2026 ELLIS COUNTY FOOTBALL PREVIEW 08/26/26 WAXAHACHIESUN.COM
A V A L O N
Opportunity drives young, upcoming Avalon Eagles football team
By SAMMY BROOKS
the opportunity for some of the Interactive Media Coordinator younger guys to step up and take on roles that upperclassmen usuThe Avalon Eagles enter the ally had,” Cole said. “Especially upcoming football season with last year, losing eight seniors, so a younger roster, but with that there’s a lot of opportunity for youth comes somesome underclassmen to thing head coach Malstep in to be the focal colm Cole is excited point of our offense about: opportunity. and/or defense.” After losing eight For a program looking seniors from last year’s to take steps forward, team, Avalon will look Cole isn’t measuring to several underclasssuccess solely by wins men to take on responand losses. Instead, the sibilities that were preEagles are focused on Malcolm Cole viously held by veteran steady improvement players. For Cole, watching those and making sure a young roster younger Eagles grow into larger continues developing as the searoles will be one of the biggest son progresses. storylines of the season. “When you’re losing games as “I think [I’m excited about]
we have, your goal is just to get better every week and grow in the roles they are taking on,” Cole said. That process began well before the first kickoff. Cole said he has been impressed by the commitment his players showed throughout the summer. Strong attendance at workouts has given Avalon a chance to prepare physically while allowing younger players to become more comfortable with their increased responsibilities. “We had great summer workouts. We had a great turnout as well,” Cole said. “I know our kids have been working all summer, and as far as conditioning, I think it’s See AVALON, Page 28
E A G L E S
E N N I S
Experience, new faces and MTH mindset as Drake enters second season
By KATHLEEN WHITE
“I’m just looking to build upon the success we had from a year ago and help these guys mature The Ennis Lions are carrying an quickly,” Drake said. “We’ve got old standard and fresh energy a tough non-district schedule as into a new football season, with we start the season, so it’s going head coach Don Drake to give them some eager to see a playgreat opportunities to off-tested core help play great competition a wave of first-year and get ready for the varsity players grow start of district play.” up fast. The measuring stick in Ennis reached the Ennis remains familiar; postseason a year ago earn a playoff spot, and Drake believes the then see how far the returning players have Lions can carry the Don Drake given the program a town’s colors. The prosturdy place to start. A large gram’s five state championships senior class graduated in May, provide both inspiration and a leaving opportunity and responsi- reminder that deep runs are never bility for newcomers throughout handed out. the lineup. Sun Contributor
“Those things are hard to come by. They don’t come easy,” Drake said. “With this group, trying to make a run in the playoffs and build upon the success we had a year ago would be a really positive experience for them.” Drake is entering his second year leading the program, and that continuity has made expectations clear. Players know how practices are run and what the staff demands in work rate, attitude and effort. “The kids have really invested and bought into what we’re doing,” Drake said. “They work really hard, and they’re a really good group of kids. I’m excited about seeing what lies ahead of See ENNIS, Page 26
L I O N S
It’s FOOTBALL time, y’all. Good Luck!
F E R R I S
YELLOW
J A C Yellowjackets building on experience, character and FAST foundation K E T S
By KATHLEEN WHITE
his players better understand what is expected from them on both sides of the ball. The Ferris Yellowjackets are “They understand the program approaching the upcoming seaand the expectations that we have son with renewed confidence, on offense and defense,” Castillo a wealth of returning said. experience and a comSophomore quartermitment to building back Tristen Cook is something that reaches expected to lead an far beyond the football offense that Castillo field. and his staff are adjustWith approximately ing to fit the strengths 15 seniors leading the of their personnel. way, the Yellowjackets Cook will have several return a veteran core, playmakers around Tony Castillo along with sophomores him, including running and juniors who earned valuable back Zion Neal and receivers varsity experience last season. Edric Contreras, Maxx Sanchez Now entering his third season at and Brian McCabe. Ferris, coach Tony Castillo beThe offensive line also brings lieves that experience has helped Sun Contributor
back plenty of experience. Brenden Lockhart can contribute at center or guard, while Oscar Balderas and Aiden Guzman add strength to the interior. Francisco Rodriguez returns at left tackle, giving Ferris another seasoned presence in a group led by seniors that will be counted on to set the tone up front. Defensively, Ferris welcomes back linemen David Hansen, Terrus Hardy and Michael Morrison, along with experienced players at inside linebacker. That familiarity should allow the Yellowjackets to play faster and with greater confidence as they settle into changes within the defensive scheme. See FERRIS, Page 26
G I L T A A D L I Gladiators intend to EATT this season Y A By KATHLEEN WHITE
said. “They had a great off-season. The culture is changing a little bit in some areas that needEATT is more than a word for ed to be. Just with the culture the Italy Gladiators. It stands for and the strength and things that effort, attitude, toughness and we’ve gotten better at, we’re together. Head football coach and really, really looking forward to athletic director Mike the season.” Loveless believes The Gladiators are those four things can not planning major set the tone for the seachanges. After trying son. After a productive a different offense last offseason, Italy enters year because of uncerthe year stronger, more tainty about personnel, connected and ready to Italy has returned to prove it on the field. the system its coaches Italy did not finish know best. Mike Loveless where it wanted last The bigger adjustment season, but Loveless will be finding the said the players responded by right roles for a roster that blends getting stronger and addressing experience with youth. Loveless the parts of the program’s culture estimated Italy returns 12 or 13 that needed attention. lettermen, with about five play“Very, very optimistic,” Loveless Sun Contributor
ers back on offense and five on defense. Several others gained starting experience when injuries created opportunities, giving the Gladiators more experience than the numbers may suggest. “We could almost have 11 starters, as it was,” Loveless said. “But that’s not how the season progressed. We had some injuries, and then they got some opportunities.” Some younger players are also expected to take on major varsity roles. Loveless said their inexperience could be a weakness or a strength depending on how quickly they grow into those roles. The program’s message comes from a phrase borrowed from the basketball team and promoted by
See ITALY, Page 26
T O R S
L I F E
Life Mustangs to frame season with #BuiltDifferent mindset
By KATHLEEN WHITE
behind a senior class Colvin has Sun Contributor praised for staying committed through difficult years. The newly The message around Life School appointed head coach said the Waxahachie football this summer group has worked with urgenhas been short enough to fit on a cy and carried itself like a team shirt and big enough to ready for a fresh start. frame an entire season. Colvin said one of the #BuiltDifferent. strongest early signs For new head coach has been the way older Larry Colvin and the players have respondMustangs, the phrase is ed. Instead of walking not only a social media away from a program tag, it is a challenge to that has struggled, a team trying to turn the seniors returned, the page, establish a trained and helped set Larry Colvin new identity and prove the pace for younger that the past does not have to teammates. decide what comes next. “They have a chip on their shoulLife Waxahachie enters the seader,” Colvin said. “Not one of son looking to end a long losing them quit. They stayed with it, streak and build momentum
worked their butts off this summer, and they want to end it very differently than what they’ve experienced previously.” This group of seniors has something to prove to themselves and the community. That leadership will matter as the Mustangs try to change the daily habits around the program. Colvin has emphasized accountability, confidence and player-led leadership, saying coaches can prepare the team during the week but players must trust each other when the game begins. The Mustangs open with non-district games that Colvin believes can help prepare them for a demanding district schedule. He said the early goal is simple: win See LIFE, Page 26
M U S T A N G S
M
A Y P E A R L
P A N T Maypearl sets sights on district title and a longer postseason run H E R S
By KATHLEEN WHITE
ing the playoffs last season and Sun Contributor falling to Pottsboro in the opening round, the Panthers believe Around Maypearl High School, that hard-earned experience can the words “Chasing the Crown” help them contend for a district are more than a catchy championship and slogan. They are a make a longer postseadaily challenge for son run. “These kids a veteran group of have expectations and Panthers determined to so do we, as coaches,” turn experience, disciDe La Cerda said. “We pline and belief into a expect to compete for championship season. a district championship Head coach Nicolas and make a deep run in De La Cerda enters his Nicolas De La Cerda the playoffs.” second season leading A move from Class 3A the football program Division I to Division with expectations running high. II adds to the optimism, but Maypearl returns with a large De La Cerda is not planning a senior class of about 18 or 19 dramatic overhaul. The offense players and several three- and returns for a second year in the four-year starters. After mak-
same system, while the defense continues an approach familiar to players who have been in the program for several seasons. The formula is straightforward: keep it simple, master the details and execute with confidence. “We’re just going to stay simple, be really good at what we have and go from there,” De La Cerda said. The season’s theme grew from conversations with the coaching staff and the team’s leadership council. It also reflects the athletic program’s core values: passion, respect and discipline. For De La Cerda, chasing the crown means pursuing excellence even while knowing perfection is
See MAYPEARL, Page 27
H E J R A I G Heritage Jaguars set to FIGHT for district T championship and an extended postseason U A A G R E S By KATHLEEN WHITE
2015. The Jaguars have reguSun Contributor larly contended for district titles and reached the playoffs, but Around Midlothian Heritage, Edwards said this senior class winning is not treated as a wish, carries extra hunger after the it is the standard. team fell short of a district chamHead football coach pionship last season. Eric Edwards said “This group of seniors the Jaguars enter the is pretty hungry to get season expecting to back and get on track,” win, reclaim a district he said. championship and A demanding non-dispush beyond the playtrict schedule will give off hurdle that has so Heritage an early meaoften ended otherwise suring stick. Edwards successful seasons. wants victories, but he Eric Edwards “Our kids expect to also sees those games win,” Edwards said. “There’s no as a chance to identify the right other way to put it.” combinations, give new players That expectation has been built meaningful experiences and have into the program since Herithe Jaguars at their best when tage began playing football in
district play begins. “Health matters”, Edwards said, “but the Jaguars will not play cautiously or worry about what might happen. We play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. It is a kids’ game, and we want them to have fun doing that. If they’re having fun and all in together, really good things happen.” The heartbeat of the program is FIGHT, an acronym Heritage has used from the beginning: family, integrity, grit, hustle and toughness. Family extends beyond the locker room to parents, coaches and everyone connected to the Jaguars. Integrity means doing
See HERITAGE, Page 27
Good luck to all this season!
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I D L O T H I A N
Young Midlothian Panther team strives to keep winning the standard
By KATHLEEN WHITE
the playoffs, we expect to host a playoff game and we expect to win in the playoffs,” WenThe standard has not changed for del said. “We want to vie for a the Midlothian Panthers, even if district championship. Those are the look of the team will. the expectations that we’ve had Head coach Doug over the last seven or Wendel said the Paneight years, and I feel thers expect to reach like we’ve done a good the playoffs, host a job of meeting that. We postseason game and need to push the envecontend for a district lope and get past that championship. Those barrier at some point.” goals have become The path forward will familiar during the require a young rosprogram’s recent run ter to mature quickly. Doug Wendel of success, but Wendel Midlothian is expectsaid the next challenge is breaked to start four underclassmen ing through the barrier that has on the offensive line, a first in kept Midlothian from advancing Wendel’s coaching career. That farther. means an offense long built “Every year, we expect to be in Sun Contributor
around experience in the trenches may have to lean more heavily on its skilled players and create room for them to operate. “We’re going to look a little bit different offensively,” Wendel said. “We’re very, very young, but we’ve got some skilled guys that need the ball in space.” Wendel believes the defense can help steady the Panthers while the offense develops. He said the team feels good about its secondary and linebackers and has useful depth in several spots. Defensive end Foster Mason, a three-year returner, will be counted on to make impact plays up front. “We need to play good defense, See MIDLOTHIAN, Page 27
P A N T H E R S
M I L F O R D
Bulldogs eyeing deep playoff run and a shot at state title
By KATHLEEN WHITE
up the speaker and enjoying time Sun Contributor with each other,” Cervantes said. “Right now, our mantra is the The Milford Bulldogs have plen- Road Dogs, but our ultimate goal ty of miles ahead of them this is to play for a state championseason and coach Jose Cervantes ship together.” is ready for the ride. That goal does not With six of their 10 feel out of reach for games away from Milford. The Bulldogs home, the Bulldogs return eight seniors have a fitting name for who started or played themselves. They are meaningful snaps last the Road Dogs. Long season. Four of them bus rides will give are returning starters the players more time from a team that saw to turn up the music, its season end with a Jose Cervantes share team meals and six-point loss in the build chemistry along the way. area round. Cervantes believes those trips Easton Evans earned all-state can bring this veteran group even honors last season and Jaxon closer. “We like getting on the Fuentez received honorable menbus, traveling together, cranking
tion all-state recognition. The two are expected to lead the way. Aiden Martinez gives Milford another valuable piece because he can play quarterback, running back or on the line. “Those two guys are going to really lead the pack for us,” Cervantes said of Evans and Fuentez. “Aiden Martinez is going to be very versatile for us. We expect a lot out of those guys, but we have eight seniors total that are going to be big factors for us.” Milford competes in six-man Division I. The Bulldogs have reached the second round of the playoffs during Cervantes’ time at Milford but have not broken See MILFORD, Page 28
B U L L D O G S
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C O H V R I I L OCS Coach Blackmon chooses faith-first S L approach and growth for Eagles football T A By KATHLEEN WHITE
forward will be designed for Sun Contributor the spiritual development of our student-athletes.” Coach Sam Blackmon knows Blackmon comes to Ovilla what he wants Ovilla Christian after working as an assistant football to stand for and it goes boys’ athletic director at Trinity far beyond the scoreChristian Academy in board. Addison. He already As the Eagles’ new had a strong connechead coach and athletic tion to the community. director, Blackmon The church’s pastor wants his student-athplayed for Blackmon letes to grow in their and Blackmon once faith, improve their worked under the passkills and leave the tor’s father at Liberty program knowing who Christian School. So Sam Blackmon they are. when the job opened, “The one thing God’s really Blackmon said the move just felt placed on my heart is spiritual right. development of young people,” Now he is working to bring Blackmon said. “Everything more consistency across the that we do this year and moving
athletic department. He wants every program to follow the same expectations and provide athletes with clear boundaries so they can learn and grow. “Even though kids may not tell you they like boundaries, they like them because it means you care,” he said. “They have the freedom to be who they are within those boundaries.” That same thinking shapes how Blackmon looks at a season. Of course, wins matter, but he does not want the record to be the only way a young team and a new staff measure progress. “Did you get the most from every player in your program?” Blackmon said. “Did you help them develop See OCS, Page 28
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P A L M E R
Palmer carries TPW standard into the new season
By KATHLEEN WHITE
ning back for the past two varsity Sun Contributor seasons and took many of the backup snaps at quarterback. Palmer enters the football season “It’s not like he hasn’t been out with a new quarterback, familiar there and been around the varsity playmakers and the same stanexperience,” Bost said. “Being dard that has helped the signal caller and the Bulldogs sustain being the guy at the success. helm of everything is Head coach Blake Bost going to be new, but said staying healthy I feel confident in his will be critical for a ability to do it.” Class 3A roster that Palmer returns with a relies on several twosolid group at the skill way players. “When positions and three you lose one, it’s like starters on the offenBlake Bost losing two,” Bost said. sive line. Bost said The Bulldogs must replace a the projected starting units look four-year starter at quarterback, capable of competing each week, but the expected successor is though several first-year varsity no stranger to Friday nights. He players will need to adjust quickserved as Palmer’s starting run-
ly to the preparation and detail of a varsity game plan. The Bulldogs’ schedule offers little room for a slow start. Palmer’s non-district slate includes Mildred, Grand Saline, Scurry-Rosser and Maypearl before a district run featuring Grandview, Keene, Whitney, Groesbeck, West and Mexia. “There are no pushovers,” Bost said. “Our non-district schedule should set us up for a competitive district schedule.” Palmer’s goal remains a playoff berth, with a district title as the larger prize. Bost, however, measures progress one week at a time. He wants the Bulldogs to improve through the scrimmages See PALMER, Page 28
B U L L D O G S
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
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R E D O A K
Hawks’ battle cry for this season is “Believe”
By KATHLEEN WHITE
They are also learning to hold Sun Contributor themselves accountable. “This is what football is. Accountability,” The message for the Red Oak Robinson said. Hawks this season is one word. The Hawks are also focused Believe. on what Robinson calls the “3 It is printed on the Ds.” Discipline means team shirts and has showing up, doing the been repeated at every work and being acopportunity. Coach countable. Desire must Melvin Robinson said come from the heart. the players must beDedication can be seen lieve in themselves and in a player’s commitin the work they are ment to winning, leaddoing before they can ing and getting better. expect the community For Robinson, football Melvin Robinson to believe in them. is about more than the Robinson has seen plenty of hard final score. He wants his players work from his players. They have to grow from boys into young dealt with the weather, learned men who understand discipline, new schemes and faced the daily desire, dedication, character and demands that come with football.
leadership. That includes showing up and being dependable. Robinson said players face consequences when they do not meet team expectations because leadership begins with accepting responsibility. “Don’t be a follower. Be a leader,” Robinson said. He wants the Hawks to understand servant leadership and to put the team first before themselves. On the field, the plan is simple. Stay healthy, play with heart and never quit. Red Oak is preparing for the move to Class 6A where Robinson expects bigger opponents and a different level of competition. Robinson said the Hawks will See RED OAK, Page 26
H A W K S
V E N U S
Flavor and vibe urges a young Bulldog team to fight this season
By SAMMY BROOKS
and defensive line,” Dixon said. “We were not so good in the trenches last year, and this year The Venus Bulldogs are headwe are very much better. It’s ing into the new football season night and day.” with a young roster, a revamped Dixon is also excited about the coaching staff and a readditions to his coachnewed sense of direcing staff and the atmotion under head coach sphere surrounding the J’Maris Dixon. program. For Dixon, one of the “Just the new vibe that biggest reasons for we have - one prooptimism starts where gram, one standard, games are often won one direction,” Dixon and lost, in the trenchsaid. es. After struggling The Bulldogs have J’Maris Dixon along the offensive and established clear goals defensive lines last season, Dixfor the season. Dixon wants his on believes the Bulldogs have team to eliminate lopsided losses made significant strides in those and put itself in position to comareas. pete late in games. “I’m excited about my offensive Interactive Media Coordinator
“We don’t want no goose eggs, we don’t want no running clock, and we want to be fighting in the fourth quarter or be in the lead in the fourth quarter,” Dixon said. Venus averaged around 62 players at summer workouts, according to Dixon. While that number was down roughly 10 players from last year, much of the Bulldogs’ roster consists of younger players. Venus enters the season with only five seniors and a large group of sophomores and juniors. Dixon said some of those younger players initially did not understand the importance of summer preparation, but an early scrimmage helped deliver that message. See VENUS, Page 29
B U L L D O G S
W A X A H Waxahachie Indians focus on state championship with Williams at the helm A C H I E By KATHLEEN WHITE
the postseason. The objective, Sun Contributor Williams said, is to win each phase and earn an opportunity to Lawrence Williams enters his play for a state championship at first season as the Waxahachie AT&T Stadium. Indian’s head football coach with The Indians do not expect a a familiar roster, a major overhaul. Their proven foundation and offensive and dean ambitious destinafensive foundations tion in mind. will remain in place, The Indians return though Williams said with several players the coaching staff has from a team that enadded several schematjoyed success last seaic wrinkles designed son, giving Williams to give opponents new confidence that the Lawrence Williams challenges. program can maintain Williams succeeds its momentum while adjusting to Tolleson, whose influence exnew leadership. tended beyond the football field Waxahachie’s approach will and into the Waxahachie comdivide the year into three stagmunity. Williams recognizes the es: preseason, district play and
expectations that come with the job but plans to lead in his own way. “I’m not going to be Coach Tolleson,” Williams said. “I’m going to be Coach Williams. I’m going to do right by our kids, and ultimately that’s what it’s about.” This season’s senior class has special meaning for Williams. It is the first group of players he worked with after arriving at Waxahachie, and those long-standing relationships could help provide stability during the transition. One of those players, Talyn Pierce, recently shared a practice photo showing Williams handing him the ball and noted that the two had been together since WilSee WAXAHACHIE, Page 27
I N D I A N S
FERRIS
Continued from Page 7
Playing fast is more than a football objective for Castillo. It is the foundation of the program’s central message known as FAST. The acronym stands for foundation, all in, selfless and toughness both mentally and physically. Those words represent the kind of athletes and young men Castillo hopes to develop. He wants his players to understand commitment, serve those around them and face adversity with strength. Castillo believes the lessons learned through football can help prepare them to become dependable family members, neighbors and leaders long after their playing days have ended. Castillo has already seen those
ENNIS Continued from Page 4
lessons come full circle. A former player he coached at Ennis is now a member of his staff, carrying forward many of the same values Castillo once worked to instill in him. Moments like that serve as a reminder that the impact of a coach cannot always be measured by wins, losses or what appears on the scoreboard. For the Yellowjackets, success this season will not be tied to one particular record. It will be found in steady improvement, complete effort and a willingness to meet each challenge together. “One day at a time, one practice at a time and then one game at a time,” Castillo said. “At the very end, if they gave me their best and executed everything, we can walk away knowing that we did the best we could.”
The staff wants to develop dependable young men who will become good husbands, fathers, employees and neighbors. them this season.” That means teaching players to The team’s mantra is MTH. It show up when motivation is low, means “meaner, tougher, harder” honor their responsibilities and do and is a compact phrase Drake uses the right thing even when it is unto describe the mindset required comfortable. Drake said those daily between the lines. But its message habits can create success long after is not limited to aggression. He the final whistle. wants players to understand when The coach also knows the Lions do to compete fiercely and when to not carry that mission alone. In a serve others with patience and care. community where football history “You can be fierce to the end and runs deep, the players understand gentle to the end,” Drake said. they represent more than them“When I’m in class or in the comselves each time they put on an munity, I need to be approachable. Ennis jersey. I need to be willing to help others “They’re passionate about what and be a servant leader. But when they do, and they care about the it’s time to kick that thing off, I’ve Ennis Lions,” Drake said. “I know got to turn into a warrior who is this community cares about the Enwilling to compete for our team nis Lions, and our kids are fighting victory.” to represent this community the For Drake, the season’s biggest lesway it wants to be represented.” sons stretch beyond Friday nights.
LIFE Continued from Page 10 the first game, enjoy it briefly and then move on to the next challenge. District play is expected to bring a strong test, with opponents including Caddo Mills, Kaufman, Mabank, Ferris, Paris and Sulphur Springs. Colvin said staying healthy, developing senior leadership and continuing to buy into the program will be key to any turnaround. For the Mustangs, #BuiltDifferent is meant to describe both the way they work and the way they see themselves. Colvin said he wants each player to understand that he
ITALY
Continued from Page 8
receiver KT Cockran. The Gladiators have carried EATT into football as their motto for the season. “Anyone can have effort and attitude,” Loveless said. “The toughness and together is something that we’ve kind of faltered on in some areas. If we can do that, we’re hoping some things can change around.” For Loveless, an Italy graduate, the work goes beyond Friday nights. He wants to give today’s players the same foundation his coaches gave him and prepare them to become dependable adults who give
RED OAK Continued from Page 23 take the season one week at a time and give their best effort every
brings something valuable to the team and has a responsibility to use it for others. “Each one of you has a skill set,” Colvin said. “For whatever reason, you were built differently and God gave you a certain set of skills to use to help others. That’s what you do as a teammate.” If the Lions can turn that belief into Friday night execution, the season could become the first step to a larger rebuild. Around Life School Waxahachie, the hope is that a new coach, a committed senior class and a different mindset can give the program something it has been chasing for years and that’s a new beginning. back to their community. “We want to make them professional people,” Loveless said. “We want [them] to be active and productive citizens of our community, because we want to give back to that.” That lesson starts with everyday expectations. Be on time, be present and understand where the line is. Players can compete with an edge on the field, Loveless said, but they must learn to control it away from the game. For Loveless, EATT is more than a motto. It is a promise that the lessons learned under Friday night lights will stay with his Gladiators long after the cheers fade and the final whistle blows. time they step on the field. Discipline, desire and dedication will guide them through the move to Class 6A. His final message was simple and says it all. “Go Hawks.”
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WAXAHACHIE Continued from Page 25
liams’ first day with the program. For Williams and the seniors who have grown with him, the season
HERITAGE
represents both a culmination and a promising new beginning. With experience, continuity and a shared belief in what they can accomplish, the Indians enter the fall confident that their best football and a memorable postseason run lie ahead.
100 teammates. Some struggle to fill the time at first, Edwards said, Continued from Page 13 but their confidence grows with each opportunity. “The next time the right thing consistently, even they get an opportunity, they unwhen no one is watching. Grit is derstand it,” Edwards said. “Now the willingness to endure difficult they’re speaking up. You can see moments. Hustle is getting from the wheels turning.” point A to point B with urgency. For Edwards, the program’s Toughness is both physical and strength is inseparable from the mental. “That’s who we are,” town around it. He did not know Edwards said. “Our kids live and where Midlothian was when he breathe that every time we’re tofirst arrived. Now his wife teaches gether.” in the community, his children are Edwards and his staff also want growing up here and he cannot football to prepare players for imagine his family anywhere else. the years after the final whistle. He praised the fans, parents, school Service is central to that mission. administrators, police officers, Jaguars help with middle school, school resource officers and city youth and elementary programs, workers who help make Friday clean facilities and look for simple nights and everyday life special. ways to give their time to others. Midlothian has grown, and the The message is straightforward: rivalry between Heritage and trust God, work hard and serve othMidlothian High still burns brighters. Edwards said every player has ly. Yet on Friday nights, when the different gifts, but effort can close stands fill and the Jaguars take the gaps and help young people make field, Edwards still sees the closethe most of what they have. knit community that welcomed his Character development continues family, the one where friendships throughout the season and offcross town, neighbors show up and season. Guest speakers, including young players learn they are repreministers, Fellowship of Christian senting more than a scoreboard. Athletes representatives and coach“This place is special,” Edwards es who have influenced Edwards, said. “We still act like a small visit with the team. Players also town. We still have that small-town lead prayers after games and before feel.” For Heritage, that means shared meals. chasing championships with the Leadership is practiced, too. In one whole town behind it and showing, off season competition, players one Friday night at a time, exactly receive a prompt and must speak what it means to FIGHT. for one minute in front of roughly
MIDLOTHIAN Continued from Page 15
Panthers’ message is simple: win each day on and off the field, including in the classroom. For Midlothian, that approach is and hopefully our defense has a summed up in two numbers: 1-0. chance to win some games for us Wendel wants the Panthers focused this year,” Wendel said. on winning the day in front of Special teams also will receive them, whether that means finishing added attention. Wendel said the a practice, handling a classroom asPanthers want that phase to do signment or preparing for the next more than avoid mistakes; they opponent. Rather than looking too want it to help decide games in far ahead at district titles or playoff their favor. rounds, the Panthers will measure The larger lessons remain central to their progress one challenge at a the program. Wendel said football time, trusting that consistent prepaoffers daily opportunities to teach ration will put them in position to perseverance, resilience, mental reach the larger goals they have set. toughness and the habits required “1 and 0,” Wendel said. “1 and 0.” to become a good teammate. The
MAYPEARL Continued from Page 12 always just out of reach. “You’re never going to be perfect, but if you work toward perfection and give it your best every day, that’s what we’re going to do,” he said. “That’s what we work toward every day: chasing the crown.” The message is especially meaningful for a senior class that has grown up together in the program. De La Cerda said players understand their roles and know that greater responsibility must be earned by handling the assignment in front of them. He believes that buy-in can separate the Panthers when district games tighten and playoff pressure arrives. “Everybody has a role, and everybody matters,” De La Cerda said. “If they take care of their responsibility and do it the right way, the team will be better for it.” Still, the crown Maypearl is chasing is not measured only by the scoreboard. De La Cerda wants ev-
ery Panther who crosses the graduation stage to leave as what he calls a “championship person”, which is someone who attacks each day and gives his best in relationships, faith, work and every responsibility that follows football. “At the end of the day, we want them to leave here as championship people,” De La Cerda said. “Football ends, but the kind of man you become and the way you treat people, that stays with you.” For Maypearl, the chase begins beneath the Friday night lights, but its promise reaches far beyond the final whistle. Every practice offers another chance to grow, every game another opportunity to stand together, and every setback another reason to rise. With a district title and a deep playoff run in their sights, the Panthers are pursuing something even greater. They are pursuing the courage to believe, the discipline to endure and the character to carry a champion’s spirit wherever life leads. The crown is ahead, and Maypearl is ready to chase it together.
PALMER Continued from Page 20 and non-district schedule, then be at their best when district games carry the greatest weight. The program’s long-standing mantra is “TPW” — tough people win. For Bost, it means being mentally and physically prepared, pushing through obstacles and understanding that success grows out of daily work rather than one play or one game.
“If everyone does their job, then the team has the best ability for success,” Bost said. Bost also wants players to carry lessons beyond the field. He pointed to discipline, accountability, camaraderie and leadership as qualities that can help shape players into dependable fathers and community leaders. “I’m proud to be able to coach the Palmer Bulldogs,” Bost said, “and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
MILFORD Continued from Page 16
can bring consequences later. “Athletics teaches us, ‘Hey, I’ve got to be on time. If I don’t do my job, things go wrong,’” Cervantes said. through to the later rounds. That “It teaches us discipline and I think experience has only raised the we try to teach all that through expectations around the program. athletics. We try to teach that all “For us, a successful season is, through this football program and hopefully, to play for a state chamshow kids that hard work will be pionship at the end of the year,” rewarded.” Cervantes said. “That’s been my Cervantes wants a championship, goal since I got here from day one but he measures the program’s and that’s what we’ve been pushlong-term success by what happens ing for.” after the final whistle. “At the end Gordon has set the standard in the of the day, if these guys can leave division with three straight state our facilities and leave Milford and championships. Milford has met they’re successful out in life, that’s the Longhorns in the postseason our ultimate goal,” he said. before, but Cervantes said the Every mile will carry the hopes Bulldogs cannot shape their season of a town that has stood behind around another team. “It shouldn’t these Bulldogs from the start. With matter to us,” Cervantes said. “It Milford cheering them on, the doesn’t matter to us. The expecRoad Dogs are ready to see how tation here is to play for a state far heart, hard work and belief can championship.” take them. “I appreciate all their For Cervantes, the scoreboard support,” Cervantes said. “I hope is only part of the job. He wants we go out this year and the good football to teach his players how Lord allows us to stay healthy and discipline, punctuality and acI hope we can show the state that countability carry into adulthood. A we’re one of the best teams out missed assignment can ruin a play. there.” Poor decisions away from football
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AVALON Continued from Page 3 going good. I’m very impressed with the work we have put in this summer.” For Cole, however, coaching the Eagles is about more than what happens on the field. His own experiences with coaches growing up helped shape his approach to the profession and the impact he hopes to have on his players. “No one gets into education for the money,” Cole said. “You get in because you love helping kids,
OCS Continued from Page 18 their skill set noticeably? Did they stay engaged with what you’re doing? And did you show up and have fun playing the game? Because I think that to me is success.” Blackmon believes putting everything on wins and losses can add pressure that players do not need. This season, the Eagles will look for improvement each time they step on the field. They will also use the year to see where the program stands and what needs attention in the off season. The Eagles bring back seniors Cooper Navarro, Henry Gentry and Jack Gentry. The junior group includes Ashton Stanford and twins Makin and Bentley Morrow. There is a learning curve for the
teaching kids and providing guidance in ways that parents can’t always do.” Cole remembers some of his coaches as among the most inspirational people in his life. Now, he has the chance to provide that same influence for another generation. With a young roster, the Eagles may experience growing pains this season. But with opportunities ahead of them and a summer of preparation behind them, Avalon’s focus is clear: keep working, keep developing and be better each week than the week before. coaches too. Blackmon and two members of his staff come from the 11-man game while Ovilla Christian plays the faster and more open six-man version. “It’s a little bit different brand of football, but I think it’s unique,” Blackmon said. “It’s wide open certainly. For us it’s just a matter of getting into the groove of how that looks on a daily and weekly basis and just being prepared for it.” While the staff settles into the rhythm of six-man football, Blackmon wants the whole athletic department to hold onto one simple message: Know Whose you are and represent Him. “When they step off of this campus they still need to understand ‘I’m representing the Lord,’” Blackmon said. “That’s what I’m supposed to do.”
VENUS
Continued from Page 24
“They saw after last night how valuable summer is after our scrimmage,” Dixon said. As the Bulldogs look ahead at their schedule, two dates stand out. Venus faces Hillsboro on Oct. 9 before a matchup with Glen Rose on Nov. 6 that Dixon hopes will carry major implications. “My idea is we should be fighting for that gold ball on Nov. 6,” Dixon said. This season also carries a personal
significance for Dixon. The current junior class entered the program as freshmen under his leadership, giving him the opportunity to watch the group develop over the past several years. “It means a lot, man, because this is my class right here,” Dixon said. “These juniors, I’ve had them since ninth grade.” Now, with a team Dixon says carries his “flavor” and “vibe,” the Bulldogs enter the season looking to show how far the program has come, and prove they can still be fighting when the fourth quarter arrives.
It’s Time For texas high School
2026 HIGH SCHOOL
SEASON SCHEDULES AVALON EAGLES Fri., Aug. 28 7:30 Fri., Sept. 4 7:30 Fri., Sept. 11 7:30 Fri., Sept. 18 7:30 Fri., Sept. 25 7:30 Fri., Oct. 2 7:30 Fri., Oct. 9 Fri., Oct. 16 7:30 Fri., Oct. 23 7:30 Fri., Oct. 30 7:30 Fri., Nov. 6 7:30
Oakwood Away Methodist Home Home Aquilla Home Greenville Christian Home Trinidad Away Abbott Away Bye Blum Home Covington Away Milford Home Bluff Dale Away
M - Military/First Responder Appreciation H - Homecoming P - Breast Cancer Awareness D - District S - Senior Night
ENNIS LIONS M H
D, P D D, S D
Fri., Aug. 28 7:00 Fri., Sept. 4 7:00 Thurs., Sept. 10 7:00 Thurs.. Sept 17 7:00 Fri. Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 Bye Thurs., Oct. 8 7:00 Fri., Oct. 16 7:00 Thurs., Oct. 22 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6 7:00 H - Homecoming B - Band Night S - Senior Night
Waxahachie Midlothian High Centennial High Arlington Seguin Corsicana
Home Home Away Home Away
Joshua Burleson High Mansfield Timberview Midlothian Heritage Everman
Away Home Away Home Away
S D D H, D D B, D D
SEASON SCHEDULES FERRIS YELLOWJACKETS Fri., Aug. 28 Fri., Sept. 4 Fri., Sept. 11 Fri., Sept. 18 Fri., Oct. 2 Thurs., Oct. 8 Fri., Oct. 16 Fri., Oct. 23 Fri., Oct. 30 Fri., Nov. 6
7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7;00 7:00 7:00
Pinkston Ranchview Sunnyvale Wills Point Sulphur Springs Paris Life Waxahachie Caddo Mills Mabank Kaufman
Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away
LIFE WAXAHACHIE MUSTANGS H, D D D D D S, D D
H - Homecoming D - District S - Senior Night
Fri., Aug. 28 7:00 Fri., Sept. 4 7:30 Fri., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 18 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 7:00 Fri., Oct. 9 7:00 Fri., Oct. 16 7:00 Fri., Oct. 23 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6
Ft. Worth Southwest Spruce Paris North Lamar Ft. Worth Nolan Catholic Caddo Mills Mabank Kaufman Ferris Sulphur Springs Paris Bye
Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away
Homecoming - TBA Senior Night - TBA
ITALY GLADIATORS Fri., Aug. 28 7:00 Fri., Sept. 4 7:00 Fri., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 18 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 7:00 Fri., Oct. 9 Fri., Oct. 16 7:00 Fri., Oct. 23 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6 7:00
Scurry Rosser Chilton Clifton Keene Dawson Axtell Bye Riesel Itasca Bosqueville Valley Mills
H - Homecoming Y - IYAA Night B - Breast Cancer Awareness S - Senior Night
Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away
MAYPEARL PANTHERS S H Y, D D B, D D D D
Fri., Aug. 28 7:30 Fri., Sept. 4 7:30 Fri., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 18 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 Fri., Oct. 9 7:00 Fri., Oct. 16 7:30 Fri., Oct. 23 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6 7:00 Y - MYA Night H - Homecoming F - FFA Night S - Senior Night
Fairfield Grandview West Palmer Dallas Gateway Bye Scurry-Rosser Dallas Madison Bye Trinity Leadership Inspired Vision
Home Home Away
Y B, F
Away
D
Home Away
H, D D
Away Home
D S, D
SEASON SCHEDULES HERITAGE JAGUARS Fri., Aug. 28 7:30 Fri., Sept. 4 7:00 Fri., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 18 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 Fri., Oct. 8 7:00 Fri., Oct. 16 7;00 Fri., Oct. 23 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6 7:00
Stephenville Colleyville Heritage Mansfield Summit Joshua Mansfield Timberview Bye Everman Corsicana Burleson Ennis Arlington Seguin
G - Gold Out M - MYFL Night D - District I - Men of Influence O - White Out
H - Homecoming S - Senior Night
Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home
MILFORD BULLDOGS G, M F D I, O D H, D S
MIDLOTHIAN PANTHERS Fri., Aug. 28 7:00 Fri., Sept. 4 7:00 Fri., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 Fri., Oct. 9 7:00 Fri., Oct. 16 7:00 Fri., Oct. 23 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Thurs., Nov. 5 7:00 H - Homecoming D - District
Chisholm Trail Lovejoy Cedar Hill DeSoto Bye Cleburne Burleson Centennial Mansfield Legacy Lancaster Mansfield Summit
Sat., Aug. 29 7:00 Fri., Sept. 4 7:00 Fri., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 18 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:30 Fri., Oct. 2 7:30 Fri., Oct. 9 7:30 Fri., Oct. 16 Fri., Oct. 23 7:00 Thurs., Oct. 29 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6 7:30
Houston Emery-Weiner Waco Vanguard Apple Springs Brazos Valley Ft. Worth THESA Texas Wind Covington Bye Bluff Dale Avalon Blum
Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home
OVILLA CHRISTIAN EAGLES
Home Away Home Home
D D
Home Away Home Home Away
D H, D D D D
Thurs., Oct. 27 Fri., Sept. 4 Fri., Sept. 11 Fri., Sept. 18 Fri., Sept. 25 Fri., Oct. 2 Fri., Oct. 9 Fri., Oct. 16 Fri., Oct. 23 Sat., Oct. 31 H - Homecoming
5:00 7:00 7:30 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Brazosport Christian Faustina (Irving) Trinity School Azle Christian Dento Calvary Garland Christian Greenville Lone Star Prestonwoord-North The Highlands (Irving) Wylie Prep
Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Home Away
H
SEASON SCHEDULES PALMER BULLDOGS Fri., Aug. 28 7:00 Fri., Sept. 4 7:30 Fri., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 18 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 7:00 Fri., Oct. 9 Fri., Oct. 16 7:00 Fri, Oct. 23 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6 7:00
Mildred Grand Saline Scurry-Rosser Maypearl Grandview Keene Bye Whitney Groesbeck West Mexia
Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away
VENUS BULLDOGS H D D D D S, D
H - Homecoming S - Senior Night D - District
South Hills Carter Riverside Ft. Worth Trimble Bonham Lake Worth Boyd Hillsboro Scurry-Rosser Kemp Bye Glen Rose
Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Away
V
Home
S
H
T
V - VYSL Night H - Homecoming T - Teacher Appreciation Night S - Senior Night
WAXAHACHIE INDIANS
RED OAK HAWKS Fri., Aug. 28 Fri., Sept. 4 Fri., Sept. 11 Thurs. Sept. 17 Fri., Sept. 25 Fri., Oct. 9 Fri., Oct. 16 Fri., Oct. 23 Fri., Oct. 30 Fri., Nov. 6
Fri., Aug. 28 7:00 Thurs., Sept. 3 7:00 Thurs., Sept. 11 7:00 Fri., Sept. 18 7:30 Fri., Sept. 25 7:00 Fri., Oct. 2 7:00 Fri., Oct. 9 7;00 Fri., Oct. 16 7:00 Fri., Oc. 23 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 Fri., Nov. 6 7:00
7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:0
Mansfield Summit Garland Lakeview Arlington Colts Mansfield Tigerrs Duncanville Crowley Eagles Waxahachie Mansfield Lake Ridge Dallas Skyline North Crowley
A - Athletics Senior High S - Senior Night H - Homecoming D - District *Due to construction - all games are away. Red Oak is home team on bold entries.
Away Away Away Away Away Away Away Away Away Away
A D S, D D D D H
Fri., Aug. 28 7:00 Fri., Sept. 4 7:00 Thurs., Sept. 10 7:00 Friday, Sept. 18 7:00 Fri., Sept. 25 7:30 Fri., Oct. 2 Fri., Oct. 9 7:00 Fri., Oct. 16 7:00 Fri., Oct. 23 7:00 Fri., Oct. 30 7:00 Fri., Nov. 6 7:00 B - Battle of 287 H - Homecoming N - Future NDNs Night S - Senior Night
Ennis Coppell Denton Guyer Mansfield Lake Ridge Dallas Skyline Bye North Crowley Red Oak Duncanville Crowley Mansfield
Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home
B H
N S
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