After a run to the regional final a year ago, Lexington enters as the favorite in 13-3A Division II. That hype is with good reason, as Oklahoma State commit QB Kase Evans is back for an encore. Last year’s district champion, Blanco, will be right in the mix under new head coach Kent Walker, as it looks to rejoin the ranks of the Slot-T mafia. Rogers also has a new coach as it looks to bounce back from a tough 2024 campaign.
A lot of good football is played in 14-3A Division II and it starts with Tidehaven, who has won Region IV the past two seasons. The Tigers played for a state title in 2023, and with 17 starters back and fresh off a State 7-on-7 crown, this could be the year for David Lucio’s bunch. East Bernard is waiting in the wings, as the Brahmas had a 10-2 mark a year ago and look more than capable in the role of sleeper. Van Vleck brings a lot back but lost an absolute stud running back. That experienced team will have to lean on a defense that returns nine starters. Industrial is a surprise playoff pick, as the Cobras weren’t as bad as their record indicated a year ago. They have a new coach and some stability after a rocky season.
Poth is the runaway favorite in 15-3A Division II as it hasn't dropped a district game since 2016. QB Major Luna and RB Kane Stovar are back, but filling holes in the trenches will tell the Pirates' tale on how deep a playoff run they can make after falling in the third round a year ago. Stockdale could be the fast riser in this district, but Cotulla, fresh off an area-round appearance, will be solid. Dilley was also an area-round team, but the Wolves were hit hard by graduation. Nixon-Smiley, Karnes City and Natalia all expect to be much improved in 2025.
The race in 16-3A Division II is sure to be entertaining as George West, last year’s champion, gets the nod, but there are questions with a new coach and new offensive scheme. Odem and Hebbronville bring a good amount of experience back and both expect to battle for the two-seed, while Santa Rosa is the best bet to take the final playoff spot out of the Valley. With 16 starters back, Taft will look to play the role of spoiler.
DISTRICT PREDICTIONS
District 13-3A Division II
- Lexington
- Blanco
- Rogers
- Thrall
- Comfort
District 14-3A Division II
- Tidehaven
- East Bernard
- Van Vleck
- Vanderbilt Industrial
- Rice Consolidated
- Boling
- Wallis Brazos
District 15-3A Division II
- Poth
- Stockdale
- Cotulla
- Dilley
- Karnes City
- Nixon-Smiley
- Natalia
- San Antonio YMLA
District 16-3A Division II
- George West
- Odem
- Hebbronville
- Santa Rosa
- Taft
- Banquete
- Monte Alto
PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS
W13 Lexington vs F14 Vanderbilt Industrial
R16 Odem vs T15 Cotulla
W14 Tidehaven vs F13 Thrall
R15 Stockdale vs T16 Hebbronville
W15 Poth vs F16 Santa Rosa
R14 East Bernard vs T13 Rogers
W16 George West vs F15 Dilley
R13 Blanco vs T14 Van Vleck
REGIONAL CHAMPION
Tidehaven over Blanco
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