District 5-3A Division II Football Season Outlook: Comanche, Eastland

(Photo courtesy of Coach Jake Escobar)

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Comanche

Comanche looks to bounce back after ending a streak of three consecutive playoff appearances.

Coach Jake Escobar believes the Indians will be improved this season behind a talented group of skill players led by their quarterback and running back positions.

2025 season: Finished 5-5 overall, 2-3 in district.

Comanche returns an experienced core as it moves down to Class 3A Division II.

Key offensive players:

• Cooper Welch (Sr. QB/DB): Passed for 1,514 yards and 10 TDs last season.
• LaDainian Smith (Sr. RB): Three-year starter who rushed for 813 yards and 10 TDs in 2025.
• Zaden Tello (Sr. RB/TE/LB): Three-year starter and the team’s top returning receiver.

Other key offensive contributors include Kye Keeter (Jr. WR/DB), Brady Gaines (So. WR/DB), Elijah Ozuna (So. RB/LB) and Lukas Morgan (So. WR/DB).

Offensive line leaders: Alex Mendieta (Jr. OL/DL), Adrian Davalos (Sr. OL/DL) and Hunter Duncan (Jr. OL/DL).

Defensive leaders:

• Zaden Tello (Sr. LB): Recorded 51 tackles and 5 sacks last season.
• Damian Aguilar (Sr. TE/LB)
• Alex Mendieta (Jr. DL)
• Adrian Davalos (Sr. DL)

Team outlook: Escobar expects the Indians to be led by their experienced skill players, with Welch and Smith providing the foundation for the offense and Tello serving as a leader on both sides of the ball.

Comanche moves into District 5-3A Division II alongside Clifton, Dublin, Eastland, Hamilton, Millsap, Rio Vista and Tolar.

Eastland

Eastland hopes to take a significant step forward in the second season under head coach Matt Landers.

2025 season: Finished 0-10 overall.

The Mavericks return 21 lettermen, including 8 offensive starters and 8 defensive starters, giving the program an experienced foundation entering the season.

Key offensive players:

• Colby Nichols (Sr. QB/LB): Expected to compete for the starting quarterback position.
• Trey Ishmael (Jr. QB/DB): Also in the battle for the starting quarterback job.
• Keegan Landers (Sr. WR/DB)
• Azrael Rivera (So. RB/S)

Offensive line leaders: Gabriel Gomez (Jr. OL/DL), Carlos Ojeda (Jr. OL/DL) and Canyon Schiermeyer (Jr. OL/DL).

Defensive leaders:

• Jesse Bilby (Jr. RB/LB): Led the team in tackles last season.
• Wesley Williams (Jr. WR/LB): Returning starter expected to anchor the defense.
• Gabriel Gomez (Jr. DL)
• Carlos Ojeda (Jr. DL)

Team outlook: Landers believes a productive offseason and a roster filled with returning Friday night experience will help the Mavericks show improvement this fall.

Eastland competes in District 5-3A Division II with Clifton, Comanche, Dublin, Hamilton, Millsap, Rio Vista and Tolar.

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