The regular season kickoffs on Aug. 27, as Six-man teams across the Amarillo-area get ready for an exciting 2026 season. Here’s 10 Six-man football players to watch that will make a major impact in the Texas Panhandle.
Stran Henderson, McLean, 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, RB-LB, Sr.
Expectations are high for the Tigers this year and a healthy Henderson is a key reason. The hard-hitting spread back and linebacker will play a pivotal role in any success McLean. The senior rushed for over 1,300 yards last year while scoring 14 times and passed for another 10 scores. On defense, he tallied 53 tackles despite missing two games. A healthy Henderson and an experienced Tigers squad could make some major noise in Division II this year.
Damian Valdes, Valley, 5-foot-10, 185-pounds, FB-LB, Sr.
A true impact player on both sides of the ball, the Patriots senior has to be accounted for by the opposing coach in every game. Valdes is a tough runner with surprising speed who is also adept at racking up yards after the catch out of the backfield. He’s also a road grader as a fullback/lead blocker. Defensively, he has to be accounted for by opposing offenses. Last season Valdes picked up 68 tackles, forced three fumbles and had five pass break ups. Valley could be a sleeper pick in Region I Division II, and the quiet senior will be a big reason why.
Trapper Godfrey, Claude, 5-foot-11, 170-pounds, RB-DB, Sr.
Along with his backfield teammate, Thomas Slack, Godfrey makes up the “lightning” portion of the Mustangs backfield. The speedy senior took his game to the next level last year and chewing up 1,542 yards on the ground and 29 touchdowns while catching 24 passes for 435 yards and nine scores. The Mustangs will be a dark horse for the Region I-1A title and the reigning District 1-1A Offensive MVP will be a huge piece in a potential playoff run.
Thomas Slack, Claude, 5-foot-10, 190-pounds, FB-LB, Sr.
The “thunder” portion of the Mustangs backfield, Slack picks up the tough yards when needed as he found the end zone 15 times while amassing 577 rushing yards. However, his best work may come at linebacker. The talented senior, who was an honorable mention All-Region player, racked up 88 tackles on the season and will play a pivotal role for head coach Brantlee Lemons defense against some high-powered offenses in District 1-1A.
Isaac Acosta, Boys Ranch, 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, QB, Sr.
The Roughriders are looking to take the next step and notch a playoff berth in a competitive District 1-1A. A path to postseason action will depend heavily on their senior gunslinger to put up the same type of numbers as last year. The All-Region quarterback threw for 2,835 yards and an astounding 53 touchdowns to only five interceptions including a season high 466 yards against Claude.
Cameron Pohlmeier, Nazareth, 5-foot-9, 150-pounds, RB-LB, Jr.
Realignment has put the Swifts in one of the toughest districts in the state with all four teams having made the playoffs last year. If Nazareth makes another playoff appearance, the honorable mention All-State running back will be a big reason why. He was the bell cow last year tallying 1,754 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also registered 395 receiving yards and eight scores. On the other side of the ball, he had 60 tackles and five interceptions. The Swifts will need a repeat of that production to move into the playoffs.
Lincoln Pohlmeier, Nazareth, 5-foot-9, 160-pounds, RB-DB, Jr.
Teams may think they are seeing double in the Swifts backfield as Lincoln is the twin brother of Cameron. The two headed monster can give defenses fits all night long as Lincoln is a bigger threat to throw but can be very efficient running the ball as well. He posted 348 yards on the ground with seven trips to the end zone, caught 18 balls for 430 yards and seven touchdowns and also threw for 628 yards and eight.
Axel Valdivia, Booker, 5-foot-7, 155-pounds, QB-DB, So.
Every year the Kiowas offense makes noise and Valdivia will spear head that attack this year. The dual-threat spread back can make defenses pay with his arm and legs. As a freshman, he tallied 728 passing yards and 16 scores while toting the rock for 509 yards and nine touchdowns. With Reydn Rosales graduated, more of the load will fall on the slightly built Kiowa with lightning quick speed.
Gunner Lackey, Miami, 5-foot-10, 150-pounds, RB-LB, Sr.
Despite an early season injury last year, Lackey is still garnering interest from schools at the next level. In seven games last year he posted 494 yards rushing with 14 scores. This year, he will be leader of the Warriors backfield after heavy graduation losses and will be counted on to help lead the defense. District 1-1A Division II is wide open behind McLean and Lackey would be a big reason the Warriors make the playoffs again.
Yael Soltero, Hart, 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, RB-LB, Sr.
After posting an 8-2 record and barely missing the playoffs last year, the Longhorns are looking to make the next step and Soltero will be a key cog in their quest. The bruising senior racked up 817 rushing yards last year and found the end zone 15 times. He’s also a threat in the passing game logging another twelve scores and averaging 22 yards per catch. Defensively, he’s a menace in opposing backfields as he made 88 tackles and an eye-popping 12 sacks.
