District 4-3A Division II Football Season Outlook: Breckenridge, Merkel

(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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Breckenridge

Breckenridge enters the 2026 season with an experienced roster after qualifying for the playoffs last year before falling to eventual regional finalist Paradise in the bi-district round.

2025 season: Finished 4-7 overall, 2-3 in district; advanced to the bi-district round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs.

Coach Casey Pearce returns 18 lettermen, including 8 offensive starters and 8 defensive starters, from last year’s playoff team.

Key offensive players:

• Hudson Woodward (Sr. QB/DB): Expected to take over at quarterback after throwing for 213 yards and 2 TDs last season.
• Ryan Waller (Jr. WB/DB): Recorded 41 receptions for 730 yards and 7 TDs in 2025.
• Hayden Mendoza (Sr. RB/DL): Key two-way contributor.
• Cooper Wimberley (Jr. WR/QB/DB)
• Gunnar Pearce (Sr. HB/LB)

Other key offensive contributors include Truett Trammel (Jr. RB/DB), Brenham Walker (Jr. B/LB) and Canyon Shirley (Sr. WR/DB).

Offensive line leaders: Joacim Fernandez (Sr. OL/DL), Zarius Maya (Jr. C/DL) and Santiago Ortiz (OL/DL).

Defensive leaders:

• Hayden Mendoza (Sr. DL): Recorded 77 tackles and 6 sacks last season.
• Ryan Waller (Jr. DB): Team-high 5 interceptions in 2025.
• Gunnar Pearce (Sr. LB)
• Tucker Baugh (Jr. LB)

Team outlook: Pearce believes the Buckaroos’ experience will be a major strength as they drop to Class 3A Division II and compete in a district filled entirely with new opponents.

Breckenridge joins District 4-3A Division II alongside Henrietta, Holliday, Jacksboro, Merkel and Wichita Falls City View.

Merkel

Merkel enters the 2026 season with high expectations after reaching the area round of the playoffs in 2025.

2025 season: Finished 7-5 overall; advanced to the area round of the Class 3A Division II playoffs.

Coach Wes Wood returns 7 offensive starters and 5 defensive starters, led by one of the area’s top returning quarterbacks.

Key offensive players:

• Easton Malone (Jr. QB/LB): Completed 153 of 254 passes for 2,476 yards and 32 TDs while rushing for 648 yards and 7 TDs last season.
• Mayson Prieto (Jr. WR/DB): Recorded 30 receptions for 361 yards and 5 TDs.
• C.J. Guadarrama (Sr. RB/K)
• Jason Alaniz (Jr. RB/LB)

Offensive line leaders: Johnny Andersen (Jr. LT/DL), Caiden Drinkard (Jr. OL/DL) and Jacob Watson (So. OL/DE).

Defensive leaders:

• Easton Malone (Jr. LB): Recorded 101 tackles and 2 sacks in 2025.
• Jason Alaniz (Jr. LB): Finished with 51 tackles and 2 sacks.
• Johnny Andersen (Jr. DL)
• Caiden Drinkard (Jr. DL)

Team outlook: Wood believes quarterback play and improved offensive line experience will be key strengths for the Badgers.

Merkel remains in District 4-3A Division II, where it will face Breckenridge, Henrietta, Holliday, Jacksboro and Wichita Falls City View.

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