Class 3A Football Program Cancels Remainder of Season

KEENE, TX — Keene High School has become the largest school in Texas this year to cancel its 2026 football season.

The school, located east of Cleburne, plays in District 6-3A Division I — which is the same classification as Wall and TLCA San Angelo.

Athletic director and head football coach Ethan Stepp stated injuries and a lack of available players were behind the decision to cancel the season.

Keene has an enrollment of 368 students, but it didn’t have a football program until 2021, when it began playing at the junior high level. 

The Chargers’ varsity team played an outlaw schedule last year and joined their first UIL district this fall.

Keene earned a 28-8 win over 2A D-I Riesel to begin this season, but the Chargers have been overwhelmed since in losses to New Waverly (56-6), Dublin (33-12) and Italy (38-12).

Keene has also canceled the 2027 season.

Other schools around Texas have been forced to cancel games this season due to injuries or low numbers, including schools from our region like 2A D-II Big Spring Pathway and 1A D-I Baird.