The new “Dave Campbell’s Texas Football” is out! You know what that means…
Yep, it’s summer, it’s blazing hot and the electric bill is higher than Cheech and Chong in their prime (Google them, kids).
But aside from that, it means high school football season is just around the proverbial corner. The familiar clash of gladiators will soon fill our Friday nights — along with some Thursdays and Saturdays — throughout the state.
Locally, folks in Aledo are used to getting lots of love from the annual publication that is also called “The Bible of Texas Football.” Brock certainly is used to getting their fair share as well, and now it seems the faithful in Peaster and Springtown have joined the list.
The move to 6A has been met with a variety of reactions, but largely positive. The people at DC think the Bearcats are still among the state’s elite programs.
“But Rick, they’re ranked No. 16 in the preseason.”
Indeed they are. That’s No. 16 in the state’s highest classification in which they have never been a member.
That’s No. 16 despite having only two offensive and three defensive starters returning from a 14-1 state semifinalist.
But when you’ve won more state championships than any other program in the history of the state, you get that kind of respect. They know that Aledo simply does not know how to have a bad season.
Besides, Bearcats coach Robby Jones isn’t really one to get all gaga about rankings, even when they were regularly entering the season ranked at the top in Class 5A.
“Sixteenth is just somebody’s opinion in the preseason. We appreciate the respect, but our kids know the only rankings that matter are the ones at the end of the season,” said Jones, who is 42-3 in his three seasons at the helm, including a 16-0 state champion in 2023.
“We’re excited about the challenge of 6A. There are outstanding programs every week, and that’s exactly the kind of competition we want,” he continued. “Our job is to prepare, compete and improve every day. If we do that consistently, everything else will take care of itself.”
The Bearcats will bring their national-record 135-game district winning streak with them. To put that in perspective, when they last dropped a league game in 2007 the program had only one state title and none of the current players were even in pre-K yet..
With all due respect to the rest of District 3-6A, none of the teams would seem to offer much of a threat to end that streak this season.
Aledo will, however, get a huge welcome to 6A early as they open the season at No. 4 North Crowley on Aug. 28, a week after visiting No. 6 Southlake Carroll for a scrimmage.
Individually, a couple of Bearcats were granted preseason accolades from the legendary publication. Senior defensive lineman Tymon Meeks senior wide receiver Kingston Parks, a newcomer from private school Arlington Oakridge, are listed among the state’s best at their positions.
Also, Meeks is the magazine’s preseason pick for district defensive MVP.
Brock: No. 6 in Class 4A Division II with five offensive and five defensive starters returning a 14-1 state semifinalist. Favored to win District 4-4A Division II. Senior linebacker Hayden Walker is listed among the best in the state and senior quarterback Holt Frazier is the preseason favorite to be the district offensive MVP. The Eagles are coached by former Aledo assistant Billy Mathis, who is 64-13 since taking over in 2021 with two state finals and three state semifinals.
Peaster: The Greyhounds are now a power in Class 3A Division I, ranked No. 12 in the preseason, but are picked second in District 4-3A behind No. 3 Paradise. They return seven offensive and three defensive starters from a 13-2 state semifinalist, including senior linebacker Slayte Robertson, the preseason selection for district defensive MVP.
Springtown: The Porcupines enter the season ranked No. 3 in Class 4A Division I and are the favorites in District 4-4A Division I, expecting another showdown with No. 7 Decatur. They return six offensive and six defensive starters from a 12-1 squad, which includes senior linebacker Rome Ewell as a preseason all-state selection and senior quarterback Kaine Hill as the choice for district offensive MVP.
Azle: The Hornets are expected to return to the playoffs as the third-place team from District 3-5A Division I as they return six offensive and six defensive starters from a 2-8 squad.
Millsap: The Bulldogs are the No. 5 choice in District 5-3A Division II, but with eight returning starters on both sides of the ball from a 3-7 team they could pull off a surprise.
Weatherford: The Kangaroos continue to be in a tough spot coming off a 1-9 season as they will also play in District 3-6A, renewing their rivalry with Aledo. They return three offensive and five defensive starters.
Trinity Christian Academy: The Eagles will compete in Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Division IV District 1. They return six offensive and five defensive starters from a 3-7 team.
Weatherford Christian School: The Lions bring back plenty of talent to try and turn around their 1-9 record, four offensive and four defensive starters as they will compete in TAPPS Six-Man Division II District 1.
Azle Christian: The Crusaders once again have high expectations with five offensive and five defensive starters back from a 9-4 team as they compete in TAPPS Six-Man Division III District 2.
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