Here’s a look at the Palo Duro Dons heading into the 2026 football season. The Dons are coming off an outstanding 10-2 season while capturing the school’s first outright district championship in over 20 years. Press Pass Sports was able to talk with veteran head coach Eric Mims about the expectations of this year’s team, the role the offensive and defensive line play and what to look forward to at the skill position.

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2025 resume

Head coach: Eric Mims, sixth year at Palo Duro, 27-26. Sixth year overall.
2025 Record: 10-2 overall, 6-0 in District 2-5A II.

Returning starters

Offense: 5
Defense: 5
Season opener: vs. Amarillo High, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Dick Bivins Stadium.

Quarterback in a white and blue football uniform throwing a football on the field. — Palo Duro quarterback Julian Reese II was the District 2-5A Division II MVP last season after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. [Tyler Anderson/ Press Pass Sports]

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Julian Reese II, 6-3, 200-pounds, QB, Sr.

In his first full year under center as a junior last fall, Reese II commanded the offense and was a huge part of Palo Duro’s success. Better known by his nickname “Deuce”, Reese II could beat teams with his feet just as easily with his arm which garnered the dual-threat QB District 2-5A Division II MVP honors. The Division I prospect hopes to build off a season where he threw for 3,053 yards with 31 touchdown passes and rushed for 449 yards with another 12 TDs.

Kyron Brown, 6-2, 185-pounds, WR-LB, Sr.

The versatile Brown and University of Texas commit came into his own last season at any position he was asked to play for the Dons. Offensively, Brown was a key cog on the outside snagging 37 catches for 637 yards with seven touchdowns. Defensively, he was a menace off the edge with six sacks, and was outstanding on special teams.

Raymond Johnson V, 5-10, 200-pounds, RB, Sr.

Johnson V may get a little overshadowed by behind such a loaded skill group Palo Duro possesses, but by the end of the 2026 season, Johnson will be household name. Behind a powerful offensive line, Johnson’s bruising style will bring balance to an already dangerous Dons offense. Last season, Johnson touched the ball 99 times, totaling 751 yards with 13 trips to the endzone.