The 2026 Texas High School Football season has been one for the books. Across the state, multiple divisions and rankings, this season is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Closer to home, nearby playoff rivals round out newly formed 4A and 5A districts. With that, the push for the playoffs has gotten tougher, with some teams sure to lose their spot in the postseason.
History’s on the Line
First up, O.D. Wyatt enters tonight’s homecoming game with a chance to start their season 5-0 for the first time in nearly four decades. Wyatt football was indomitable in the 90’s and had some classic playoff battles with Tyler John Tyler. Recently, much like other FWISD programs, the Chaparrals lost their footing, giving way to Paschal, South Hills and Arlington Heights as the better 5A teams in the city. With the beginning of this season, the Chaps started district play with a 10-point win over Paschal. After beating Dallas Lincoln, crosstown rival Dunbar and winless Frisco Liberty, the Chaps are ready for tonight’s tough challenge from upstart Trimble Tech. This is another reminder that this isn’t the 90’s. This game isn’t a giveaway, and Tech, who is ahead of Wyatt in current district standings, could play spoiler. Wyatt is showing up big for their team and school (it is homecoming, after all) so if you don’t have tickets, get them here, now!
Brewer bested Northside 62-0, continuing their climb to the top of District 4-5A and displace a Fort Worth school. Last season’s first-round playoff battle against Arlington Heights was a showcase for the home team, who fell to Aledo in the Area round.
Arlington Heights has asserted its dominance in District 4-5A with impressive wins over South Hills and Polytechnic. The currently undefeated Yellowjackets sit atop the district, presumably awaiting their regular season’s only true challenges in Wyatt (October 30) and Brewer (November 5).
4A Action Heats Up the Race for Playoff Positioning
In District 5-4A, tonight’s matchup between Eastern Hills and Carter Riverside is the game to watch! Playoff positions 2-4 will more than likely hinge on the winner of tonight’s game between two of last season’s playoff teams. If Hills can’t contain Bobby Fields, Jr., it’s bound to be a very long night for the Highlanders. Fields is averaging more than 200 yards per game and isn’t looking to slow down anytime soon! Hills’ Christopher Johnson has been rumbling on the ground and making noise for the emerging Highlander team. Expect the win to come in the trenches as these two ground and pound it out at historic Farrington Field. Get your tickets here.
Staying in 5-4A, Southwest is the first to challenge district newcomer Benbrook who, coming off a playoff berth last season looks to make easy work of remaining district challengers. Expect a competitive game if Southwest can regain its footing and execute Coach Joseph Turner’s game plan against the Bobcats. The margin for error diminishes each week for the Raiders, who are hoping to return to postseason play. The Raiders are looking to redeem themselves against Carter-Riverside, who beat them in a shocker at Handley last season. Tough matches against Eastern Hills, and Kennedale await the Raiders, who need to regroup if they want to recreate the success of their 2024 campaign.
Other Teams We’re Watching
To the east, DeSoto hosts its first home game of the season tonight against Midlothian. After a wild pre-district schedule that looked like disaster for DeSoto, the Eagles return to their nest and hopefully postseason shape, taking on a challenging Midlothian team. In the District of Doom, Duncanville takes on Red Oak in a game that should help the Panthers trend toward the top of District 11-6A. Crowley takes on North Crowley in a rivalry game that is sure to bring the city out, and Waxahachie is reveling in their 61-14 win over Dallas Skyline.
Allen is hanging onto its #1 national ranking and is still awaiting a worthy challenger. They take on Princeton tonight in what should be another routine win for the Eagles.
Midweek Mayhem
This week debuted a slate of midweek games in district 5-4A. Western Hills beat Dunbar 31-25 and Kennedale soundly defeated Diamond Hill-Jarvis 45-7. The overwhelming question in this district remains who will beat Kennedale? Can Eastern Hills match their first-round victory in this year’s regular season? We’ll see when the two meet in the regular season finale! So far though, we’re a fan of the midweek mayhem and hope to see more of it as the season progresses!
