6A

Dekaney Wildcats 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
July 15

Dekaney Wildcats

Head Coach: Anthony Williams (14th season; 69-68 record)

Last Season: 3-7; 3-4 in district

Dekaney Key Players and Storylines

Dekaney finds itself in a valley that it is not normally in. The Wildcats have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2014-15, and last year they scored just 179 points. It was their fewest in a season since the program’s inaugural campaign back in 2008.

If the offense is to take a step forward this year, it all starts with three-star running back CJ Chizer, who is a game-changer out of the backfield. However, the only other returning offensive all-district player is 6’4″ tight end/receiver Elias Price. Elsewhere, junior Kenyon Shelby will bring the offense some versatility with his ability to play both quarterback and receiver.

150+ rushing yards and 2tds with only 4 carries @DekaneyFootball pic.twitter.com/C1FIuzz14y

— Christopher “ CJ2K” Chizer Jr ✍🏾 (@Cjchizer21) September 28, 2025

Defensively, expect 6’1″, 275-pound defensive end/defensive tackle Javien Bedford to be the Wildcats’ disruptor in the trenches, while safety Adrien Thurgood will lead the secondary after earning first team all-district honors last year.

In 2025, all of Dekaney’s district wins came by 16 points or more and all of their district losses were by two touchdowns or more. The Wildcats were firmly in the middle of the pack in 14-6A. They’ll need a big season from Chizer and some players to step up around him as they look to get back in postseason contention.