The 2025 Texas High School Football Season is Just a Few Weeks Away!
By Stephen R. Farris
Special to The NavCo Chronicle
Native Texans and transplants are choppin’ at the bits right now, as folks are getting excited about the start of another page in Texas history. The 2025 start of Texas High School Football begins in just a few weeks. Two-a-days for high school athletes begins the first part of August, and games kick off at the end of that month.
Here’s a sample preview of your favorite teams as researched by the bible of THSF, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine.
Blooming Grove Lions
The Lions are coming back looking for a little vengeance, after falling to first place winners of District 8-3A DII, Scurry-Rosser in the final game of the season in 2024. BG did finish second in the district (4-1, 4-7), and made it to the playoffs in the bi-district round.
This year, coach Jason Burnett’s team will be looking to go further with seven returners each on offense and defense, along with veteran additions to the coaching staff. Some of the key returnees include Grayson Baumgartner (RB/DE), Keegan Bell (OL/DL), Weston Clark (WR/LB), Nate Sanchez (OL/LB), Clay Crawford (WR/S), and Andrew Lara (WR/CB). Juniors and sophomores include Alan Caballero (RB/FS), and Casen Reed (WR/S). OL/LB Levi Williams could make his impact felt against opponents this season, playing up front on offense and linebacker on defense.
Burnett’s first season turned out to be successful as the Lions brought it together when district play began. Clark was the No. 1 tackle specialist for the Lions in 2024, recording 70 tackles overall. He’ll be joined by Bell, who can easily turn the tide of a game with his power on defense. Look for Bell to help out on offense, making sure holes are open for running back Baumgartner, who finished the 2024 campaign with 712 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns. With this squad healthy, it looks like the Lions will be headed for great things in 2025.
Corsicana Tigers
The Tigers are coached by former player and alumnus, Eugene Rogers. His initial season was one of rebuilding and working to regain the prominence the program is used to experiencing. This season, Rogers has 26 lettermen returning, with four offensive starters and seven defensive starters to help push Corsicana back into the mix. Returning players are Mark Brown (ATH), Damone Brown (WR/CB), Max Gomez (OL), Tanner Crumpton (DT), Kristian Evans (RB), Kenan Murphy (RB). Evans and Murphy will be counted on to give the Tigers a solid running game, while Mark Brown will be the juggernaut on offense, playing wherever the speedster is needed. However, the Tigers passing game will need to improve if this team wants to move the ball downfield each position. Corsicana is picked to finished seventh in District 6-5A DII, one tier up from last season’s finish.
The team plays their home games at Community National Bank & Trust Tiger Field (Tiger Stadium), which opened in 2006, with a seating capacity of 10,001. The Tigers have made the playoffs 44 times, and have appeared in four state championship tilts, winning two. The Tigers have a rich tradition of producing NFL football players. Depending on which source, there have been at least 15 to 21 players that were either born in Corsicana, or played high school football for the Tigers. Most notable are Cory Brandon, Danny Colbert, Rondy Colbert, Trevor Denbow*, Jay Finley, David Hawthorne, Skip Hicks, Omarius Hines, Ray Jacobs, Bethel Johnson, Bill Jones, Danzell Lee, Danieal Manning, Jim Plyler, Ketric Sanford, Ormond Simkins, Louis Vasquez, Bob Wilson, and Tom Wilson.
(*Currently Active)
Dawson Bulldogs
Coach Bryan Kelley led the Bulldogs to a second place finish in District 7-2A DI in 2024, making it to the bi-district round of the UIL state playoffs. This year, Dawson should be very solid on both sides of the ball with eight starters returning on offense, and seven on the defensive side. Top returners include Brant Boatright (QB), Michael Cano (OL), Hayden Langenegger (OL/DL), Cain Williams (DL/TE). Junior Kane Funderburk (WR/DB) and Casey Larramore (TE/DL), could be big targets for quarterback Boatright, while sophomore Addison Dungan (OL/DL) will be one of the players up front to help in pass protection. Other players to watch will be Evan Javier (RB/DB), Holden Clark (LB/WR), Chace Thomas (WR), and James Selman (LB).
Boatright had a knockout season in 2024, throwing for 1,034 yards and 11 TDs, while also giving the Bulldogs a good run game with 759 yards and 11 TDs on the ground. Dawson is loaded with offensive weapons, so look for this offense to put up big numbers on the scoreboard throughout the season, and make a push to unsaddle Axtell at the top of the district standings.
Dawson is picked to finish third, as Axtell and Rio Vista show to be strong this year. The Bulldogs play their home games at Ed Mitchell Field, and the school district is in the process of going from a grass playing surface to artificial turf. The field could be ready for play later this season or possibly at the start of the 2026 football campaign. Dawson can lay claim to having at least one person playing in the National Football League (NFL). That would be Jimmy Lawrence, who was born in Dawson, Texas in 1913, but played his high school ball for Harlingen. Lawrence went on to play in college at Texas Christian University (TCU), before being drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cardinals (fifth selection overall) in the 1936 draft. Lawrence played for the Cardinals and finished his final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1939.
Fairfield Eagles
Coach John Bachtel has led the Eagles to the playoffs nine out of the last 11 seasons since their state championship appearance in 2013, falling to Argyle 38-33. Definitely a tremendous accomplishment and speaks volumes as the coaching staff and players keep that fighting spirit going each season. After finishing (3-2, 7-5) third in District 9-3A DI and making it to the second round of the UIL football playoffs, Fairfield will be aiming to go much deeper this year with seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters coming back. The offensive core is spearheaded by quarterback Kohl Collins, along with an arsenal of receivers in Finn Smith, Kavion Hicks, Tylan Davis, Connor Colvert, and Madden McElroy to throw to. Jason Brackens will solidify that offense at running back, with Darion Weatherall joining him. Other players to follow are John Henry Macke (OL/DL), Brayden Thornburg (OL/DL), Michael Zachry (OL), and Will Zachary (OL/DL). This Eagle offense was something else to watch last season, as Collins finished the year with 3,554 yards and 43 touchdowns passing the ball, with Smith hauling in most of those totals, as he had 69 catches for 1,381 yards and 16 touchdowns. With additional weapons, this offense will be fun to watch yet again.
Fairfield prides themselves on winning traditions, including football, basketball, and other sports. The Eagles have appeared in the playoffs 29 times over the years and look to make 2025 No. 30. Fans will definitely have a lot to cheer about this year at Eagle Stadium. Who knows, there might even be another pro prospect emerging from this seasons team, as has happened in the past – Tony Brackens (Jacksonville Jaguars), Winfred Tubbs (New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers), and Louis Cheek (Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers).
Frost Polar Bears
It may take an avalanche for coach Phillip Gibson’s Polar Bear squad to climb further up in the standings, especially with teams like Bremond, Mart, Goldthwaite, and Wortham finishing in the top four last season in District 10-2A DII. Frost finished fifth in the district in 2024. That shouldn’t discourage the Polar Bears from pushing forward though, especially with eight offensive and eight defensive starters returning for the 2025 football season. Frost key players to keep a watch on will be Edwin Alvarado (QB/DB), Jordan Anderson (DL), Fabian Abundis (DB/RB), J.C. Woods (DB/RB), along with junior Jordan Mathis (OL), and sophomore Lukas Rasco (RB/LB). Adding to the mix are Jaycus Hailey (RB/LB), Russell Foy (DL/OL), and Gabriel Abuid (K). Alvarado is coming off a 1,300 yard passing year, with 13 TDs, as well as hitting the ground with 500 yards and four touchdowns that led the Frost offensive explosion last year. The Polar Bears have plenty of offensive weapons to go to, but it’ll be a bit of a challenge early on to find the right combination. But in the Frost tradition, this team can rise up and break through the ice to make an impact in the district standings in 2025. Trust me, I’ve seen several Polar Bear teams do some great things over the years and let me tell you … it’s exciting! Frost will be looking to make their 14th playoff appearance, playing their home games on the frozen tundra of Joe Parum Stadium, located just a block of two from downtown.
Hubbard Jaguars
The Jaguars will look to climb from their cellar finish in 2024, and surprise a lot of teams in their district. Coach Ryan Faulknor will need a lot of help from his underclassmen players, but they should be up to the challenge to give the team a big push. Hubbard has four offensive and six defensive starters coming back, that include Gage Serna (QB/DB), Justyn Carlile (RB/DL), Aydon Swanson (OL/DL), and Hunter Rodriguez (WR/DB). Top underclassmen include Justin Huff (TE/LB), Martin Perez (ATH), Gavin Wragge (RB/LB), Jake Lane (TE/DL), Landin Muesse (OL/DL), Issac Mendez (OL/DL), and LaShawn Cano (OL/DL). There’s no doubt that this district is packed with talent, especially when you have teams like Bremond (No. 1 seed in 2024 from 10-2A DII), Goldthwaite (No. 3 seed), Mart (No. 2 seed), Wortham (No. 4 seed), and an always formidable Chilton Pirate team. However, the Jags will be pushing for a fight each game to regain the prominence the team has experienced in the past, and fight to the final second to secure victory. Needless to say, Jaguar Field will be rocking on Friday nights, especially with Hubbard looking to add another playoff appearance to their total of 26.
Kerens Bobcats
If all goes well for coach Brent Watkins Bobcats team, they could be looking to have another deep run in the UIL football playoffs, with the wealth of talent this year’s squad has with both returning starters and rising underclassmen. Kerens finished third in District 8-2A DI in 2024 (3-2, 7-6), losing in the third round by one touchdown to Hamilton, and finishing the season as a region semifinalist.
Kerens has six offensive and seven defensive starters coming back to this strong Bobcats squad. Look out for Isaiah Carter (LB/TE), Kooper Hill (OL/DL), Isaiah Jordan (QB/LB), D’Mari Payne (RB/DB), D’Majaion Allen (DB/WR), and also underclassmen Isaiah Massey (LB), and Jadarrius Peters (DL/TE). Entering the mix are Malaki Williams (WR/DB), Jachi Rooks (DB/WR), Julius Brown (RB/DL), Colton McFadden (OL/DL), Jaizean White (OL/DL), and Jon Hernandez (OL/DL). Carter was a workhorse both on and off the field last season, finishing the year with 83 tackles and two interceptions. Teammate Hill pitched in with an amazing 69 tackles (25 for loses), and seven sacks. Allen joined the crowed defensive barrage with 60 tackles. This defense will be outstanding once again.
The Bobcats have made 40 playoff appearances in their 103 year football history, with this season making it 104. A.G. Godley Field is where the Bobcats turn the lights on Friday nights.
Mildred Eagles
What an amazing season for the Eagles last year, finishing the regular season undefeated in district play (5-0), and prior to entering the UIL football playoffs, the team had a record of (10-0). Mildred – under the direction of head coach Jeff Callahan – went three rounds in the playoffs, finishing the season as a region semifinalist. This year, the team will be on the hunt for that state title march that eluded them. The Eagles 2025 journey begins with five offensive and six defensive starters coming back, running back Trent Harris, defensive lineman Barron Tatum, quarterback Luke McKendree, along with juniors Wyatt Firth (WR/DB), and Noah Lueck (OL/DL), and sophomore Caleb Harper (QB/LB). Other Eagles to watch for this season will be Joseph Centeno (OL/DL), Ezra Garcia (WR/DB), Mason Huffman (WR/DB), Layton Wing (RB/LB), Collin Slizoski (OL/DL), Ethan Crump (OL/DL), Paxton Southard (WR/DL), and Esau Berrum (PK).
Even though the Eagles lost some of their top guns to graduation, don’t underestimate this team as they are still loaded with talent. Last season, RB Harris was a threat both on the ground and in the air as he rushed for 1,312 yards and scored 19 TDs, while jetting for 502 yards and six TDs receiving. QB McKendree had nice stats throwing for 2,127 yards and 20 touchdowns, and DL Tatum found himself in opponents backfields on several occasions in 2024, racking up 66 total tackles and recording seven sacks. Berrum was near perfect in Mildred’s kicking game, going 22-23 on extra point tries, kicked three field goals, and on kickoffs, only seven went for touchbacks. I’d say the Eagles are ready to improve on their (12-1) record from last season. The Eagles have appeared in playoffs 23 times in their football history, making one state finals appearance in 2012. Mildred plays their home games at Asby Field (Eagle Stadium).
Rice Bulldogs
After winning only two games the past two seasons, Rice turned things around in 2024, going (3-2) in district and (4-7) overall, making the playoffs as the No. 3 seed from District 8-3A DII, and finishing as a bi-district finalist under coach Royce Slechta. The Bulldogs are slated to have an even better season in 2025 as they have a ton of experience returning with nine offensive and eight defensive starters coming back.
QB Burks will be back under center again, along with RB Alvaro Contreras, and WR Brody Lawhon. Caleb Diaz (K), Angel Salazar (LB), and Reece Ellington (S) round out the top returnees for the Bulldogs. Up and coming players include Andy Diaz (WR), Matias Garcia (WR), Jose Madera (LB), Chase Dearen (DE), and Noe Moreno (OL/DL).
Lawhon led the Bulldogs receiving corp with 31 catches for 430 yards and seven TDs. The sophomore Burks threw for 1,199 yards and 12 TDs, and on the defensive side, Salazar recorded an astounding 81 tackles and recorded three QB sacks in his sophomore debut.
Rice could well be the sleeper in the district and don’t be surprised if they move up a tier or two in the standings. Home games are played in Bulldog Stadium on the Rice High School campus.
Wortham Bulldogs
While the Bulldogs undoubtedly play in one of the toughest districts in Class 2A DII – heck, in Class 2A overall – coach Chad Coker has kept his Wortham teams in contention since he became their head coach/athletic director nearly 10 years ago. The Bulldogs finished at No. 4 in District 10-2A DII last season, and look to move up in the standings this year. Recording an overall record of (8-4) in 2024, Wortham made it to the second round of the UIL football playoffs. Even though the team lost quite a few players to graduation (15 seniors), and will be in the midst of rebuilding, they do have some experienced players returning (one offensive and three defensive starters). OL/DL Nathan Chasteen will be looked upon to help guide the youngsters coming up on the O-Line, while Evan McCoslin will be the defensive leader after recording 85 tackles – nine for losses – and picking off three passes in 2024. Other players to look at this year will be Josh Donnelson (RB/DL), Blake Hadden (OL/DL), juniors Gavin Stelvin (OL/DL), Jocxi Mejia (RB/DB), and sophomore Coltyn Warren (WR/DB). Be sure to check out Jayden King (WR/DB), Austin Lennington (LB/K), Kross Montgomery (QB/CB, and Kason Calame (WR/DB). The Bulldogs will more than likely rely on the young QB Montgomery to lead the offense. He should have plenty of weapons to choose from offensively, as long as the young offensive line can keep him protected. Donnelson may see an increase in carries as well to help balance Wortham’s run/pass game.
The Bulldogs have 27 playoff appearances under their collar, and look to add another this season, while playing their home games at historic Bulldog Field.
That’s a wrap for this year’s high school football preview. Be sure to check out a game near you on a Thursday or Friday night, and help support these young student athletes, cheerleaders, band members, and coaching staff. They all work hard to bring you the excitement of Friday night lights in your neighborhood.
