BRONTE, TX — Coming off their first undisputed district title since 2011, the Bronte Longhorns will try to repeat the feat with a new coach in a new district.
Julian Helms is taking over the program after the retirement of coaching legend Rocky Rawls.
Helms spent the last five years at Oglesby, where he was the defensive coordinator for a program that was 55-10 in his time there and reached the state final in 2023.
He was also an all-state player at Grandfalls, where he won a state title in 2013.
Helms hopes to build that same level of success in Bronte, and he said things are off to a good start so far.
“Things are looking decent for the most part,” Helms said. “The kids are very receptive and asking questions. They want to learn and get better. They listen when I talk, so they’re very respectful and they get after it.”
Bronte returns two starters on offense and three on defense from last year’s team that went 7-4 and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
The Longhorns may be without two players for several weeks, however, due to injuries suffered in their first scrimmage — Andrew Rico, a first-team all-district lineman on both sides of the ball, and Julian De La Garza.
“I’m optimistic they’ll both be back by district, maybe before then,” Helms said. “Even still, we’ve had a couple good backups step up.”
The Longhorns’ offense will be led by senior spread back Jack Robbins, who was first-team all-district last year.
“He can throw the ball … and he runs the ball exceptionally well, following his blocks. And when he gets in open space, he’s pretty fast,” Helms said.
Sophomores Kayden McClure and Emiliano Gonzalez are leading candidates at running back, along with speedy freshman Asher Beck.
Along with Rico once he returns, the offensive line will be led by sophomore Kyesyn Hoyt and senior JJ Pena, both of whom are receiving threats.
“(Pena) is pretty versatile. I can put him almost anywhere I need him,” Helms said.
Pena was also a first-team all-district spread rusher on defense last year, while McClure was a second-team utility player.
Helms said he has about 15 players in the program, so staying healthy is particularly important.
Bronte was only four students above the 1A Division II cutoff during the last realignment, which bumped the Longhorns up into 1A D-I.
Fortunately, they’re not overwhelmed by numbers from their new district rivals.
“It’s nice that the majority of schools in our district have roughly the same numbers as us,” Helms said. “I think it’s going to be a competitive district. Of course, our goal is to come out on top. We’ll see how we’re rolling once we get to district in about a month or so.”
Robert Lee was picked by Texas Football to win District 7-1A, followed by Bronte, Highland, Baird, Santa Anna and Paint Rock.
The top two teams advance to the playoffs.
“I would like, at a minimum, to make the playoffs. Of course, I’d like to win district. And I think it’s been a while since we’ve won a bi-district game or anything else. So that’ll be our goal, to go as far as we can,” Helms said. “We understand we’re in a tough region, but when you get that late in the season, anything’s possible. And if you make it there, you’re there for a reason.
“Hopefully, the kids can keep continuing to buy in and working hard, and anything’s possible.”
Bronte’s season will begin with a difficult test on the road against No. 13-ranked Menard on Thursday, Aug. 27. The Longhorns’ home opener will be Sept. 4 against Eden.
Bronte Longhorns
2026 schedule
Aug. 27 at Menard
Sept. 4 Eden
Sept. 11 Veribest
Sept. 18 at Irion County
Sept. 25 at Rotan
Oct. 2 OPEN
Oct. 9 Highland*
Oct. 16 Baird*
Oct. 23 at Paint Rock*
Oct. 30 Santa Anna*
Nov. 6 at Robert Lee*
*District 7-1A Division I game
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