There are a few more games on the schedule you won’t want to miss (the next two weeks at Crowley stadium should be on your list if you’re following Texas football), but TONIGHT will set the tone for the season. Aledo is ready for 6A, but are they ready for North Crowley? There’s only one way to find out…we’ll be there!
The answer is YES! How the Bearcats fare in their first year of 6A play remains to be seen but there’s no reason to count out the 12-time state championship football program. After years of dominance in the 5A classification, the school has moved up to 6A and is looking to continue their winning ways. After a successful scrimmage against Southlake Carroll, the program looks ready to move past last season’s heartbreak and begin a new chapter in 6A play. Their proving ground is on North Crowley’s turf as the Panthers have their own disappointment to overcome. After last season’s shocking playoff loss to Allen, the Panthers look to regain their footing in 6A and prove they belong in the conversation for title contention.
It’s Time for Texas High School Football!
Aledo is no stranger to Crowley ISD Multipurpose Stadium. The last time the Bearcats took the field there, it was a 55-0 drubbing of Fort Worth Arlington Heights in a regional final. The Bearcats and their fans made filled the stands and tailgated in the parking lot. Tonight’s game will feel much more like a playoff game than a season opener and much like a playoff game, it is a must-win for both programs.
Aledo owned 5A football and were indomitable in the 2010’s winning a whopping seven of their twelve titles from 2010-2019. North Crowley has emerged as a top contender and have gotten used to the big lights under the guidance of Coach Ray Gates. Gates has moved on from the program and is now defensive line coach at the University of North Texas. Demarcus Harris was promoted to Head Coach and looks to continue what he and Gates began at the program. Putting last season behind them and their main offseason goal getting back to DPS- winning their district, advancing through the playoffs and playing for the state championship. Their first order of business was to exorcise last season’s demons in a scrimmage against Allen. The Panther varsity squads soundly dominated the Eagles who are already penciled in on late round postseason brackets.
“It’s the District of Doom because we’re in it!”
-Coach Demarcus Harris
Next week, the Panthers welcome the red hot Southlake Carroll Dragons who roared back from a 27-0 deficit to beat Jenks (Oklahoma) 34-33. Dez Bryant, Jr. made several big plays and will be looking to buzz through North Crowley’s “No Fly Zone” into the end zone when they come to Crowley next week. The Dragons were inches away from sealing the win but were stopped at the goal line in an instant classic against subsequent champions, Desoto. Lee Munn has taken the reins and began his first season with a StateLine Showdown win at the Cotton Bowl. It doesn’t get much bigger than that for a coaching debut, but visiting North Crowley next week could spoil that for Munn and his squad.
North Crowley 2026 Football Preview
North Crowley Coach Demarcus Harris knows his team has a tough climb to reach the postseason this year. District 11-6A is dubbed the “District of Doom” because seven of the eight teams made the playoffs last year. Duncanville defeated Waxahachie to face North Shore in the state championship, coming up just short in a 10-7 loss. Every game will be like a playoff game but as senior lineman Tre Tate echoed, ‘to be the best you have to beat the best.’ This North Crowley team is hungry, too. Senior running back Kiante Ingram didn’t hold back and welcomed every challenge with each game saying, “I want everybody!”
That includes a fearless Aledo team who knows its work is cut out for them, opening the season with a heavyweight bout. Every team has something to prove, include legendary coach Reginald Samples who at the podium following the loss to North Shore was unsure if he’d return this season. Coach Samples is on the sidelines and you can imagine that a championship is his only worthy reward for returning another season.
Tonight is the game of the week but with bigger implications, it is the game of the year. This is the game that decides where teams will put their focus on either the newcomer or the emerging powerhouse who regained its footing after stumbling last season. The game begins at 7 PM and as you can imagine, the best seats will go early. Get there early and get settled into your seat because you won’t want to miss a moment of the action when North Crowley and Aledo face off!
An Aledo win puts 6A football on notice that the perennial powerhouse is unstoppable, even in a higher classification. A North Crowley win says to football programs in Texas, the Panthers are again on the prowl. What will you say? Talk to The SMG Report on our social channels where you’ll hear from fans, players and coaches.
