston Beck, who is returning from injury. Brock and Beck should lead an improved defense at linebacker.

5. Hamlin (8-3, 4-1)

The Pied Pipers could very well be the No. 4 seed in this top-heavy district if they can overcome road games at Miles and Cross Plains. They return six starters on offense and four on defense from a team coming off its best season since 2020. QB Javier Ramos returns after playing in six games and throwing for 1,054 yards. Running back Reece Rainey returns after earning second-team all-district honors. Daniel Malone-Castaneda (6-2, 320) will lead the offensive line. Linebacker Rowdy Holden was the Defensive MVP of the district. 

6. Cross Plains (4-7, 2-3)

The Buffaloes have been a four-win team for three consecutive years, but they have made the playoffs two of those seasons. They have the potential to battle for a playoff spot again with six returning starters on offense and seven on defense. Senior running back Kyle Schuman (6-2, 205) was the district’s Newcomer of the Year. Luke Henry (6-1, 300) and Lawson Brown (6-0, 240) also return on the offensive line after all-district seasons. Rylen Reed (6-4, 185) was a difference maker on the defensive line as a sophomore. Quarterback William Albrecht will take the reins of the offense.

7. Winters (2-8, 0-5)

The Blizzards have struggled to move out of the district cellar with just eight wins since 2021. They bring back six starters on both sides of the ball, including some exciting playmakers. Wide receiver Nolan Martinez (6-3, 170) had 19 catches for 415 yards and seven TDs to earn first-team all-district honors. Running back Haydin Collins was a second-team utility player. Winters has a big offensive line, led by John Pierce (6-2, 242), but the Blizzards will have to find a new QB.

District 14-2A Division II

1. Junction (13-1, 5-0)

The Eagles are coming off back-to-back district titles and their first 13-0 start in program history. They’ve also reached the state quarterfinals the last two seasons. They must largely reload, however, with only two returning starters back on offense and four on defense. Koda Bierschwale will take over at running back after producing 723 yards of offense as a utility back. Casen Roberts (20 catches, 522 yards, 8 TDs) leads the receiving corps. Both players are also defensive leaders, along with Hunter Dale and Leo Silva. New QB Coke Murr will have to operate behind a mostly new offensive line, so there could be some growing pains, but the Eagles still look like the clear frontrunner in this district.

2. Harper (4-6, 1-4)

The Longhorns are coming off a losing season, but they have a few factors in their favor. They’re dropping from 2A Division I, which usually indicates a jump in success, and they bring back eight starters on both sides of the ball. Among those starters is quarterback Braydon Lake, who threw for 1,843 yards and rushed for 586. He’ll have some productive playmakers around him with running back Jace Helfrich (584 rushing yards) and receiver Jaylon Wilson (30 catches, 509 yards), who is 6-3 and has 4.5 speed. Harper appears to be headed toward its first winning season since 2021.

3. Brackettville (6-5, 4-1)

The Tigers bring back four starters on both sides of the ball. Jack Lewis returns at QB after throwing for 1,360 yards and earning second-team all-district honors. Kouvarious Cook (6-0, 320) will anchor the offensive line after a first-team all-district junior season, but he’s the only returner up front. Despite losing a big senior class with 19 players, Brackettville has strong numbers and should be near the top of this district again.

4. Sabinal (5-6, 3-2)

The Yellowjackets bring back seven starters on both sides of the ball, but they have a big spot to replace after the graduation of QB Aiden Tinker, who threw for nearly 2,000 yards and added almost 800 more on the ground. Whoever takes over as the new signal caller will have some outstanding targets in Andres Reyes (36 catches, 801 yards, 11 TDs) and Blake Beza (40-652, 6 TDs). The top two running backs — Jace Clark and Sebastian Quintanilla — also return, so this could be a team to watch out for. 

5. D’Hanis (4-6, 2-3)

The Cowboys lost only three seniors from last year and bring back 10 starters on both sides of the ball. That experience makes them a team that should contend for a playoff spot. QB Evan Craft threw for 1,345 yards last year as a freshman to earn district Co-Newcomer of the Year honors, and he returns 6-4 wideout Kase Braden (18 catches, 344 yards, 5 TDs) and Josiah Rodriguez (34-460, 4 TDs). Running back Joe Ruiz, who is also a leader on defense, returns as well. A young offensive line will need to continue to develop for this team to reach its potential.

6. La Pryor (4-6, 1-4)

The Bulldogs have eight returning starters on both sides of the ball. New head coach Nic Williams from Clovis, New Mexico, will try to turn the program around. La Pryor had a 6-5 record in 2024, so the program isn’t in too bad of shape. Three of their district losses last year were by 15 points or less. Sophomore QB Landon Jackson was the district’s Co-Newcomer of the Year. He’ll be joined by junior wide receiver Dareon Vasquez, a first-team all-district selection. Achilles Pargas (6-0, 215) is the leader in the trenches.

7. Center Point (3-7, 0-5)

Head coach Brent Beadle takes over a Pirates team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2019. They return six starters on offense and five on defense, but they don’t have a single senior on the squad. Johnny Martinez is taking over at QB for an offense that will look to embrace a more pass-oriented look. This season looks like it will be a work in progress.

District 6-1A Division I

1. Rankin (12-3, 4-0)

The Red Devils made a surprise run to the state final last year, knocking off three state-ranked teams after entering the playoffs unranked. They’re not sneaking up on anyone this season. Rankin enters this fall ranked No. 1 in the state with four starters back on both sides of the ball, including first-team all-state running back Matthew Ramos, who ran for 1,028 yards and 26 TDs. Other all-state returners include linebacker Kash Cuellar, safety Kayin Hanna, center Lalo Eufracio and defensive end Logan White.

2. Garden City (6-5, 3-1)

The Bearkats lost by only eight points to eventual state finalist Rankin last year, so this team is better than its first-round playoff exit might suggest. They return only two starters on both sides of the ball, but Brody Walts is a good player to build around. The first-team all-region running back scored 28 total TDs, and he was a second-team all-region linebacker. Miles Colunga, a silver medalist in the 100 at the state track meet, was first-team all-district as a wide receiver and spread rusher.

3. Grady (7-3, 1-3)

The Wildcats started off 6-0 last year, but they only finished fourth in a difficult district. They return three starters on both sides of the ball and could challenge for a playoff spot. Wyatt Creech, who earned first-team all-district honors at safety as a sophomore, is a player to watch. Quarterback Camden Wiebe also returns.

4. Buena Vista (4-6, 2-2)

The Longhorns have been a solid program in recent years, though they’re coming off their first losing season since 2019. They return four starters on offense and five on defense, but they have just two seniors and not much size. Tyler Rogers is the only first-team all-district player back.

5. Fort Hancock (1-6, N/A)

The Mustangs have a legendary program that won five state titles from 1986 to 1991. “The Fort” has struggled for quite some time, however, with no winning seasons since 2012. After playing outlaw ball with no district the last several years, they’re back in a UIL district this fall. If they can find some footing this season, a promising junior class could lead them into a better future.

District 7-1A Division I

1. Robert Lee (11-2, 3-1)

The Steers’ only two losses last season were to No. 2-ranked Water Valley, once in district and again in the state quarterfinals. Now Robert Lee is in a new district, where the Steers are the favorite to win the title. They must replace all-state spread back Brenner Sherwood, however, who carried the offense the last two seasons. With only one starter back on offense and two on defense, this will be a new-look team. Senior running back Josh Garcez (42 carries for 192 yards, 19 TDs; 35 catches for 520 yards, 5 TDs) returns, along with junior defensive end Justice Immel (85 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, four sacks).

2. Bronte (7-4, 4-0)

New head coach Julian Helms inherits a Longhorns program that won its first outright district title since 2011 last year. Bronte returns two starters on offense and three on defense, including first-team all-district players like lineman Andrew Rico and quarterback Jack Robbins. The Longhorns are young and are moving up from 1A D-II, so it could be a battle to get in the playoffs.

3. Baird (3-7, 2-2)

The Bears have the potential to be a playoff team, but the question is how much focus will they give to the six-man game? Baird is playing a hybrid schedule that includes two nondistrict games against 11-man teams as they eye a possible move out of six-man in 2028. Baird returns 16 players from last year — including five starters on offense and four on defense — which is serious depth at this level.

4. Highland (3-7, 1-4)

The Hornets are one of four teams in this district that won three games last year, and they could have the capability to challenge for a playoff spot. They return three starters on both sides of the ball, including speedy second-team all-district player Jaxton Fullwood, a running back/defensive end.

5. Paint Rock (3-7, 0-4)

The Indians have battled through a difficult district in recent years, and that experience could pay off in this new district. However, Paint Rock’s head coach stepped down weeks before the season began, so that could set them back. They return three starters on both sides of the ball and have depth and upperclassmen on their side, led by lineman Slayton Carpenter and tight end/defensive back Duncan Dowd (6-4, 195).

6. Santa Anna (3-7, 0-3)

The Mountaineers have posted four straight losing seasons, and they return only two starters on both sides of the ball. Both are second-team all-district players — lineman Eddie York and running back/linebacker Kain Watson. Junior quarterback Donovan Jackson will take over the offense.

District 8-1A Division I

1. Water Valley (13-1, 4-0)

After back-to-back trips to the state semifinals, No. 14-ranked Water Valley could be in a dogfight just to stay on top of its district with up-and-coming six-man power Menard knocking on the door. But we’re not ready to count out the Wildcats just yet. Though they return only one starter, he’s an all-state player. Last year, Branson Lacy rushed for 1,531 yards and 30 TDs, and had 23 catches for 558 yards and eight TDs. He also had 115 tackles on defense. The question is can newcomers around him like quarterback Kort Morrison, fullback Hudson Wiese and linemen Cutter Lange (6-3, 230) and Cole Baker (6-0, 160) get up to speed fast enough?

2. Menard (11-1, 4-0)

The No. 13-ranked Yellow Jackets have arrived as a big-time six-man program. They went 11-0 last year and only had their playoff run cut short because they ran into eventual state champ Gordon in the second round. They bring back three starters on both sides of the ball, and they added all-state player Cohen Ethridge, along with his father Harley as the defensive coordinator. Impact returners include junior running back Wesley Compton (who accounted for over 500 yards of offense and 12 TDs while recording 72 tackles on defense) and defensive back Hunter Squiers (6 INTs), along with one of the area’s best kickers, Dario Gonzalez.

3. Irion County (3-7, 2-2)

The Hornets are back under the guidance of head coach Don Coffell, who led the program to the state semifinals in 2022. He inherits a team with three returning starters on both sides of the ball, including first-team all-district spread rusher Gatlin Carlile, who will be the running back. Other all-district returners include QB/DB Luke Seahorn, TE/DL Aaron Hamilton and FB/DB JJ Hernandez.

4. Sterling City (1-9, 1-4)

The Eagles were one of the best six-man programs in the state — highlighted by a state title in 2020 — before they moved up to 11-man in 2022. They had a respectable run there with three playoff trips and even a postseason trophy, but they finished with a one-win season last year. They should get back up to speed in the six-man game before too long, but this district will do them no favors. New head coach Dale Pustejovsky has three returning starters on both sides of the ball to help get it going, including Vance Davis and Wrace Blackwelder.

5. Veribest (2-8, 1-3)

The Falcons always seem to be placed in one of the tougher districts in the state. They’ll have their work cut out for them in this one, but they bring back four starters on both sides of the ball, including spread back Lorenzo Hight, who rushed for 1,037 yards and 11 TDs. Veribest also has the biggest offensive line in head coach Justin Morris’s six years with the team, led by Matthew Mata (5-9, 240) and Javi Munoz (5-9, 260), along with Miles transfer Curry Smithwick. Other potential playmakers include receivers Bentley Saladino and Jayden Saucedo, along with running back Ethan Martinez.

6. Eden (6-4, 1-3)

Despite a winning record last year, Eden missed the playoffs. The Bulldogs graduated their most productive players and return only two starters on both sides of the ball. They also have a new head coach in Aaron Maxwell, who comes over from Crowell. Eden has two all-district returners in Jorge Mendez and Gharitt Cogbill. Nate Barba projects to be the team’s top running back. 

District 7-1A Division II

1. Blackwell (4-7, 3-1)

The Hornets have three returning starters on both sides of the ball, including all-district players such as running back/linebacker Slade Wilkinson and Newcomer of the Year Drake Glenn. Other players to watch include RB/LB Craig Guelker and RB/DE Zade Linman. Despite a losing record last year, Blackwell is the only team in this district coming off a playoff season.

2. Loraine (2-8, 2-2)

The Bulldogs could be title contenders in this district with all six of their starters back on both sides of the ball. First-team all-district returners include FB/DE Klay McMillan, RB/DB Gabriel Perez, TE/DE Quinton Smith and QB/DB Santana Pantoja. Sophomore RB/DB Major Emerson is an upcoming player to keep an eye on after being named the district’s Newcomer of the Year. 

3. Panther Creek (5-5, 2-2)

The Panthers return all six starters from last year, but they underwent two coaching changes during the offseason before Enrique Rodriguez settled in as the new coach. Panther Creek has tradition with three state titles, but declining enrollment has been a persistent battle. Last year, junior running back Caleb Storey had 648 yards of offense and 14 TDs, along with 75 tackles. Other all-district returners include lineman Aidan Patterson and running back/linebacker Adan Wyatt.

4. Trent (6-4, 1-3)

The Gorillas bring back three starters on both sides of the ball, but they lost most of their production from a year ago. QB/LB Chanse Williams, RB/DE Lane Head and lineman Travis Clark are all-district returners. With an enrollment of just 25 students, a lack of depth is an obvious concern.

5. Olfen (0-10, 0-4)

The Mustangs are still searching for their first win since becoming a varsity program in 2020. They came close last year with four losses by 18 points or less, including two defeats by three points or fewer. Olfen may not break through with a playoff trip this year, but a historic win is certainly in play. Four returning starters on both sides of the ball are back, led by junior Grant Halsell, who was a first-team all-district safety and a second-team spread back. WR/DB Galijha Stambaugh is another all-district returner.

District 8-1A Division II

1. Cherokee (10-2, 3-0)

The Indians begin this year ranked No. 1 in the state. They have three returning starters on both sides of the ball, led by all-state players Uriah Valdez and Preston Hanley. Three other players — Jaxon White, Weston Woolsey and Robert Sawyer — were named all-region. With teams like Jayton and Oglesby now in 1A D-I, Cherokee has a better path to its fourth state title and first since 1978.

2. Richland Springs (12-2, 4-0)

It feels wrong putting Richland Springs anywhere but No. 1 in a district prediction, especially when the Coyotes begin the year ranked No. 4 in the state. But it was Cherokee, after all, that ended Richland Springs’ run of 20 straight district titles and 81 consecutive district wins when the Indians beat the Coyotes in 2022. Richland Springs returns four starters on both sides of the ball, including all-state players Layne Ward and Evan Deeds, along with top-notch center Brice Roesler. The Coyotes should still be in the state-title conversation. 

3. Rochelle (4-7, 3-1)

The Hornets bring back three starters on both sides of the ball, led by all-region linebacker Maddox Howell, who is also a running back. All-district returners include RB/LB Kendrick Teague, OL/DE Ashton Davidson and QB/DB Gavin Rodriguez. Rochelle was 45’d by the top two teams in this district last year, so challenging for a playoff spot seems very unlikely.

4. Brookesmith (4-6, 1-3)

The Mustangs didn’t lose a single player from last year, so they could perhaps finish as high as third in this district. Jase Julian was a first-team all-district player, while Blake Lloyd, Addy Heard, Austin Loyd, Aryn Ribble and Robert Eachus all earned second-team honors. Brookesmith hasn’t eclipsed five wins since 2020. That could be in play this year.

5. Lohn (3-7, 0-4)

After going six years without a win, the Eagles have made admirable strides the last two years with a combined eight victories. They return three starters on both sides of the ball, including first-team all-district player Dallas Keller. Other all-district returners include Austin Ellison and Levi Felipe.

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