4-Seeds that could make a Run in 2025 TXHSFB Playoffs

6A: Odessa Permian Panthers

We’re picking the Panthers to catch some MOJO in 2025. Senior running back Gavin Black (6’0, 210) finished fourth in Class 6A with 2,375 yards and 31 touchdowns, per MaxPreps. He and fellow senior quarterback Jakob Garcia (1,483 yards, 14 touchdowns) headline one of the state’s most experienced and balanced backfields. The Panthers also have an impact player returning at all three levels of the defense. Linebacker Caleb Jamison captains the defense with 104 tackles last year, while Coffie Powell anchors the defensive line. Cameron Mattingly is a ballhawk in the secondary (four interceptions).

5A: Amarillo Sandies

Amarillo has played football since before the Great Depression, and rising senior quarterback Jett Lopez (3,007 yards, 36 TDs) broke every major school passing record last season. Lopez has multiple weapons returning from an offense that scored 42 points per game. Wide receiver Oliver Parsons is third in school history in career receiving yards and touchdowns, while running back Jude Dunavin had over 1,600 all-purpose yards. The defense does have to replace its top two linebackers, but seven returning starters are a luxury.

4A: Fort Bend Crawford Chargers

Head coach David Jackson’s squad made the playoffs in their first year as a varsity program and now returns every starter for 2025. Rising junior wide receiver Alvin Mosley (6’3, 190) is a four-star with offers to Texas Tech, SMU and Houston. He can also play defensive back, pairing with fellow Division I recruit Trason Richardson. The front seven also has two First Team All-District edge rushers, Khaidyn Hopson and Shemar Walls. Crawford has the talent, but is that talent experienced enough in its first year with seniors to make a run?

3A: Trinity Leadership Cedar Hill Tigers

Don’t let last year’s 1-10 record fool you - the Tigers were 8-1 before they had to forfeit all games played with three ineligible players. Cedar Hill TLC returns all 11 starters on offense in 2025. Running back Corbin Jones rushed for over 1,100 yards behind First Team All-District right tackle Lee Toney (6’4, 340) and left tackle Caleb Moore. Quarterback Londen Cook was the first signal caller to lead the Tigers to nine wins (unofficially) since Shedeur Sanders. Linebacker Javan Shields is the defensive linchpin, while defensive back Treveon Patterson had 11 pass breakups.

2A: Joaquin Rams

Joaquin was the biggest surprise in the TXHSFB playoffs last year, reaching the state semifinals after sneaking in as a fourth seed. The Rams won’t catch anyone off guard in 2025. Head coach Jared Jones now has two full offseasons under his belt. He returns the strong side of his offensive line and the core of his defensive line, namely G/TE Aiden Kilpatrick. Cooper Bragg is the returning leader with 881 all-purpose yards and is a playmaker at safety, too.