The Most Improved Defenses of the 2026 TXHSFB Season

10. Nevada Community (29.6 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 49.8
2026 points per game: 20.2
Current Record: 4-1
Current Computer Ranking: No. 72 team in Class 5A DII (up 20 spots from preseason)

Nevada Community was projected to finish last in District 3-5A DII. The Braves won only four games in 2023-25, and they jumped up from Class 4A after this offseason’s realignment. But Nevada Community is now 4-1 and won its first district game over Eagle Mountain. Senior linebacker Kelvin Shomuyiwa is averaging 13.8 tackles per game and is tied for the team lead with two sacks. Fellow linebacker Grayson Abbott, a three-year letterman, is having an outstanding senior year with 7.8 tackles per game and two sacks.

9. Olton (30.2 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 32.6
2026 points per game: 2.4
Current Record: 5-0
Current Computer Ranking: No. 32 in Class 2A DI (up 33 spots from preseason)

James Dougherty knew 2026 would be a pivotal season for his overall tenure, entering the second year at the helm with 17 total starters back. The Mustangs have surpassed every expectation, starting 5-0 (one win by forfeit). In four games, Olton has pitched three shutouts and allowed just 429 total yards. Senior inside linebacker Emmit Nelson has racked up 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks in just three total games. Three players have over 20 tackles (Rigo Galvan, Jett Tomsu, and Cesar Ceballos).

8. Brazosport (30.6 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 39.2
2026 points per game: 8.6
Current Record: 5-0
Current Computer Ranking: No. 30 team in Class 4A DII (up 17 spots from preseason)

New head coach Justin Velasquez, most recently an assistant at Mesquite High School, is in the running for mid-season coach of the year. Brazosport ranks in the state’s top 10 for most improved offense (29.2 more points per game) and most improved defense (30.6 fewer points per game). Senior linebacker Isaiah Calhoun has built on a unanimous First Team All-District season last fall. The coaching staff knew what to expect from Calhoun, but sophomore linebacker Parker Pinckard has been a revelation, leading the Exporters with four sacks.

7. D'Hanis (30.9 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 38.9
2026 points per game: 8
Current Record: 5-0
Current Computer Ranking: No. 22 team in Class 2A DII (up 32 spots from preseason)

With 10 returning starters on each side of the ball, Coach Chance Barlow truly felt his Cowboys were ready to compete for a district championship. A 5-0 start has silenced any doubters. D’Hanis is the third-most improved offense in the state, and the seventh-most improved defense in the state. Senior defensive end Joe Ruiz has 11 tackles for loss and three sacks, while breakout freshman star Julius Sandoval has added 11 tackles for loss of his own and leads the Cowboys with five sacks. Overall, the Cowboys have racked up 16 sacks over five games.

6. Nocona (31 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 42.6
2026 points per game: 11.6
Current Record: 4-1
Current Computer Ranking: No. 63 team in Class 2A DI (up 30 spots from preseason)

Nocona appears to have made a massive leap in Coach Jeff Hill’s second season, especially on defense. Senior defensive back Jesse Gomez has already recorded three interceptions this season, while Manny Resendiz and Cruz Garcia each have 2.5 sacks. Sophomore linebacker Wyatt Johnson leads the team with 6.5 tackles per game. Nocona’s defense will be tested in district play against two-time defending state champion Muenster and 4-1 Alvord.

5. McCamey (31.3 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 47.9
2026 points per game: 16.6
Current Record: 5-0
Current Computer Ranking: No. 29 team in Class 2A DII (up 45 spots from preseason)

After surrendering 47.9 points per game in a 3-8 season a year ago, McCamey’s defense has completed a makeover. The 5-0 Badgers have already racked up 23 sacks this season, led by junior defensive lineman Brandon Molina (six sacks) and senior Landon Smith (five sacks). Junior defensive back Steven Rodriguez is leading the team with 10 tackles per game. McCamey has a final non-district game this week against Bovina, which the computer has them favored to win by 17 points. 

4. Waxahachie Life (33.1 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 51.3
2026 points per game: 18.3
Current Record: 3-1
Current Computer Ranking: No. 74 team in Class 4A DI (up 27 spots from preseason)

After back-to-back 0-10 seasons, new head coach Larry Colvin has the Mustangs racing out to a 3-1 start. Waxahachie Life remains the fourth-most improved defense in the state, even after playing Caddo Mills (4-1) in the district opener. Linebackers Kaden Smith and Giovanni Harris, both returning First Team All-District performers from last year, are leading the charge again. Waxahachie Life has a must-win district game this week against 0-5 Mabank.

3. Paris North Lamar (33.6 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 54.3
2026 points per game: 20.8
Current Record: 2-2
Current Computer Ranking: No. 74 team in Class 4A DII (up 10 spots from preseason)

The Panthers stumbled into the season having lost 22 of the previous 23 games, but head coach Carlos Guevara’s ball club got off to a feisty 2-2 start in non-district play. Paris North Lamar’s defense, aided by a bevy of juniors who got valuable playing time last year, is allowing 33.6 fewer points per game. Rhodie Emerson, one of those top juniors, leads the team with 17 solo tackles. Jayce Smith is a ball-hawking defensive back with four interceptions already, while star wide receiver Keylan Gray has two interceptions on the defensive side as well.

2. Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis (40.8 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 58
2026 points per game: 17.3
Current Record: 2-2
Current Computer Ranking: No. 94 team in Class 4A DI (up 9 spots from preseason)

At 2-2 this season, Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis has won multiple games for the first time since a 4-6 finish in 2019. The Eagles’ defense gets much of the credit, holding opponents to just 17.3 points per game. 

Junior corner Emmanuel Niyosaba has been a breakout star. Niyosaba started playing football last year, but with his long 6-foot frame, Coach Irwin Garcia says he has more raw talent than either of the two defensive backs he’s coached who played DI football. Niyosaba hasn’t given up a catch this year. Fellow defensive back Milliano Rios has five pass breakups.

Ivan Rodriguez (28 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, blocked kick) and Kayden Martinez (23 tackles, 1 sack) anchor the defensive line. Linebackers Alonzo Anchondo (14 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 FR) and Bruno Ponce (27 tackles, 2 TFL, PBU) are both rangy defenders.

1. Floydada (43 fewer points per game)

2025 points per game: 53.8
2026 points per game: 10.8
Current Record: 3-2
Current Computer Ranking: No. 73 team in Class 2A DI (up 27 spots from preseason)

One year after leading Stinnett West Texas to its first state semifinal appearance since 1995, veteran head coach Jeff Smith has turned Floydada into the state’s most improved defense. His son, sophomore defensive end Dayne Smith, has already racked up 53 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. There’s no let-up from the other side of the formation, as senior defensive end Jerald Henderson has 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Freshman safety Derrick Henderson has been a breakout star with 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a sack.