UIL Realignment’s bi-annual festivities provide plenty of fireworks that reverberate across the Lone Star State.

Despite all the guesswork that’s done by many (yours truly included), the UIL always manages to throw a few curveballs our way every time.

Let’s take a look at Class 3A and see who won the day and who came away from realignment shaking their head.

Winners

3A Division I Region III: The entire region is named a winner here as back-to-back state champion Grandview has moved on to a brutally tough Region II, leaving the door wide open for any number of contenders to grab the regional crown. Rockdale, Cameron Yoe, Hallettsville, Columbus, Yoakum, East Chambers and Lorena should all be happy.

Vanderbilt Industrial: The Cobras, who had an outstanding 11-2 campaign a year ago, definitely benefit from the move of former district rivals Hallettsville and Yoakum to Region III. They also wouldn’t see defending regional champion Columbus until the state semifinals as Columbus moved to 12-3A Division I. Columbus eliminated Jamie Dixon’s squad last year in the regional semifinals, 34-28.

Eastland: The Mavericks drop back down to 3A-Division II after two good years in Division I going a combined 18-6. Last year’s bi-district playoff loss is something Texas Tech QB commit Behren Morton wants to forget, and nothing would erase that memory more than a deep playoff push as a senior.  The Mavericks avoid the Region I powers and move into Region II where they should be labeled regional co-favorite along with defending state champion Gunter.

East Texas In Division II: As we predicted in the #TepAndStepp Realignment Podcast, East Texas did get a third district in 3A-Division II and all three districts are placed in Region III, which means 12 of the 16 playoff teams in the Region will be from the 903. Daingerfield and Omaha Paul Pewitt are feeling the best about the alignment as they move north along the Red River into a district that the two Morris County rivals should dominate.

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Losers

Kermit: The Yellowjackets remained in 1-3A Division I, but the district has changed drastically as Kermit goes from a guaranteed playoff spot to being in a district with Brownfield, Denver City, Slaton, powerful Shallowater and 4A drop down Lamesa. Making the playoffs is going to be incredibly tough in 2020 for Kermit.

Kemp: Lee Wilkins’ squad is staring at an absolute brutal district in 8-3A Division I just three years removed from making the state semifinals. State power Malakoff, 4A drop down Fairfield and always tough Teague leads the way, but don’t count out up-and-coming Groesbeck, who is revitalized with the return of Jerry Bomar to town.

Buffalo: The Bison have posted an impressive 20-4 record the past two seasons under head coach Brandon Houston, but the road is much tougher now as Buffalo moves from Region II to a brutally tough 13-3A Division II down in Region IV. Not only is there difficult travel to the south, but there are tough teams littered in this district with Division I drop down Franklin leading the way, along with Rogers, Lexington and Clifton in this tough loop.

Valley View: The 2019 2A Division I Region II champions won’t get to defend their regional title as Valley moved up to 3A-Division II after realignment. 6-3A Division II isn’t easy with Holliday and Wichita Falls City View leading the way, but the Eagles should still have enough to get a playoff spot. The big key is how long will the run be with powerful Eastland and Gunter looming.