The Class 4A races this year are between programs who've dominated TXHSFB decades, and programs who just became programs within the last five years. Does the blue blood or the new blood win the crown?

Greg Tepper and Matt Stepp's quotes are pulled from Tep&Stepp's Class Preview podcasts.

Class 4A DI

Magazine Prediction: Celina

With a blue-chip quarterback, leadership on a ferocious defense and pedigree, Celina realizes its golden hour.

Greg Tepper: Celina

"They're going to be really good this year, and also, it does feel like the clock is ticking in Celina. A lot is changing (population-wise) in a hurry. They've got Oklahoma commit Bowe Bentley back. Whatever you think is too much hype, it's not there yet with him. He's spectacular. Luke Biagini, the defensive player of the year, is back as well. But they only bring back eight starters from last year's team. They've got to rebuild that offensive line. The thing is, rebuilding offensive lines is kind of Bill Elliott's thing."

Matt Stepp: Canyon West Plains

"The Panhandle is going to win a state championship in Class 4A Division I. Reid Macon (4,104 total yards and 51 touchdowns) is a four-year starter at quarterback. They have a big offensive line led by Kansas State commit Keegan Collins. Kane White-Tinsley, the UTEP commit, is a two-way superstar. They got a stud tight end move-in from Bushland, who's 6'5, 220. He's going to fill right in. West Plains is absolutely loaded on the offensive side of the ball. The big question is going to be on the defensive side of the ball, where they bring back seven starters. They should be better on that side of the ball, but are they better enough to take them to a state championship game appearance?"

Carter Yates: Canyon West Plains

Canyon West Plains's 43-36 loss to Celina last year in the state semifinals was an absolute war. The Wolves' ten returning starters from an offense that averaged 39.5 points per game, combined with Celina replacing its entire offensive line and returning just eight starters total, gives Canyon West Plains a chance for revenge. It's not just the electric Macon at quarterback. Slade Russell had 1,697 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Kane White-Tinsley had over 1,000 receiving yards and nine interceptions.

I predict the first senior class to spend all four years at Canyon West Plains High School (opened in 2022) will mark the occasion with the program's first state championship. 

Class 4A DII

Magazine Prediction: Carthage

Scott Surratt is 10–0 in state championship games. If the Bulldogs manage to get back to AT&T Stadium, they'll get No. 11.

Greg Tepper: Carthage

"Carthage has - kind of - all of their dudes back. Jett Surratt (3,378 yards and 53 touchdowns) at the quarterback spot. KJ Edwards (2,167 all-purpose yards and 26 total touchdowns) at the running back spot. Qui Beck (Texas A&M commit) at the linebacker spot. However, they're losing three starting offensive linemen and three of their four defensive linemen. A lot of the nuts and bolts for them are going to be gone. It's weird, because normally we're talking about the reverse for Carthage, where they're going to be great in the trenches and have stars emerge."

Matt Stepp: Carthage

"I can't pick against Scott Surratt in a state championship game. Because Carthage is the reigning state champ, today, Carthage is the TXHSFB program of record. If Aledo had won a state championship game last year, I'd give them the nod.

Trust in Scott Surratt. The guy is 83–8 in the playoffs and he's 10–0 in state championship games. The stats just get more ridiculous every year on Scott Surratt. Talking to people in the know in Carthage, this is Carthage's best team. That's a lot to ask, but people in town have been waiting on this senior class for a long time. I think there's a lot of excitment and a lot of buzz.

I think having Jett Surratt back for a third-year as a starter. A lot of people don't know this, he was not healthy at all in 2024. Supposedly, he's gotten everything taken care of and he's 100% going into the year. Is that going to open up Carthage's offense even more? You've got two great running backs (Edwards and Benny Smith). I think they're going to figure out the ofefnsive and defensive lines. They've got two of the best linebackers in 4A in Beck and Carson Crawford, the Colorado commit."

Carter Yates: Carthage

Carthage has the best QB/RB duo with Surratt and Edwards in Clas 4A, an Arkansas commit (Keymian Henderson Jr) at wide receiver, Class 4A's best linebacker tandem with Beck and Crawford and the second-best secondary in Class 4A. In my opinion, the Class 4A DII State Champion is the one I'm most sure about.