Just like their 11-man football counterparts in Class 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has analyzed and made preseason predictions for six-man (Class 1A) Texas high school football teams across the Lone Star State.
Next up in the 2025 Texas high school football preseason predictions is Class 1A Division II, as we begin to break down the state’s six-man football scene.
In the Big Country and West Texas area, there are eight 1A DII districts represented, including several of the deepest six-man districts in the greater Abilene area — Districts 2-1A DII, 7-1A DII, 8-1A DII, 9-1A DII, 10-1A DII, 11-1A DII, 12-1A DII and 13-1A DII.
Before diving into DCTF’s predictions for these West Texas six-man districts, the Cherokee Indians earned the top spot among Big Country-area squads in Dave Campbell’s preseason 1A DII statewide rankings at No. 1 overall.
Perennial six-man football powers Benjamin (No. 3), Richland Springs (No. 4), Strawn (No. 5), Zephyr (No. 7), Iredell (No. 15), Three Way (No. 16), Blanket (No. 17), Gustine (No. 18), Knox City (No. 19) and Guthrie (No. 20) join Cherokee to land 11 Big Country-area teams in DCTF’s preseason 1A DII rankings.
Three Way tight center Cole Schrimsher, Strawn defensive lineman Alex Hughes, Benjamin linebacker Everett Cates, Strawn linebacker Johnny Fraga, Zephyr defensive back Chayden Woodcock and Cherokee defensive back Preston Hanley were all recognized as part of DCTF’s 1A (six-man) preseason all-state team too.
Here is what Dave Campbell’s analyzed and predicted for the Big Country, Abilene-area’s Class 1A Division I districts.
More: Fan Vote: What will be Big Country’s best high school football district in 2026?
More: 2026 Preseason All-Big Country High School Volleyball Super Team
More: Fan Vote: Who should be 2026 Preseason All-Big Country Volleyball MVP?
District 2-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – RB Culley Lawrence, Motley County
Preseason Defensive MVP – LB Damian Valdes, Turkey Valley
1. Motley County Matadors
Enrollment – 54
Head Coach – Mike Bigham
Lettermen – Returning 14, Leaving 6
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – Area finalist, 10-2 overall; 3-0 district
2. Paducah Dragons
Enrollment – 54
Head Coach – Eric Rekieta
Lettermen – Returning 12, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – Bi-district finalist, 8-2 overall; 2-1 district
3. Turkey Valley Patriots
Enrollment – 52
Head Coach – Daxon Allen
Lettermen – Returning 6, Leaving 2
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – 1A DI Area finalist, 5-7 overall; 4-0 district
4. Guthrie Jaguars
Enrollment – 39
Head Coach – Danny Sloan
Lettermen – Returning 13, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – Bi-district finalist, 7-3 overall; 3-1 district
5. Crowell Wildcats
Enrollment – 53
Head Coach – Blake Thompson
Lettermen – Returning 11, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – 1-9 overall; 1-3 district
6. Chillicothe Eagles
Enrollment – 44
Head Coach – Zack Ryan
Lettermen – Returning 5, Leaving 5
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – 6-4 overall; 1-3 district
District 7-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – RB Craig Guelker, Blackwell
Preseason Defensive MVP – DE Klay McMillan, Loraine
1. Blackwell Hornets
Enrollment – 49
Head Coach – Clint Linman
Lettermen – Returning 9, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – Bi-district finalist, 4-7 overall; 3-1 district
2. Lorraine Bulldogs
Enrollment – 37
Head Coach – Mark Weaver
Lettermen – Returning 8, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 6; Defense 6
2025 Season Results – 2-8 overall; 2-2 district
3. Valera Panther Creek Panthers
Enrollment – 42
Head Coach – Cameron Norris
Lettermen – Returning 8, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 6; Defense 6
2025 Season Results – 5-5 overall; 2-2 district
4. Trent Gorillas
Enrollment – 25
Head Coach – Michael Cypher
Lettermen – Returning 10, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – 6-4 overall; 1-3 district
5. Olfen Mustangs
Enrollment – 45
Head Coach – Reese Wilson
Lettermen – Returning 8, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – 0-10 overall; 0-4 district
More: Dave Campbell's predictions for 2A DI Big Country high school football
More: Dave Campbell's predictions for 2A DII Big Country high school football
More: Former Haskell, Big Spring football coach Mitch McLemore dies at 60
District 8-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – QB Evan Deeds, Richland Springs
Preseason Defensive MVP – E Uriah Valdez, Cherokee
1. Cherokee Indians
Enrollment – 40
Head Coach – Zack White
Lettermen – Returning 14, Leaving 6
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – Area finalist, 10-2 overall; 3-0 district
2. Richland Springs Coyotes
Enrollment – 31
Head Coach – James McIntyre Jr.
Lettermen – Returning 4, Leaving 4
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – State semifinalist, 12-2 overall; 4-0 district
3. Rochelle Hornets
Enrollment – 53
Head Coach – Matt Maciel
Lettermen – Returning 7, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – Bi-district finalist, 4-7 overall; 3-1 district
4. Lohn Eagles
Enrollment – 35
Head Coach – Joseph Czubinski
Lettermen – Returning 9, Leaving 4
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – 3-7 overall; 0-4 district
5. Brookesmith Mustangs
Enrollment – 39
Head Coach – Blake Hood
Lettermen – Returning 12, Leaving 0
Starters returning – Offense 6; Defense 6
2025 Season Results – 4-6 overall; 1-3 district
District 9-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – QB Everett Cates, Benjamin
Preseason Defensive MVP – DB Zander Abila, Knox City
1. Benjamin Mustangs
Enrollment – 34
Head Coach – Aaron Kuehler
Lettermen – Returning 4, Leaving 4
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – Regional finalist, 10-1 overall; 4-0 district
2. Knox City Greyhounds
Enrollment – 49
Head Coach – Caleb Callaway
Lettermen – Returning 11, Leaving 0
Starters returning – Offense 6; Defense 6
2025 Season Results – 2-8 overall; 1-3 district
3. Haskell Paint Creek Pirates
Enrollment – 37
Head Coach – Shannon Waters
Lettermen – Returning 3, Leaving 6
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – 7-3 overall; 2-2 district
4. Rule Bobcats
Enrollment – 40
Head Coach – Aaron Hallford
Lettermen – Returning 6, Leaving 2
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – 1-8 overall; 1-3 district
5. Lueders-Avoca Raiders
Enrollment – 31
Head Coach – Donnie Waters
Lettermen – Returning 9, Leaving 2
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – 1-8 overall; 0-4 district
More: 2026 Bev Ball High School Volleyball Tournament Schedule, Scores
More: Dave Campbell's predictions for 3A DII Big Country high school football teams
More: Dave Campbell's predictions for 3A DI Big Country high school football teams
District 10-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – RB Joaquin Zambrano, Harrold
Preseason Defensive MVP – DE Barrett Allen, Gold-burg
1. Harrold Hornets
Enrollment – 52
Head Coach – Shad Walker
Lettermen – Returning 13, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 6; Defense 6
2025 Season Results – 5-5 overall; 1-3 district
2. Bowie Gold-burg Bears
Enrollment – 57
Head Coach – Open
Lettermen – Returning 10, Leaving 5
Starters returning – Offense 6; Defense 6
2025 Season Results – Bi-district finalist, 2-8 overall; 1-1 district
3. Woodson Cowboys
Enrollment – 51
Head Coach – Caleb Hagle
Lettermen – Returning 12, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – Bi-district finalist, 2-9 overall; 2-1 district
4. Forestburg Longhorns
Enrollment – 53
Head Coach – Cori Hayes
Lettermen – Returning 4, Leaving 2
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – 1-9 overall; 0-2 district
5. Throckmorton Greyhounds
Enrollment – 32
Head Coach – Shane Mallory
Lettermen – Returning 8, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – 2-8 overall; 1-2 district
District 11-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – QB Johnny Fraga, Strawn
Preseason Defensive MVP – DE Chico Hughes, Strawn
1. Strawn Greyhounds
Enrollment – 56
Head Coach – Dewaine Lee
Lettermen – Returning 8, Leaving 7
Starters returning – Offense 2; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – State semifinalist, 12-2 overall; 3-0 district
2. Rising Star Wildcats
Enrollment – 48
Head Coach – Brent Williamson
Lettermen – Returning 6, Leaving 2
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – 5-5 overall; 1-3 district
3. Sidney Eagles
Enrollment – 32
Head Coach – James Rucker
Lettermen – Returning 6, Leaving 4
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – 2-8 overall; 0-4 district
4. Moran Bulldogs
Enrollment – 27
Head Coach – Brad Stautzenberger
Lettermen – Returning 7, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – 0-8 overall; 0-3 district
More: Dave Campbell's predictions for 5A DI Big Country high school football teams
More: Dave Campbell's predictions for 5A DII Big Country high school football teams
More: Dave Campbell's predictions for 4A Big Country high school football teams
District 12-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – RB Chayden Woodcock, Zephyr
Preseason Defensive MVP – DB AC French, Blanket
1. Zephyr Bulldogs
Enrollment – 57
Head Coach – Derek Stevens
Lettermen – Returning 14, Leaving 2
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – Area finalist, 10-2 overall; 4-0 district
2. Blanket Tigers
Enrollment – 48
Head Coach – Jalen Helms
Lettermen – Returning 5, Leaving 6
Starters returning – Offense 2; Defense 2
2025 Season Results – Bi-district finalist, 8-3 overall; 3-1 district
3. Gustine Tigers
Enrollment – 50
Head Coach – Landry Gunter
Lettermen – Returning 16, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 6; Defense 6
2025 Season Results – 6-3 overall; 2-2 district
4. Mullin Bulldogs
Enrollment – 47
Head Coach – Slater Isbell
Lettermen – Returning 10, Leaving 10
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 4
2025 Season Results – 2-8 overall; 1-3 district
5. Priddy Pirates
Enrollment – 28
Head Coach – Derek Ahearn
Lettermen – Returning 5, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – 1-9 overall; 0-4 district
District 13-1A DII
Preseason Offensive MVP – RB Gavin Vara, Iredell
Preseason Defensive MVP – E Jaden Eilers, Kopperl
1. Iredell Dragons
Enrollment – 35
Head Coach – Luis Guereca
Lettermen – Returning 3, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – 5-5 overall; 2-2 district
2. Three Way Braves
Enrollment – 48
Head Coach – James Rigdon III
Lettermen – Returning 3, Leaving 5
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 2
2025 Season Results – Regional finalist, 11-2 overall; 3-1 district
3. Kopperl Eagles
Enrollment – 40
Head Coach – Lonnie Flippen
Lettermen – Returning 7, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 4; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – 6-4 overall; 1-3 district
4. Morgan Eagles
Enrollment – 37
Head Coach – Alan Berrio
Lettermen – Returning 7, Leaving 1
Starters returning – Offense 5; Defense 5
2025 Season Results – 3-7 overall; 0-4 district
5. Cranfills Gap Lions
Enrollment – 41
Head Coach – Cason Cox
Lettermen – Returning 3, Leaving 3
Starters returning – Offense 3; Defense 3
2025 Season Results – 4-6 overall; 2-2 district
6. Walnut Springs Hornets
Enrollment – 30
Head Coach – Richard Dye
Lettermen – Returning 0, Leaving 0
Starters returning – Offense 0; Defense 0
2025 Season Results – Returning varsity program in 2026
More: Dozens of Big Country baseball stars earn TSWA All-State accolades
More: New Richland Springs coaches under TEA investigation after March death | Exclusive
More: ARN’s 2026 All-Big Country High School Softball Super Team, Awards
More: 2026 All-Big Country High School Baseball Super Team, Awards
Statewide postseason picks
Class 1A Division II
Region I – Matador Motley County over McLean
Region II – Cherokee over Richland Springs
Region III – Benjamin over Zephyr
Region IV – Oakwood over Matador Motley County
State Champion – Cherokee
Andrew McCulloch covers Big Country area high school sports and Abilene Christian University sports for The Abilene Reporter-News. Reach him at sports@reporternews.com. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @ByAndyMcCulloch.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Dave Campbell's predictions for 1A DII Big Country high school football