Division I
District 2-5A
1. Tascosa: The Rebels won their first outright district title in 34 years last season, the latest in a string of impressive accomplishments under veteran coach Ken Plunk. Their flexbone offense should continue to rack up yardage with 1,000-yard rusher Treshun Wilson returning, and sophomore Coltyn Fulton could be an exciting new addition running the option at quarterback. The defense loses some talent, but figures to improve as the season progresses, a Tascosa trademark.
2. Abilene High: This is the second year in Class 5A for the Eagles, who were a playoff team as expected last season. They’re a solid bet to do the same and threaten for a district title, especially offensively with eight starters returning. Quarterback Brayden Henry and running back Antoine Rashaw will lead a prolific unit, and the defense should be capable of holding opponents in check. Eagles look to be Tascosa’s biggest threat.
3. Lubbock-Cooper: After finishing second in district last season, the Pirates have to replace 15 starters on both sides of the ball. They lose four starting offensive linemen but still have solid talent at the skill positions. The Pirates should have a strong defensive front led by underclassmen Jakson Sewell and Sione Vaea and the district’s best kicker in Cub Patterson. Keep in mind, Cooper tends to reoload more than rebuild.
4. Amarillo High: Like their crosstown rival Tascosa, the Sandies are something of an unknown quantity this season, but still maintain some tradition. While they’ll have a question mark at quarterback for the first time in the last few years, Pius Vokes provides speed out of the backfield. Defense will be a strong point with eight returning starters, led by linebackers Eddy M’Pela and Zy Oukuso.
5. Lubbock Coronado: The Mustangs saw a string of playoff appearances end last season, but if they can get through a tough early schedule, the playoffs are well within reach. Surreal Garrett not only has the best name in the district, but is probably the best returning receiver. Improvement on defense will determine whether or not they return to the postseason.
6. Caprock: Former defensive coordinator Rowdy Freeman takes over at head coach for a team which was competitive last season but just missed the playoffs. Lleyton Brown brings back experience at quarterback and the defense will keep the Longhorns in several games. Staying healthy and getting a few breaks will be factors in their postseason fate.
7. Lubbock Monterey: Along with Caprock, Monterey welcomes a new coach in Judd Thrash, who inherits a favorable situation with 14 returning starters, including nine on offense. It won’t take much to improve on a winless 2022, but while enthusiasm and hustle should be strong, questions about depth still remain for the Plainsmen.
BEST GAME
Tascosa at Abilene High, 7 p.m. Sept. 29
The Rebels will make their longest road trip of the season to take on the Eagles on Sept. 29 in a clash which may determine early district supremacy and have longer lasting implications.
Division II
District 2-5A
1. Abilene Wylie: The Bulldogs went unbeaten in district last season and return some firepower offensively with receiver Braden Regala, but still have questions about who will get him the ball at quarterback. Linebacker Collin Bruning and ballhawking defensive back Hayden Wright will anchor a solid defense. Only question mark might be depth, so avoiding injuries will be the key for the Bulldogs in trying to duplicate last year’s success.
2. Wichita Falls Rider: This is the last hurrah before the tradition-rich program comes to an end and Rider closes as part of the Wichita Falls ISD consolidation. The Raiders lack an abundance of returning talent offensively with only two returning starters, but the defense returns six starters led by Jailyn Gibbs, a big reason Rider should contend for a district championship before closing the doors next spring.
3. Palo Duro: The Dons broke an eight-year playoff drought under alum Eric Mims in his second year as head coach and appear to be on the right track. Quarterback Darien Lewis leads six returning starters on offense, including speedy receiver Charlie Love. Linebacker Ali Hopson leads what should be a solid defense. A question mark could be overall experience, as the Dons look for depth from a young bunch.
4. Abilene Cooper: Cooper returns six starters on both sides of the ball and could be considered a district sleeper. Daniel Bray is a proven talent at running back, but the Cougars lack experience at quarterback. Dycin Davis might be the district’s best returning offensive lineman and will anchor one of the strongest units in the district. Cooper might be the best bet to move up in the district’s pecking order.
5. Plainview: With 14 returning starters, the Bulldogs have reason to believe they could impact the postseason picture. All five starting offensive linemen are seniors, and young Seth Mayberry is the district’s top returning quarterback after throwing for over 2,100 yards last season. While the defense looks respectable, there’s an overall lack of depth, so maintaining health is key.
6. Lubbock High: The Westerners seem in perennial rebuilding mode, as they haven’t won three games in a season since making the playoffs over a decade ago. They do return 15 starters and have some two-way standouts led by lineman Keagan Davis. However, that’s part of the problem for Lubbock, as there’s simply not enough talent to sustain momentum for an entire season.
BEST GAME
Rider at Wylie, 7 p.m. Oct. 13
This is an early district matchup on Oct. 13 between two teams who are the favorites for the top two spots in the district. The winner may emerge as the team to beat the rest of the way.
