Most Improved Defenses in 2025

These teams are listed in order of most significant decrease in points allowed per game.

1. Dallas A+ Academy (43.6 fewer ppg)

Dallas A+ Academy's 4-1 start already guarantees it'll finish with the best record in school history, but the Knights are seeking a playoff spot in a grueling District 6-3A DI. The defense, which was holding opponents to an average of 8.25 points per game before a tough opener against district favorite Palmer, gives them a fighting chance. New defensive coordinator Perry Jason coaches a unit that received some offseason additions from the soccer team, headlined by linebacker Diego Vasquez.

Read more about Dallas A+ Academy's historic start here:

2. Robstown (39.51 fewer ppg)

Robstown is feeling like Taylor Swift the way they've started 5-0 for the first time since 1989. Coach Travis Crowley's bunch is already the first team since 2010 to win more than three games in a season, but this group is hungry for more. 

Crowley, who was elevated from offensive coordinator to head coach in February, says the historic season is a testament to the player-led culture his team developed this offseason. Crowley drove past the practice field multiple times on an off-day and saw his players working out together. The 112 boys who attended summer strength and conditioning was an unofficial record.

"I'm excited that all the hard work behind closed doors that this group has put in throughout the offseason, they’re finally seeing the rewards on a Friday night," Crowley said. "It's keeping them humble, yet hungry at the same time."

Former London coach Kevin Carr switched the defensive scheme from a 4-2-5 to a 4-3 in his first season as defensive coordinator. He also simplified the playbook so the kids could think less and play faster. The defensive line is headlined by defensive end Joel Mungia and interior tackles Dominic Figueroa and Aaron De La Rosa. Sophomore linebacker Ethan Vasquez's emergence has paired well with hybrid outside linebacker/safety Ricardo Reese.

3. Lamar Consolidated (32.30 fewer ppg)

Last season, Lamar Consolidated gave up fewer than 40 points just twice. Now, opponents are averaging 18.8 points per game. New head coach Chris Lane, formerly Alief Hastings' offensive coordinator, has seen the most change on the defensive side during his tenure. Junior defensive tackle Elijah Williams (6'3, 275) has been a game wrecker, while junior safety Jayvien Jackson has two interceptions on the year.

Lamar Consolidated's defense will be tested in District 9-5A DII play, which DCTX rated as the toughest district in 5A.

4. Hubbard (31.05 fewer ppg)

After Hubbard beat Colmesneil to move to 2-1 on the year, a senior player approached Coach Ryan Faulknor and said this was the most games he'd won. He's played football in Hubbard since seventh grade. Hubbard hasn't had a winning season since 2018, and changing that statistic is personal for Faulknor. 

"I grew up here and I graduated from here," Faulknor said. "I've been down this path, so I can relate to them. And, by God, they're buying into what I'm feeding. There's a little buzz going around."

Hubbard has just three seniors on the entire team, but it helps when sophomore Mike linebacker Gavin Wragge is wise beyond his years. He calls the defense's alignment and checks before the snap. Against Colmesneil, he pointed out an adjustment that needed to be made to his defensive coordinator, and it helped Hubbard win the game. Defensive tackles Aydon Swanson and Justyn Carlile, two of the few seniors on this squad, aggressively eat up blocks, which allows Wragge and the linebackers to run free.

Hubbard has faced a variety of offensive schemes in non-district play, including the Wing-T, Slot-T and spread. Faulknor believes that experience will serve his defense well in a loaded District 10-2A DII that features Bremond and Mart.

5. San Marcos (29.70 fewer ppg)

Much of San Marcos's increased defensive production can be explained by nine of the Rattlers' players, most of whom are Division I football prospects, becoming eligible for their senior season. Still, surrendering just 22 points per game while facing a non-district gauntlet that included Hutto, Pflugerville Weiss and Lake Travis is impressive.  

Coach John Walsh, who has mentored over 90 college football players, says outside linebacker I'zayah Young (SMU commit) is the most explosive player within the first two steps he's seen. He pairs with middle linebacker Darius Davis (Texas State commit) who was named a DCTX three-star for his standout performance during the Rising Game of the Week against Weiss. Henry Harris will most likely play wide receiver in college, but he is also a standout corner with elite length at 6'4, 186.