Austin Bowie Bulldogs

Head Coach: Jeff Ables (25th season; 163-102 record)

Last Season: 6-5; 3-3 in district (Lost to Hutto in bi-district)

Returning Lettermen: 31 (5 returning starters on offense; 8 on defense)

Bowie Key Players and Storylines

Bowie has had back-to-back six win seasons but very different outcomes. After missing out on the playoffs in 2024, they found themselves on the right side of the line a year ago before bowing out to Hutto in the first round.

They’ll look to better that performance this season with 13 returning starters. Their biggest question mark is arguably at their most important position. The Bulldogs graduated both quarterbacks who saw significant playing time a year ago. Senior Deuce Brown and junior Connor O’Dea are set to battle it out for the starting gig.

As they settle in, it will be up to 5’10”, 210-pound senior Rhys Moreno (1,486 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns) to lead the way, fresh off a first team all-district appearance.

Junior season highlights. Sat at half for 4 games. Ready for a playoff run

All purpose yards-1749
Rush Yards -1,486
Receiving-263
Touchdowns-23
Games played-10
Carries-205
YPC-7.4@var_austin @bowie_football @bowie_football @CoachSark @CoachChadScott @CoachFoster_ @KJJFlood… pic.twitter.com/K162FSm7xH

— Rhys Michael Moreno (@Moreno_Offical) November 13, 2025

Elsewhere, tackle Gavin Coppage and receiver Evan Dranguet (210 receiving yards) are also both back after earning all-district honorable mentions.

On the other side of the ball, Bowie will be hard to handle in the trenches with 5’10”, 270-pound nose guard Cade Venable (46 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and 6’3”, 240-pound defensive end Marrell Hinton (54 tackles, 11 TFLs). Opposing receivers are also in for a challenge going up against returning all-district cornerbacks Fabian Limuel (30 tackles, two INTs) and Trammell Banks (31 tackles and two INTs). In the middle of the field, keep an eye on linebacker Vincent Villarreal (50 tackles), who earned an all-district honorable mention as a sophomore.

If the quarterback situation sorts itself out, Bowie certainly has the pieces to contend. Head coach Jeff Ables knows it will be important for his guys to finish higher than fourth this year as they look to set themselves up for a potential first playoff win since 2021.

Austin Bowie 2026 Football Schedule

*-Denotes District 26-6A contest

• August 28 vs. McNeil at Burger 7:30 p.m
• September 4 @ Vista Ridge at Gupton 7:00 p.m.
• September 11 vs. Judson at Burger 7:30 p.m.
• September 18 @ Stony Point at Dragon 7:00 p.m.
• *September 25 @ Austin High at House Park 7:30 p.m.
• *October 8 vs. Buda Hays at Burger 7:30 p.m.
• *October 16 @ Dripping Springs 7:30 p.m.
• *October 22 vs. Del Valle at Burger 7:30 p.m.
• *October 29 @ Akins at Burger 7:30 p.m.
• *November 6 @ Buda Johnson at Burger 7:30 p.m..