The Texas Panhandle and South Plains will be well represented with Palo Duro, Dumas and Olton competing at the 28th 7-on-7 State Football Tournament which is set for Thursday through Saturday at Veterans Park in College Station.
Out of three divisions and 128 teams participating, the Demons have become a wily veteran in College Station.
Dumas, highlighted by soon-to-be four-year starting quarterback Colton Mills (2,342 passing yards last season), are making a Texas Panhandle best seventh straight appearance at the state tournament.
The Demons were able to punch their ticket with a win over Mineral Wells in the championship game of the Jim Ned 7-on-7 state qualifier.
“We try not to get caught up in our appearances because we’re training for real football in the fall,” Dumas head coach Aaron Dunnam said. “But, this is this is a huge part of our process we do to work towards the fall. When the pools were released, we haven’t heard of the teams we are playing, and we love that. We can’t wait to matchup with some teams we never see. I also love it for a kid like Colton (Mills). This gives him a chance to showcase himself. He is a leader on this team and we’re excited to go compete.”
Dumas opens Division II pool play taking on Van Alstyne at 10:45 a.m., on Thursday.
A team with high expectations heading into the fall and a riding momentum off a historic season last year are the Palo Duro Dons. The Dons are making a second straight appearance at the 7-on-7 state tournament.
On the gridiron, the Dons won their first district title in 21 years and are looking for much bigger things in 2026. Head coach Eric Mims feels like the state tournament is a great place for positive movement to start while getting more eyes on highly-touted quarterback Julian Reese II (3,053 yards passing last season), and recent University of Texas commit, Kyron Brown.
“I really like this time of year,” Mims said. “We get an opportunity to refine some skill stuff before football begins in August and that is big for our offense because we are an air raid offense. We’ve been doing 7-on-7 for the last three years and now we’ve made it to College Station two years in a row. These guys love to compete, and there will be some legit talent in our pool. I know our guys want to see how they stack up against other Division I talent.”
Palo Duro was able to make the trip thanks to winning a Lubbock qualifier with victories against Lubbock Estacado, Abilene Cooper and Odessa Permian.
The Dons open pool play taking on Tyler at 1:45 p.m., on Friday.
The new kids on the block are the Olton Mustangs. The Mustangs will be making their first appearance at the 7-on-7 State Football Tournament thanks to running a gauntlet to win the Sudan state qualifier.
Olton was able to get by Farwell, Coahoma, Tulia and then host school, Sudan, to earn a spot in College Station. Behind returning starting quarterback Brady Azam, who threw for over 2,000 yards last season, head coach James Dougherty’s team is relishing the opportunity.
“We’re very excited,” Dougherty said. “Last year I think we won one game in two tournaments and I think this does a lot for us heading into August. We have a great skill group returning from last season and these guys love to compete. I think more than anything, it’s helping us bond. These guys are doing everything together and they’ll all stay together in College Station. That’s cool to see and the priceless part. These guys are also ready to go against some outstanding talent.”
The Mustangs begin pool play with a matchup against De Leon at 10 a.m., on Thursday.
The 7-on-7 State Tournament begins with pool play at the Division II and III level Thursday and bracket play Friday. The Division I tournament starts with pool play Friday followed by bracket play Saturday.
Texas Panhandle 7-on-7 State Tournament Schedules
All games at Veterans Park, College Station
Division I
Palo Duro Dons pool play
Friday’s games
Palo Duro vs. Tyler, 1:45 p.m.
Palo Duro vs. College Park, 3:15 p.m.
Palo Duro vs. North Forney, 4:45 p.m.
Division II
Dumas Demons pool play
Thursday’s games
Dumas vs. Van Alstyne, 10:45 a.m.
Dumas vs. Bay City, 12:15 p.m.
Dumas vs. Chapel Hill, 1:45 p.m.
Division III
Olton Mustangs pool play
Thursday’ games
Olton vs. De Leon, 10 a.m.
Olton vs. West Rusk, 11:30 a.m.
Olton vs. Van Vleck, 1 p.m.