6A

Westfield Mustangs 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
July 15

Spring Westfield Mustangs

Head Coach: Desmar Black (3rd season; 14-8 record)

Last Season: 6-5; 6-1 in district (Lost to Willis in bi-district)

Returning Lettermen: 27 (4 returning starters on offense; 8 on defense)

Westfield Key Players and Storylines

Westfield won’t back down from a slugfest in 2026. The Mustangs gave up just over 16 points per game a year ago and return eight starters from that defense this season.

The front seven specifically packs a punch. The Mustang coaching staff believes they have one of the best linebackers in the state in Davon Smith (121 tackles and 26 TFLs), while defensive tackle Antonio Underwood (90 tackles, 24 TFLs), a three-star prospect, “can dominate the line of scrimmage.” They also have an electric one-two combo coming off the edge in defensive end Jordin Jones (108 tackles, 26 TFLs) and outside linebacker Jaylin Jones (91 tackles, 17 TFLs).

🚨Junior Season Highlights🚨https://t.co/Jm1azv2cwi

121 Tackles
26 TFLs
3 INTs
2 Sacks
10 Hurries
3 TDS
250+ Rushing Yards @DonnieBaggs_ @DezBlackCoach @coach_u87 @Coach_Bragg @CoachHyp13 pic.twitter.com/EAodaezKqj

— Davon “Kekoa” Smith ‘27 (@DavonSmith09) November 16, 2025

In the secondary, 6’3” cornerback Camarey Bell (35 tackles, three INTs) has great length, safety Jaylen Oliver (41 tackles, two INTs) will play centerfield with his “natural ball skills,” and nickel KJ Jacobs (55 tackles) is another sure tackler.

On the other side of the ball, the Mustangs will need their young offense to redefine itself. Explosive running back Demonte Ford (772 rushing yards and nine touchdowns) will lead that charge with 6’2”, 280-pound guard Tarazon Eaden paving the way for him up front. In the passing attack, speedy receiver Zhanterius McNeal is expected to make a jump after Westfield graduated its top three guys from last year.

The Westfield coaching staff has been impressed with just how hungry this group is heading into 2026. They’ve made the playoffs both years under head coach Desmar Black, but have suffered first round exits both times. They’re eager to get back to their tradition of playoff runs like when they made back-to-back regional finals in 2022 and 2023.