Stepp's 2A DI Region II Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook

A year ago, we were flummoxed by Region II and who among the seven or eight evenly matched teams would win it. When the dust settled, it was Hamilton who emerged by winning close game after close game en route to a 14-1 record before falling to Stamford in the state semifinals. The Bulldogs enter as slight favorites again in 2025, but keep your eyes on De Leon, which returns 17 starters from an area round playoff squad. These two could potentially play twice.

Wolfe City may have the region’s best player but the sting of a stunning first-round playoff loss lingers. There’s no question the Wolves can make a run but getting past the bi-district hurdle will be key. Fast-growing Tioga is now a playoff mainstay but the Bulldogs have a lot of pieces to replace on offense. Tom Bean, Alvord and Whitewright all are in a battle for the last two spots.

Axtell came within a point of a regional title last year, but a stellar senior class has graduated. We trust head coach Craig Horn, but watch out for fast-rising Rio Vista who could be in for big things in 2025. Italy is always dangerous because they bring a ton of team speed to the table, while a veteran Dawson squad expects to be improved as well.

I love the depth in 8-2A Division I as I believe there are five bonafide playoff teams in this district. Most thought 2024 would be Frankston’s year, but it was Mildred who stole the show with a 12-1 mark. The Eagles are slight favorites again over Frankston despite the Indians being loaded at the skill spots. Kerens got hot late last year and should be much improved in Year 2 under Brent Watkins, while Cayuga returns 17 starters from a 7-4 squad. Price Carlisle only won one game last year, but new (and old) head coach Clay Baker is back and he’s a proven winner.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 5-2A Division I

1. Hamilton
2. De Leon
3. Coleman
4. Hico
5. Ballinger
6. Bangs

District 6-2A Division I

1. Wolfe City
2. Tioga
3. Tom Bean
4. Alvord
5. Whitewright
6. Trenton
7. Nocona

District 7-2A Division I

1. Axtell
2. Rio Vista
3. Italy
4. Dawson
5. Valley Mills
6. Bosqueville
7. Itasca

District 8-2A Division I

1. Mildred
2. Frankston
3. Kerens
4. Cayuga
5. Price Carlisle
6. Cross Roads

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W5 Hamilton vs F6 Alvord

R8 Frankston vs T7 Italy

W6 Wolfe City vs F5 Hico

R7 Rio Vista vs T8 Kerens

W7 Axtell vs F8 Cayuga

R6 Tioga vs T5 Coleman

W8 Mildred vs F7 Dawson

R5 De Leon vs T6 Tom Bean

REGIONAL CHAMPION

De Leon over Hamilton