With the high school football season only eight days away, Press Pass Sport is giving fans district projections for the upcoming 2025 season from Class 6A to 1A across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. Check out how Kale Steed sees Class 3A Division I and Division II playing out including teams such as, Bushland, Shallowater, Dalhart, River Road, Canadian, Childress, Tulia, Friona, Dimmitt, Muleshoe and Idalou.
District 1-3A
Division I
1. Shallowater: The Mustangs are the most seasoned team returning in the district following a run to the state quarterfinals a year ago. QB Cooper Martin is a year older and even more dangerous. The offensive line is talented and as always, Shallowater boasts a very aggressive defense.
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2. Bushland: This is a very may be as unrecognizable a team the Falcons have had in six years under head coach Josh Reynolds. It didn’t help that starting quarterback Quaid Ferris transferred to Frenship leaving Reynolds to scratch his head between Colton Strickland and Kannon Aven as the new starting QB. Regardless, never count Bushland out because the expectations remain the same.
3. Dalhart: The Golden Wolves are big, physical and can make a push for that No. 2-seed in the district. Head coach Joey Read returns a veteran group and despite his son Kyler graduating and now playing at Hardin-Simmons, QB Hunter Trusler is ready to take over. Trusler did a superb job in relief of Kyler last season when Kyler was out with injury.
4. River Road: Aaron Wampler is in to take over the program after two years at Clarendon. Wampler is no stranger to rebuilding programs. The Wildcats will need to find an identity but expect to see progression as the year rolls forward.
Best game
Oct. 24: Shallowater at Bushland
Shallowater snuck away with a thrilling victory last year to seal up the district title last year at Todd Field. This year, it’s Falcon Stadium that will take the spotlight for what should be another dandy of a district championship game.
District 1-3A
Division II
1. Canadian: It was another strong season for the Canadian Wildcats in 2024 making a deep run to the UIL Class 3A Division II state quarterfinals. This year is looking bright as well for the tradition-rich Wildcats. Look out for sophomore QB Weston Mitchell. He will be a household name by years end.
2. Childress: The Bobcats are always a contender and a team that always have district championship aspirations. The defense looks to be the strength of this team early on but can the offense come along as the season progresses.
3. Tulia: Head coach Fred Jordan made strides with his team last season getting the Hornets to the playoffs for the first time in six years. Look for Tulia to make an even bigger buzz this year behind wide receiver Logan Becerra.
4. Friona: The Chieftains proved last year it wasn’t about how you start it’s how you finish. Friona started the year winless but won its final two games to sneak into the playoffs. This team seems a little more polished with 13 starters returning and will compete in the postseason once again.
5. Dimmitt: Jimmy Arias was hired in the offseason to take over the program after spending the past two years in Muleshoe as the defensive coordinator. Arias did an outstanding job in his head coaching days at Friona and expect him to do big things in Dimmitt. Look out for his Joaquin Arias, who will help the Bobcats immediately.
Best game
Nov. 7: Childress at Canadian
There have been some epic moments in this rivalry over the years. Expect nothing less this year on the final day of the regular season on Chris Koetting Field at Wildcats Stadium.
District 2-3A
Division II
1. Slaton: Year three under former Clarendon head football coach Clint Conkin looks very promising for the Slaton Tigers. A veteran, talented group returns led by linebacker Mason Martinez. This is the team Conkin has been waiting for since he arrived and a team hungry for a district title.
2. Idalou: Last year’s district champion can never be counted out. The Wildcats carry years of tradition and experience when it comes to the big moment. Idalou did lose a tremendous senior class but quarterback Kamdon Lutrick is back to lead the way.
3. Muleshoe: Enter Canadian graduate Bo Dickinson to take over the program as the new head coach. It’s his first head coaching job, but Dickinson brings discipline and a very solid coaching background to the Mules. Dickinson did bring in an entire new coaching staff and inherits a near new roster but does have dynamic running back Josue Sigala returning.
4. Littlefield: Head coach Bo Bryant’s team is coming off an eight-win season and run to the third round of the playoffs last year. That experience bodes well especially with 11 starters returning in 2025. The line will be very good for the Wildcats which is always a huge positive to work around.
5. Lubbock Roosevelt: With 15 starters returning expect the Eagles to be in the mix fighting for one of the playoff spots in a very competitive district.
Best game
Oct. 31: Idalou at Slaton
There will be a lot of football to be played between now and Halloween, but no doubt this game at Tigers Stadium will have major playoff implications between two teams that love to run the rock.