Texas High School Football Class 6A Preseason Rankings

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Who will finish as the top 6A team in the Lonestar state? DeSoto is the favorite. However, it’s a long list of able candidates, including district rival No.2 Duncanville, who might have something to say when they square off in a district battle on October 11th.

Top-ranked DeSoto is one of several power teams in Texas high school football. The Eagles have demonstrated dominance in Class 6A Division II by clinching back-to-back Class 6A Titles despite its Class 5A attendance. Its relentless pursuit of a third consecutive title is a testament to its unwavering strength and determination.

Standing 6’7″ and weighing 340 pounds, offensive lineman Byron Washington will team with a group of experienced linemen to pave the way for running back Deondrae Riden and provide protection for dual-threat quarterback Kelden Ryan, a Virginia Tech commit.

Receivers Ethan Feaster and Daylon Singletary will add production to a potent offense and could be behind another Eagle State title. Defensive end Keylan Abrams recorded 18 sacks last season and will join a host of defenders, including strong safety Sael Reyes.

Duncanville is on a mission to avenge its only loss of last season to district rival DeSoto. The upcoming game, which could result in a district title, playoff seeding, and bragging rights, is a golden opportunity for Duncanville to even the score. If the Eagles advance to the playoffs, they will fall into Division II because of it’s school enrollment.

The Panthers will rely on two five-star players, quarterback Keelon Russell and receiver Dakorien Moore. The two form one of the top pass-receiver combos in the nation. Moore will play his college days at LSU, while Russell, the MVP of the Elite 11, will join the Crimson Tide. The Elite 11 showcases the top signal callers around the country and is held in California during the summer.

After walking away empty in the last two division I class 6A state championship games, No.3 North Shore will look to halt the dry spell.

Eight offensive holdovers, including four-year quarterback Kaleb Bailey, running back D’Andre Hardeman, and receiver Deion DeBlanc, give the Mustangs enough ammunition to challenge for a title.

5-star defensive back Devin Sanchez will lead the defense. Linebacker Charles Ross and defensive lineman Kylan Darville will provide support. Most of the defensive line has returned, but the secondary will look to fill voids.

The trenches have No.4 Austin Westlake hoping, and they are looking to improve on last year’s semifinal loss to North Shore. Richard Griggs, Jared Reisinger, William Twardowski, and Bennett Wilkin will protect quarterback Rees Wise, who passed for 1,877 yards, 21 touchdowns, and rushed for 11. Grady Bartlett will also be a big part of the Chaps’ offense.

Expect a battle from No.5 North Crowley, which returned seven offensive and six defensive players from its surprise semifinal appearance. All-star quarterback Chris Jimmerson is special after turning in 3,000 plus passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 12 rushing touchdowns, steaming from 1,105 yards. Three-star running back Daniel Bray can only make the Panthers better. Bray, who rushed 1,359 yards last season for Albiline, will pair with running back Cornelius Warren, who rushed for 700 yards on a short season called by injuries.

Quarterback Blake Thomas hopes to build on his second season at his position. It will be challenging pickings for the No.6 Summer Creek Bulldogs in one of the state’s toughest districts, which includes Atascocita, C.E. King, Humble, and North Shore. But the defense should hold things together until the offense comes around.

Don’t fall asleep on No. 7 Southlake Carroll. Coach Riley Dodge won’t have to challenge the Dragons to get fired up despite losing to Denton Guyer, DeSoto, and Duncanville in its last three playoff trips. Two division I running backs, Davis Penn and Riely Wormley, should improve the Dragon’s ground game behind the blocking of Tristan Dare, Carey Clayton, and Trent Wilson. Quarterback Angelo Renda will light a spark in the air raids, throwing to receivers Brock Boyd, Christian Glenn, Brody Knowles, and tight end Jack Van Dorselaer.

View the entire rankings below.

1 DeSoto

2 Duncanville

3 North Shore (Houston)

4 Austin Westlake (Austin)

5 North Crowley (Fort Worth)

6 Summer Creek (Humble)

7 Southlake Carroll (Southlake)

8 Lake Travis (Austin)

9 Atascocita (Humble)

10 Cibolo Steele

11 Katy