The 2026 UIL 1A playoffs begin November 12 through 14. Both six-man championships take place December 16 at AT&T Stadium. Division II kicks off at 11 a.m. Central, followed by Division I at 2 p.m.
Gordon and Strawn are my championship picks, but neither has an easy path. With 32 teams in each division, five postseason victories separate the eventual champions from everyone else.
1A Division I: Gordon Gets the Pick
I will admit there may be a little heart in this selection. Gordon’s response to adversity, including the tornado that devastated its community in 2025, has stayed with me.
For me, Mike Reed represents what high school football should be about. I consider him one of the state’s best coaches, but my admiration goes beyond the championships. To me, his program shows what happens when demanding standards and genuine care belong in the same huddle. The championships matter, but so does giving young people and their community something to stand behind together.
Still, this is not simply a sentimental pick. Gordon has won three consecutive state titles. I trust the Longhorns, while recognizing Union Hill, Jayton and Aquilla have championship chances comparable to theirs.
Region I: Jayton Ahead of Whiteface
The Jayton Jaybirds enter at 9-1 after shutting out Spur 60-0. They open against Kress, while Whiteface faces Claude.
Should both advance, Jayton and Whiteface would meet in the area round. I am taking Jayton, although Whiteface is a legitimate threat rather than an opponent to overlook.
From there, the Jaybirds get my pick to win Region I.
Region II: Borden County Leads Rankin
The Borden County Coyotes finished 10-0 and open against Grady. Water Valley faces Robert Lee, creating a potential second-round meeting with Borden County.
On the other half, Rankin opens against Klondike, while Menard draws Highland. I have Rankin defeating Menard in the area round.
Ultimately, Borden County gets my pick over Water Valley and Rankin. I rank the Coyotes fifth overall, but they are my strongest team in this region.
Region III: Gordon Ahead of Newcastle
Gordon opens against Northside, with Campbell or Bluff Dale awaiting if the Longhorns advance. Meanwhile, Newcastle begins against May on the opposite half.
Newcastle already defeated Jayton 58-52 this season. That result is enough to keep me from treating Gordon’s regional path as routine.
Beyond that, Gordon entered this season without a returning starter on either side of the ball. Another title would reflect more than one exceptional graduating class. It would speak to the foundation Reed has built.
Still, I have Gordon defeating Newcastle for the regional championship.
Region IV: Union Hill Faces Aquilla
The Union Hill Bulldogs and Aquilla Cougars both finished 10-0. Union Hill also defeated Strawn 36-28, a result that carries weight in my assessment.
First comes Abbott for Union Hill, followed by a potential meeting with Oglesby. Aquilla opens against Chester and could face Medina in the area round.
From there, I have Union Hill defeating Oglesby and Aquilla defeating Medina. Ultimately, Union Hill gets my regional championship pick over Aquilla.
1A Division II: Strawn Leads a Close Race
Strawn is my choice, with Richland Springs the clear next team on my list. However, Motley County, Cherokee and Knox City are close enough that I would not consider any of them surprising champions.
Region I: Motley County Ahead of Hart
The Motley County Matadors enter at 9-1 and open against Lefors. Their season includes a 56-49 victory over Knox City, one of my other leading contenders.
Despite a 58-52 loss to Paducah in their finale, the Matadors remain third on my list. I expect them to respond rather than let one result define their postseason.
Meanwhile, Hart begins against Meadow on the opposite half. I have the Longhorns reaching the regional championship.
Ultimately, Motley County gets my pick over Hart. The Matadors rank third overall and could challenge either of my top two teams.
Region II: Richland Springs Faces Cherokee
The Richland Springs Coyotes enter at 9-1 after defeating Lohn 70-6. They also beat Cherokee 76-52, producing 308 passing yards and 311 rushing yards in that game.
First comes Panther Creek, with Grandfalls-Royalty a potential area-round opponent. The Cowboys open against Dell City.
On the other half, Cherokee faces Blackwell. I have the Indians advancing to a regional championship rematch with Richland Springs.
Ultimately, I am taking the Coyotes over Grandfalls-Royalty and Cherokee. Their offensive balance makes Richland Springs my strongest alternative to Strawn.
Region III: Strawn Gets an Early Test
The Strawn Greyhounds finished 8-2 after defeating Rising Star 52-6. Their three district victories came by a combined 149-6.
More importantly, the losses came against Gordon and Union Hill, my top two Division I teams. I see a contender tested by strong opponents, not a team whose record should keep it out of the championship conversation.
However, Strawn could face 9-1 Knox City in the area round. First, the Greyhounds must handle Gustine, while Knox City opens against Woodson.
I rank Knox City fifth overall, making that a significant early obstacle. Still, I am taking Strawn in the matchup and to win the region.
Region IV: Mount Calm Leads Three Way
Mount Calm enters at 9-1 and opens against Iredell. Meanwhile, Three Way faces Fannindel on the opposite half.
My projection sends both teams to the regional championship. From there, I have the Mount Calm Panthers defeating Three Way to earn a semifinal berth.
Final Four and State Champion Predictions
In Division I, my Final Four is Jayton, Borden County, Gordon and Union Hill. I have Jayton defeating Borden County and Gordon defeating Union Hill.
Ultimately, I am picking Gordon over Jayton for the championship. Union Hill ranks second overall, but its path runs through Gordon in the semifinals.
In Division II, my Final Four is Motley County, Richland Springs, Strawn and Mount Calm. I have Richland Springs defeating Motley County and Strawn defeating Mount Calm.
From there, I am taking Strawn over Richland Springs in a closely matched championship game. I expect both finals to demand more than simply outscoring opponents. One timely stop could separate a champion from a runner-up.
Division I state champion prediction: Gordon Longhorns.
Division II state champion prediction: Strawn Greyhounds.
