2022 West Texas high school football district predictions
Here's how we see each high school football district in the San Angelo area playing out during the 2022 season:
(With last year's overall and district records in parentheses)
District 2-6A
1. Midland Legacy (10-2, 6-0)
Coach Clint Hartman’s squad will replace a lot of skill position players but they have returning starter Marcos Davila at quarterback. Last year in running the district table, Legacy had a 33-point average margin of victory. The Rebels beat El Paso Pebble Hills 43-22 in the first round of the playoffs before falling to state semifinalist Southlake Carroll 42-7.
2. Odessa Permian (8-4, 4-2)
The Panthers under coach Jeff Ellison played Legacy tougher than any other district opponent except Abilene High, which moved down into Class 5A. Legacy beat Permian 34-21 last year, but the Panthers have most of their offensive firepower back. The question mark will be the defense, where Permian returns just four starters.
3. Wolfforth Frenship (5-5, 2-4)
The Tigers could benefit from Abilene High’s departure to 5A, but coach Jay Northcutt’s squad might not need the help as they have good size on both sides of the line and seven returning defensive starters. Last year, the Tigers beat Central on the field 49-32 to open district play but forfeited the game due to the mistaken use of an ineligible player.
4. San Angelo Central (4-7, 2-4)
An experienced offense hopes to bring along a defense hit hard by graduation in coach Kevin Crane’s second season leading the Bobcats. Central, led by returning starting quarterback Tyler Hill, won a district track championship for the first time since 1996 in the spring and followed with a run to the championship bracket of the State 7-on-7 Tournament this summer.
5. Midland High (2-8, 1-5)
The Bulldogs should be improved in their second season under coach Thad Fortune. They opened district play last year with a big win over Odessa High but then dropped five in a row to miss the playoffs.
6. Odessa High (3-7, 1-5)
The Bronchos beat Central 41-14 but lost their other district games by an average of almost 33 points per game. Odessa returns five offensive and four defensive starters for coach Dusty Ortiz.
District 2-4A Division I
1. Andrews (5-7, 2-1)
Returning eight offensive and seven defensive starters for coach Tom Harvey, the Mustangs might have the upper hand in this new, tougher district. Andrews was an area-round playoff finalist last year. Quarterback E.J. Lopez returns and is the district preseason offensive MVP by Texas Football magazine.
2. Brownwood (4-7, 2-3)
Brownwood returns a lot for coach Sammy Burnett, especially on defense (10), where linebacker Dryden Anderson is the Texas Football magazine district preseason defensive MVP. Realignment brought the Lions west after having played in a district with state powerhouses Stephenville and La Vega most recently.
3. Lubbock Estacado (7-4, 4-0)
The Matadors under coach William Blaylock are also new to this alignment of teams, which included San Angelo Lake View, Andrews, Big Spring and Fort Stockton the last four years. Estacado lost a lot to graduation from an undefeated district champion team that lost in the first round of the playoffs.
4. San Angelo Lake View (3-8, 1-2)
The Chiefs are looking for a fifth consecutive playoff berth, but this is the toughest district Lake View has faced in a while. Coach Hector Guevara returns six starters on both sides of the ball but needs to develop a new quarterback. Rick Ramirez returns at running back and the Chiefs have good skill position players to go along with some experience on the line.
5. Big Spring (6-5, 1-2)
The Steers return just four offensive and five defensive starters for coach Cannon McWilliams. The game between Lake View and Big Spring has determined third and fourth place in each of the last four seasons. The Chiefs have won twice (2018, 2021). This year, that game could be for a playoff spot, not just seeding.
District 2-3A Division II
1. Early (9-3, 3-2)
Quarterback Jaxyn Price hopes to lead the Longhorns, ranked No. 15 in the state by Texas Football magazine, to a district championship in their move down from 3A Division I. Coach Daniel Price’s team returns 13 offensive and defensive starters from a team that beat Wall 24-14 and won a bidistrict playoff game.
2. Wall (5-5, 3-2)
After posting their first non-winning season since 2008 – when the Hawks finished 3-7 in coach Houston Guy’s first season – No. 18 Wall hopes to bounce back and earn a 14th consecutive playoff berth as they drop down from 3A DI. With 18 total returning starters, the Hawks will be motivated to challenge the Longhorns for the league title.
3. Brady (8-4, 4-1)
The Bulldogs under coach Shay Easterwood tied for a district title and were regional semifinalists last year. They return a lot of offensive firepower and 13 total starters but will have to tackle move-downs Early and Wall. Brady beat Early four times in district play from 2013 to 2016 but fell to the Longhorns the last time they were in the same district (2017). Brady last beat Wall in 2009.
4. Grape Creek (5-6, 4-1)
The Eagles under coach Tanner Thiel grabbed a share of the district title last year with Sonora and Brady. It was a program first. Despite falling in the first round of the playoffs and losing a lot to graduation, the Eagles return 10 total starters and are hungry for more wins.
5. Ballinger (6-5, 2-3)
The Bearcats should challenge for a playoff spot under first-year head coach Ty Lang but there will be a lot of questions after graduation and learning new systems. Ballinger won a bidistrict championship last year and two of its district losses were by a touchdown. The Bearcats most recently won a district title in 2020.
6. San Angelo TLCA (0-10, 0-5)
Coach Matt Jones has had a tough task in building the Eagle program, which last won a game in 2019. But TLCA advanced to the State 7-on-7 Tournament this summer for the first time in program history and is in its third year with Jones at the helm. TLCA is also moving down from 3A DI.
District 3-2A Division I
1. Sonora (7-5, 4-1)
In one of the toughest districts to predict, it could be anybody’s race as there are two defending district champs: Sonora and Christoval. And both teams are new to 2A DI. Returning 15 total starters from last year’s 3A DII area finalist team, coach Blake Weston’s Sonora squad has the weapons to win another title. But the Broncos have lost the last two nondistrict games to Christoval. Defensive back Hunter O’Banon is the district’s preseason defensive MVP by Texas Football magazine.
2. Christoval (9-2, 5-0)
The Christoval program keeps growing and the Cougars should challenge Sonora for the district crown. Coach Casey Otho returns 12 total starters from an undefeated district championship team that is moving up from 2A Division II. Running back Ketcher Joiner is Texas Football magazine’s district preseason offensive MVP for the No. 17-ranked Cougars, but this will be his first season as the main ball carrier.
3. Reagan County (3-7, 0-5)
They’re hard to read but pencil in the Owls, who have played in one of the toughest 3A Division I districts in the state for the past four years, to play a part in determining a district champ. Coach Kyle Brown’s Reagan County squad has a lot of young, relatively unproven potential that could blossom in the next two seasons.
4. Forsan (10-2, 4-1)
Returning just nine total starters, the Buffaloes under coach Jason Phillips have a lot of work to do before district play starts. But Forsan, which won a bidistrict playoff game, could just as easily figure into the district title race. Offensive lineman Nolan Park is a preseason all-state pick by Texas Football magazine.
5. Ozona (5-6, 3-2)
The Lions return just six total starters for coach Jarryd Taylor, but that’s not unusual for an Ozona squad, which relies on its seniors to lead the program. Ozona fell to Reagan County by just a point and beat 3A DII district champ Brady in nondistrict games last year.
6. Anthony (5-6, 2-2)
Anthony is another team dropping down from 3A DII and the Wildcats return 14 total starters. They have experience at the skill positions but need to shore up the play along the scrimmage line. Anthony is coming off its most successful season, in terms of season win-loss record, since 2017.
District 5-2A Division I
1. Coleman (11-1, 5-0)
One of just three West Texas teams ranked in the Top 10 by Texas Football magazine, the No. 9 Bluecats are poised to improve on their eye-opening run to the third round of the playoffs last year for longtime head coach John Elder. Joined by a host of returning junior stars, senior running back/linebacker Ryland Gentry is the returning district MVP.
2. Tolar (10-3, 5-1)
If any team can match the Bluecats in athleticism, it’s the Rattlers, who are returning 15 total starters from a team that also advanced to the third round last year. Quarterback Jackson LeCluyse has started 29 games for No. 12 Tolar and is surrounded by teammates with similar skill and experience.
3. Goldthwaite (5-6, 3-2)
Goldthwaite, San Saba and Hamilton – all playoff qualifiers last year – will battle for the last two playoff spots, meaning one of the three will miss the playoffs. The Eagles have good skill position players and size on the line but need to replace their quarterback.
4. San Saba (2-9, 2-3)
San Saba and Goldthwaite have played each other more than 100 times and this year’s game will probably decide a playoff spot. The Armadillos have a four-year playoff appearance streak on the line and return 10 total starters. Dylan Ware is a Division I prospect for San Saba at defensive end.
5. Hamilton (6-5, 3-3)
The Bulldogs, who fell 70-6 to Tolar in district play last year, return more than half their starters but will have competition for two important offensive backfield positions they need to work out before district play begins.
6. Bangs (1-8, 1-4)
The Dragons, dropping down from 3A Division II, could also figure into the playoff mix with a strong game powered by four lineman weighing at least 240 pounds and returning leading rusher Guy Powell.
7. De Leon (0-10, 0-5)
The Bearcats, while returning 13 total starters, have a 15-game losing streak. The last game De Leon won was Sept. 29, 2020 (20-19 over Seymour).
District 14-2A Division I
1. Mason (9-2, 5-0)
The Punchers were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round last year for the first time since 2007. Still, Mason won its 11th consecutive district championship and extended its district-game winning streak to 58. Coach Michael McLeod’s squad has plenty of speed to win another title and Texas Football magazine ranks the Punchers No. 13 in the state and considers junior running back Ryne Todd as the preseason offensive MVP.
2. Stockdale (6-6, 4-2)
Stockdale is the one team in the district that is new to every other team, and the Brahmas could be biggest hurdle to the Punchers’ claiming a 12th straight district title. They must replace about half their starters from a team that won a first-round playoff game, but the Brahmas were in 3A DII. Defensive back Parker Martinez, who also plays receiver, is the preseason defensive MVP by Texas Football magazine.
3. Johnson City (8-3, 4-1)
The Eagles have been under new leadership since the spring when Nelson Kortis was hired to replace the retiring David Sine, but it might take a little longer for the Eagles to return to their form from last season because they return just 10 total starters.
4. Harper (7-4, 2-3)
The Longhorns return 16 starters for coach Chad Zenner and could swap places with Johnson City as the third-place team. Strong-armed Bryson Lake will try to take advantage of team speed as he takes over for a two-year starter at quarterback.
5. Junction (3-7, 0-5)
The Eagles will count on youth to stay competitive after moving up into Division I after two seasons in DII. Coach Scott Freeman, in his second season, will count on athlete Aidan Cardwell and quarterback Caden Roberts – both sophomores – to stand out among 14 returning lettermen.
District 5-2A Division II
1. Wink (9-4, 4-1)
Led by preseason offensive MVP Kanon Gibson, Wink is the class of the district. The Wildcats under coach Brian Gibson return 18 starters, and last year’s district champ Christoval moved up to DI. No other district team returns as many, and three district teams are former six-man teams. Another has six-man enrollment.
2. McCamey (9-2, 5-0)
With 12 returning starters, the Badgers are back after winning an undefeated district championship and a bidistrict trophy last year. Coach Michael Woodard’s squad bowed out of the playoffs to eventual regional finalist Wellington. Linebacker Matthew Rosas is the district’s defensive preseason MVP.
3. Eldorado (10-2, 4-1)
Also returning 12 starters, the Eagles are not returning their head coach as Chad Tutle was hired during the summer to replace Jon Long, who led Eldorado to its best season in 71 years. Sam Griffin is a preseason all-state pick at linebacker by Texas Football magazine, and the Eagles will lean on defense while they replace a two-year starting quarterback.
4. Sterling City (10-3, 3-1)
Under the same leadership of Trey Sisco, the Eagles are eyeing a spot in the playoffs transitioning from six-man. Sisco was a six-man state coach of the year in 2020, leading Sterling City to its first state championship. Sisco grew up playing 11-man football in Water Valley and arrived in Sterling City in 2005 in its final years of 11-man ball.
5. Water Valley (12-1, 4-0)
Under the new leadership of coach Charles Boles, Water Valley – like Sterling City – has a shot at making the six-man playoffs and 11-man playoffs in back-to-back years. The Wildcats ran off 12 straight wins before running into two-time state finalist May in the third round of the playoffs last year.
6. Iraan (1-8, 0-5)
Iraan is a team that could compete in six-man football, according to its enrollment of 86, but the Braves opt to stay in 11-man because of the program’s long tradition of excellence in West Texas. It’s still going to be tough for the Braves, who have a district-game losing streak dating to Nov. 9, 2018, the last season they made the playoffs.
7. Midland TLCA (2-8, 0-3)
Like its Abilene counterpart, Midland TLCA is moving up to 11-man football. Even though TLCA did not win a single district game the last two years, it’s perhaps the kindest possible realignment scenario the Eagles could have hoped for with so many new 11-man teams in the mix.
District 6-2A Division II
1. Albany (13-1, 4-0)
The Lions, ranked No. 1 in the state by Texas Football magazine, return a little more than half of last year’s team that lost in the state semifinals to Stratford. Coach Denney Faith goes into his 36th year coaching the Lions and ranks second among active coaches in career wins with 330. Albany is led by the preseason offensive MVP Cole Chapman at QB and preseason all-state offensive lineman Zane Waggoner.
2. Roscoe (9-2, 4-0)
After having won just five total games in the previous three seasons, the Plowboys stormed to an undefeated district title last year and to the second round of the playoffs. Roscoe returns 15 starters, including nine on the defensive side where linebacker Trace Guelker is the preseason defensive MVP by Texas Football magazine.
3. Cross Plains (5-5, 1-3)
The Buffaloes have had the Miles Bulldogs’ number the last two years in nondistrict action but won by just five points last year. Still, Cross Plains returns 20 total starters, including all 11 on offense. There’s plenty waiting in the wings as roster depth is another Buffalo strength, which could come into play in the late stages of district games.
4. Miles (3-8, 2-3)
Albany isn’t the only district team making noise statewide. Miles won the Division III State 7-on-7 Tournament and has an experienced quarterback in junior Hayven Book. The Bulldogs have several other experienced skill players as well as a seasoned offensive line. Coach Jayson Wilhelm is in his third season at the helm for the Bulldogs.
5. Hamlin (0-10, 0-4)
Significant injuries sidelined first-year coach Chris Evans’ hopes for the Pied Pipers, but the former Lake View assistant who spent his first four seasons as a head coach at Wheeler is hopeful for a rebound in 2022. Despite low enrollment (118), Hamlin hopes to add to its 11-man football success. The Pipers have made the playoffs 33 times and reached the 2A DII title game in 2019.
6. Abilene TLCA (3-7, 1-3)
Like its counterpart in Midland, Abilene TLCA is making the jump to 11-man. It’s possible the Eagles’ personnel is better-suited to the 11-man game, but TLCA will need to make up for a lack of speed and experience to be able to compete in this district.
District 7-1A Division I
1. Garden City (7-4, 2-1)
Returning all but one starter on each side of the ball for coach Jeff Jones, the Bearkats are ranked No. 5 in the state by Texas Football magazine. Running back John Lopez is the preseason offensive MVP. The district, however, is one of the toughest in the state after realignment, as three teams are in the Top 10. After being ousted from the first round of the playoffs 70-69 last year by Van Horn, the Kats are hoping for their best season since 2018, when they went to the DI state semis.
2. Rankin (10-2, 3-0)
Ranked No. 6 preseason, the Red Devils continue to be one of the top teams in West Texas. Despite losing a top player, Rankin returns nine total starters, including district preseason defensive MVP Blake Wise at linebacker. David Bunger is a preseason all-state pick at defensive line. Rankin split district games with Garden City the last two years and beat the Kats in 2019 in a nondistrict game.
3. Borden County (6-6, 4-0)
As if there weren’t enough competition for the two playoff spots, realignment threw Borden County into the mix. The No. 8-ranked Coyotes are winners of 14 consecutive district titles and won back-to-back state titles for coach Trey Richey in 2016 and 2017. They advanced to the area round last year.
4. Sands (5-6, 2-1)
A real wildcard could be Sands, which is under the new leadership of Tye Keith, who was the offensive coordinator at Sterling City when the Eagles won the state title in 2020. Also new to the district, the Mustangs shouldn’t feel like outsiders. Keith was head coach at Happy, which fell twice in state semifinal games to Borden County in 2016 and 2017, and he beat Borden County twice during Sterling City’s state title run.
5. Grady (2-8, 1-2)
The Wildcats are in their second season under former Balmorhea assistant Jourmaine Matta, who learned from legendary coach Vance Jones before taking over at Bronte and orchestrating the Longhorns’ entry into six-man football. Matta’s young team might be another year away from breaking through for a playoff berth out of this district.
District 13-1A Division I
1. Irion County (8-3, 3-1)
Ranked No. 10 in the state by Texas Football magazine, the Hornets are aiming for a district crown but also elusive playoff success. Despite playing the six-man game for just three seasons, the Hornets have compiled a 24-8 record but posted an 0-2 mark in the UIL playoffs. With spreadback Trevin Coffell and wide receiver Bo Morrow earning preseason all-state accolades, the Hornets have talent and depth. Another returning starter, Jordan Harrison, makes up a trio of athletes who were starters on Irion County's state tournament-qualifying basketball team.
2. Menard (2-8, 1-4)
Looking at one of the most-anticipated storylines in statewide six-man football, it’s time to see if a team can make an immediate transition to success. Having hung on in 11-man, the Yellowjackets will try on the new game with a brand-new coach. Bryson Oliver inherits two talented seniors in running back Joel Guerrero and receiver Isaiah Stanislawski, both of whom earned all-district honors last year. There’s already a built-in rivalry with neighbor Eden.
3. Robert Lee (2-8, 0-4)
With hometown hero Lee McCown taking over the head coaching duties, the Steers could benefit from a vacuum left by Water Valley moving up to 11-man, Eden losing its head coach and Menard being a six-man newcomer. But it’s been tough for Robert Lee, winners of just three district games in the last three seasons. Defensive lineman Ryan Mendoza is the top returner.
4. Eden (5-4, 2-2)
A lot has changed for Eden since it last suited up. Hit hard by graduation and by the loss of their head coach, the Bulldogs will be led by coach Josh Raulston. Eden’s last two coaches had history-making district championships and playoff wins during their tenures, so tradition could help the Bulldogs catch up quickly. Linebacker Jesus Morales is the preseason defensive MVP by Texas Football magazine.
5. Veribest (4-5, 1-3)
The Falcons return 10 total starters for second-year coach Justin Morris. Veribest has been led by four different coaches in the last six years so some continuity could help. Junior quarterback Hunter Hallmark and senior lineman Cadence Larson will lead a young roster.
District 13-1A Division II
1. Loraine (8-4, 4-0)
The Bulldogs return everybody from their run-oriented area-finalist team. They’re the smallest school in the district but pack a punch. Davion Walthall is the district’s preseason defensive MVP by Texas Football magazine.
2. Blackwell (4-7, 3-1)
Coach Clint Lowry is going into his 11th season leading the Hornets and has compiled a record of 79-3. He could go over the 150 career-win mark this year. Wide receiver Kyler Cummings is the district’s preseason defensive MVP.
3. Bronte (2-8, 1-3)
Moving down into Division II in the second year of Tell Rutledge’s tenure as head coach, the Longhorns hope to see improvement, although it will be tough to break through for a playoff spot. They return all of their starters, including running back Jett Jackson and linebacker Teegan Minjarez.
4. Trent (4-6, 2-2)
Going into their third season under coach Chris Ellison, the Gorilla seniors will benefit from continuity.
District 14-1A Division II
1. Rising Star (5-4, 2-2)
With a combined four district wins last year by this collection of teams, it’s anybody’s guess who will benefit. The Wildcats had the most district wins (2) and is the only team that had an overall record of better than .500. Dathon Mathis is the Texas Football magazine preseason pick for district defensive MVP.
2. Paint Rock (5-5, 0-4)
After struggling in Division I, the Indians and new coach Jeff Shelton could be looking at a playoff berth after not winning a single district game last year. Landon Calhoun is the preseason offensive MVP.
3. Panther Creek (3-6, 1-3)
Trevor Croft and Ethan Croft could be the keys to drive the Panthers back into the playoffs after just one district win last year.
4. Moran (2-7, 1-3)
With the smallest enrollment in the district (33), it could be tough for the Bulldogs, although they do return all but one starter.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: 2022 West Texas high school football district predictions
