(Photo courtesy of Big Country Preps)
First Look Feature: Our 2026 digital preview series covers all 29 Big Country high school sports programs ahead of kickoff on August 28.
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Bangs
Bangs enters the 2026 season looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance while competing in a new district.
2025 season: Finished 6-5 overall, 3-2 in district; advanced to the Class 2A Division I playoffs.
Coach Colton Buzzard returns 13 lettermen, including 5 offensive starters and 5 defensive starters.
Key offensive players:
- Jaxon Duncan (Sr. RB/LB): Rushed for 172 yards and 2 TDs and passed for 231 yards and 2 TDs last season.
- Connor Bible (Sr. WR/DB): Recorded 337 receiving yards and 6 TDs.
- Trapper Estess (So. QB/DB): Expected to compete for the starting quarterback job.
Other key contributors include Rooster Laughlin (Jr. RB/DE), Weston Hardin (So. WR/DB) and Carson Hardin (So. WR/DB).
Offensive line leaders: Roy Duron (Sr. OL/DT), Jace Duncan (Jr. OL/DT) and Caleb Wagner (Jr. OL/DT).
Defensive leaders:
- Ryan Algorum (Sr. TE/DT): Team-high 11 sacks in 2025.
- Jaxon Duncan (Sr. LB): Recorded 58 tackles.
- Connor Bible (Sr. DB): Added 3 interceptions.
- Roy Duron (Sr. DT)
Team outlook: Buzzard believes toughness is the Dragons’ greatest strength as they enter a district featuring several new opponents.
Bangs competes in District 7-2A Division I with Brady, Coleman, Johnson City LBJ, Mason and San Saba.
Coleman
Coleman is looking for a new football coach. John Elder, who has been the Bluecats’ coach for 16 years, stepped down in July, and as of press time the school had not named his replacement.
2025 season: Finished 2-8 overall, 1-5 in district.
The Bluecats return 14 lettermen, including 6 offensive starters and 6 defensive starters.
Key offensive players:
- Hunter Edington (Sr. QB/DE): Passed for 1,100 yards and 9 TDs last season.
- Jadin Smith (Sr. WR/DB): Recorded 17 receptions for 325 yards and 5 TDs.
- Chantz Adams (Sr. RB/LB): Returns after missing his junior season due to a knee injury.
Other key contributors include Nathaniel Guerrero (Jr. RB/DB), Kyle Chambers (Sr. WR/DB), Townes Fulbright (Sr. WR/DB), Jason Strickland (Sr. WR/DB) and Haeden Sikes (Jr. WR/DB).
Offensive line leaders: Easton Meador (Sr. OL/DL), Corbin Rosalez (Sr. C/DL), Austin Vanpelt (Jr. OL/DL), Bryston Story (Sr. OL/DL) and Glen Harris (Jr. OL/DL).
Defensive leaders:
- Brady Elder (Sr. LB): Team-high 75 tackles last season.
- Easton Meador (Sr. DL): Recorded 54 tackles and 3 sacks.
- Jeff Black (Sr. TE/DE)
- Chantz Adams (Sr. LB)
Team outlook: Elder expects the Bluecats to benefit from their returning experience and is counting on several veteran players to lead the way.
Coleman competes in District 7-2A Division I with Bangs, Brady, Johnson City LBJ, Mason and San Saba.
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