ROBERT LEE, TX — The Robert Lee Steers enjoyed a season to remember last year with a ranking as high as No. 5 in the state and their first trip to the state quarterfinals since 1984.
The Steers then said goodbye to a strong senior class that included four all-state players, led by Brenner Sherwood.
With only one starter back on offense and two on defense, head coach Lee McCown will try to build another memorable season with a new group of players.
“We had a lot of fun last year, we really did,” McCown said. “The guys did great, and that’ll be some memories we have forever. Now with this bunch we have this year, this new group will have to create memories for ourselves.
“They have really pulled together during our two-a-day workouts and our first scrimmage, and they’re learning to jell and work together. So it’ll be exciting to see who steps up out of this group and makes plays.”
Running back Josh Garcez is the only returning starter on offense. He was a short-yardage beast last year with 42 carries for 192 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also led the team with 35 catches for 520 yards and five TDs.
He could be in store for an even bigger season this fall behind a couple of big offensive lineman in Justice Immel (6-2, 210) and Zach Eubanks (6-4, 275).
There are two options to take over for Sherwood at spread back — sophomore Ryder Tavarez and junior Malachi Wauqua. McCown said both players are rotating at the position for now and essentially running the same style of offense as last year.
Junior Major Smith (6-0, 160) is projected to be the team’s top receiver.
“He kind of had limited playing time last year, but we’re expecting big things out of him. He’s a good target,” McCown said.
Sebastian Reyna could see time at quarterback and receiver, and linemen Immel and Eubanks will also provide big receiving options.
Defensively, Garcez and Immel return as starters. As a cornerback, Garcez had 51 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Immel was a force on the defensive line with 85 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, four sacks and three fumble recoveries.
Other players expected to lead the way on defense include Eubanks and Reyna on the defensive line, Tavarez as a linebacker/defensive back, and Wauqua and Smith at safety.
“We’ve got to have some kids in shape, because they’ll be playing both ways most of the year,” McCown said.
Robert Lee no longer shares a district with rival Water Valley. The Steers were realigned into District 7-1A Division I with Bronte, Highland, Baird, Santa Anna and Paint Rock.
Robert Lee is unranked entering this season, but the Steers were picked to win their district by Texas Football.
“It’s going to be new, and it’s going to be interesting,” McCown said. “We’re playing all these people we haven’t played before besides Bronte, who we’ve always had a predistrict game with, and Paint Rock was in our last district.
“We had good, friendly competition with our past district, and now we wish all them the best of luck, and we’ll move on to our new district.”
Robert Lee will still line up to play some of its old rivals in the first round of the playoffs as the Steers draw from District 8-1A, which includes Water Valley, Menard, Sterling City, Irion County, Veribest and Eden.
McCown isn’t looking that far ahead, though. For now, he’s focusing on the Steers improving each week and putting themselves in position to qualify for the playoffs.
“Right now, we have short-term goals. That’s all I’ve set, and that’s to continue to get better. I’ll be able to tell you a little more about long-term goals about midseason,” McCown said. “We’ll have to see how we develop.
“But I can tell you this — our goals are to be competitive and to make the playoffs.”
Robert Lee will be tested immediately as the Steers will open the season Thursday, Aug. 27, on the road against defending 1A Division II state champion Jayton.
The Steers’ home opener will be Sept. 4 against a Grady team that won seven games last year.
Robert Lee Steers
2026 schedule
Aug. 27 at Jayton
Sept. 4 Grady
Sept. 11 at Blackwell
Sept. 18 Sterling City
Sept. 25 at Garden City
Oct. 2 OPEN
Oct. 9 at Paint Rock*
Oct. 16 Santa Anna*
Oct. 23 at Baird*
Oct. 30 at Highland*
Nov. 6 Bronte*
*District 7-1A Division I game
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