District 7-6A is virtually identical to the previous realignment except for one major change: Highland Park moves back down to 5A. The Scots finished tied for first in this district last season, so that means they’ll be an additional playoff spot available this fall.
That should create plenty of hunger for the five squads that missed out a year ago as they all harbor multi-year playoff droughts.
Here’s what to watch for in District 7-6A this season.
Dallas Jesuit Rangers
Head Coach: Brandon Hickman (14th season; 104-51 record)
Last Season: 8-4; 6-2 in district (Lost to Coppell in area round)
Dallas Jesuit Key Players and Storylines
The Rangers have now won a playoff game in each of the past three seasons following their bi-district triumph over Bowie in 2023.
They’ll hope to keep that streak going with quarterback Charlie Peters (2,993 passing yards and 32 touchdowns) back leading the way. He had a strong debut season as a starter in 2023, completing 66% of his passes. His play has began to get him looks at the Division I level.
Charlie Peters(Dallas Jesuit) threw for 2,993 passing yards in 2023, ranking Top-60 in Texas. The 2025 QB completed 66% of his passes on the season, accounting for 34 total TDs. #NextLevelAthlete #TXHSFB @Charlie_Peters9 @CoachBHickman pic.twitter.com/mI2sSTOMSO
— Next Level Athlete (@NextLevelD1) July 6, 2024
He has good skill talent surrounding him too with running back Zane Williams (355 rushing yards and eight touchdowns) and the versatile Henry Bourret (317 receiving yards and 278 rushing yards) returning. Bourret is a threat both out of the backfield and as a receiver. In addition to Bourrett, Peters also has Jack Yeskie (476 receiving yards and four touchdowns) and Jaeger Krauss (512 receiving yards and five touchdowns) as weapons in the passing game. They were two of Jesuit’s three leading pass-catchers in 2023.
Defensively, Cade Gill is Jesuit’s primary threat up front. He led the Rangers with 13 tackles for loss a year ago. Keep an eye on Robert Prager (51 tackles) in the middle of the field. He can play safety or linebacker and was an all-district honorable mention last fall. He’ll be joined by linebacker Cooper Smith (37 tackles, three sacks) who finished last season strong, racking up eight tackles against Coppell in Jesuit’s area round game.
Jesuit averaged over 33 points per game in 2023, and its offense has the weapons to be dangerous again. The Rangers’ two district losses a year ago came by just 16 combined points, so don’t be surprised if they make another run at the district title in 2024.
Irving Tigers
Head Coach: Brent Nickerson (2nd season; 0-10 record)
Last Season: 0-10; 0-8 in district
Irving Key Players and Storylines
It has been a rough stretch for the Tigers who have won just three total games in the past six years.
However, head coach Brent Nickerson likes the chemistry he’s seen from his squad so far this offseason. He believes they will play for one another this fall.
Irving returns just four starters on each side of the ball this season.
The offensive line should be a strength and that will help the skill players the Tigers possess behind it.
Napoleon Proctor has plenty of speed and could be due for a breakout season after getting 29 carries as a freshman last season. He also led the Tigers with 302 receiving yards in 2023.
“On the Hunt” with Coach Nickerson 🐅🐾
Meet @IrvingHigh Soph. WR/RB Napoleon Proctor 🏈💯
Napo (@Napoproctor) started as a freshman on varsity last season. This guy can play! He’s Humble, Hungry, & Hardworking 🏃🏾💨 🎨📚#LetsHunt
@JODavisES1 | @netzeroJMS |@IrvingISD pic.twitter.com/4dYFms1AqC— Brent Nickerson (@_BNick) May 10, 2024
Fellow sophomore Nywan Lewis will be a threat as a big-play receiver. Senior fullback/tight end Kevin Flores will bring important leadership to what could be a very youthful Tiger offense.
Defensively, Lewis will likely get some snaps at defensive back too. Yet another sophomore, Kamari Dove, will be another one of Irving’s top defensive backs. Nickerson said he has a great nose for the ball.
At linebacker, senior Jayden Alonzo (61 total tackles) will be one of the leaders of the defense, while fellow senior Omar Castro (42 tackles) has a very high football IQ.
Now there could be some growing pains with several sophomores set to play big roles this year for the Tigers. However, Nickerson has loved what he’s seen from his guys this offseason and is looking forward to seeing what they’ll do on the field this fall.
Irving MacArthur Cardinals
Head Coach: Beck Nitcholas (4th season: 10-20 record)
Last Season: 2-8; 2-6 in district
MacArthur Key Players and Storylines
MacArthur hasn’t made the playoffs since 2015, but head coach Beck Nitcholas is hopeful this will be the year with seven starters back on both sides of the ball.
Their offense is loaded with weapons. Tight end Connor Martin brings plenty of physicality. Nitcholas said the Cardinals will need to find a way to consistently get the ball into his hands.
Nitcholas’ youngest son Banner had a breakout sophomore year and will be a key receiver alongside Femi Uhunoma, who will be a threat to stretch the field.
In the backfield, speedy running back Corde Ray is set to return from an injury that sidelined him for much of last season. He’ll also be a threat in the passing game.
And speaking of the passing game, the one new face will be quarterback Kerrington Beck. He’ll step into the starting role this season, but Nitcholas has no concerns about his ability to settle into that role. He has a “great arm” and will be an offensive captain this season.
Defensively, starting up front, Martin and Archie Mitchel should provide a strong foundation for the Cardinal defensive line.
Expect Rogelio Martinez to be all over the field. He was the leading tackler for the Cardinals a year ago. In the secondary, Kam Lewis is a two-year starter, and he can play linebacker as well. MacArthur will also have junior safeties Rolando King and Banner Nitcholas at its disposal on the backend.
Screen recognition ✅ pic.twitter.com/0scRxhwOdC
— Rogelio Martinez (@rogeliodanielm7) October 28, 2023
The Cardinals may not have the most depth behind those starters, so they will need to stay healthy, but they do have plenty of speed and experience. They’re hopeful that combination will prove to be the solution to snapping their playoff drought this fall.
Irving Nimitz Vikings
Head Coach: Mark Small (3rd season; 2-18 record)
Last Season: 1-9; 1-7 in district
Nimitz Key Players and Storylines
Nimitz won’t have the biggest roster this season. However, many of those who do suit up for the Vikings this season will have plenty of experience. Nine starters are back on offense, while six return on defense.
Expect receiver Chris Hernandez to be the focal point of the Viking offense. Head coach Mark Small said he’s “quick and agile with sure hands.”
Both Hernandez and H-Back Kayden Holder will be heading into their third year as varsity starters. Their leadership will be key on a team that is hoping to continue to develop its offensive skill talent. Another offensive leader will be center Jesus Mendietta. Small said he will be entrusted with making calls up front in the trenches.
Defensively, defensive end Devin Simmons (20 tackles, five TFLs) and Carloz Castillo will bring plenty of physicality to the Nimitz front seven. At the nickel, Small was full of praise for Mundy Hill. He said he’s had great offseason and has a great read of the game on the field.
Small said that the Vikings want to be representatives of the tight-knit, blue-collar community they call home. He wants his team to be “disciplined, efficient, and violent” as they take the field in 2024.
No Weak 🔗#AnchorDown⛓️⚓️⛓️@IrvingISD @IISDAthletics @VikingDirector pic.twitter.com/f7BaKkcizW
— Nimitz Football (@NimitzFootball1) February 22, 2024
Richardson Eagles
Head Coach: Kendrick Holloway (2nd season; 4-6 record)
Last Season: 4-6; 3-5 in district
Richardson Key Players and Storylines
Richardson won its most games since 2020 in Kendrick Holloway’s first year in charge of the program. This season, the Eagles return exactly half their starters (seven on offense and four on defense) from that team.
Head coach Kendrick Holloway believes his team will be a force in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Center Matthew Lewis will be their leader offensively up front. He’s a three-year starter who “plays with great physicality and relentless effort.”
Defensively, Nazheer Freeman converted to an edge this past season and hit the ground running, racking up 17 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. Opposing teams will also have to worry about defensive tackle Nate Wiley. He was the team’s defensive MVP a year ago.
Going back to the skill positions, running back Jaden Pope (408 rushing yards and three touchdowns) was the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Holloway believes he’s poised to explode in 2024 following the graduation of last year’s starter Donovan Ford.
watch how different this spring hit💯keep sleeping pic.twitter.com/Xfqtmln4RO
— Jaden “Kasino” Pope (@k8sino) March 14, 2024
When it comes to Richardson’s passing attack, receiver Evan Tabora (318 receiving yards and three touchdowns) is the player to watch. He’s a three-year starter who has the ability “to stretch the field vertically.”
Michael Allen played receiver a year ago, but this season, he’ll be a key part of Richardson’s secondary. His position switch will be important because Holloway said the Eagle secondary doesn’t have much experience at the varsity level.
After a good season in Holloway’s first year in charge, the Eagles are aiming even higher this year. The foundation has been laid. Now, Richardson is hopeful it will be a playoff team and even a potential district title contender in 2024.
Richardson Berkner Rams
Head Coach: Trey Bryant (4th season; 15-18 record)
Last Season: 6-5; 6-2 in district (Lost to Arlington Martin in bi-district)
Berkner Key Players and Storylines
The Rams have made the playoffs in all three years under head coach Trey Bryant. It’s a special run considering Bryant was a 2005 grad from the school. That streak has a great shot at being extended again this season.
Berkner returns 17 starters (eight on offense/nine on defense) from last fall’s squad.
They’ve go no shortage of speed at the skill positions. Braynt described junior wide receiver/quarterback Daquwan Dunn as the “best athlete on campus.” Kamarri Davis is a fast and physical option at the receiver position as well.
Senior quarterback Cornell McGee will lead the offense.
Defensively, the Rams are loaded. Three-star cornerback Kobi Foreman is a leader and four-year letterman. Safety Jeremiah Richardson brings plenty of physicality to the secondary.
Richardson(TX) Berkner 2025 ATH Kobi Foreman @foreman_kobi | @B_Lew_95 | @BERKNERFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/PVNRXCS5Sl
— Jason Howell (@Jason_Howell) November 10, 2023
And when it comes to linebacker Richmond Ugochukwu, a Houston commit, he can simply “do it all.”
Bryant said the Rams will be young in some spots, but they are athletic across the board. That bodes well as they have their eyes set on trying to bring home their first district title in 19 years.
Richardson Lake Highlands Wildcats
Head Coach: Cory Campbell (2nd season; 9-3 record)
Last Season: 9-3; 7-1 in district (Lost to Prosper in area round)
Lake Highlands Key Players and Storylines
The Wildcats didn’t miss a beat in Cory Campbell’s first season at the helm. They won their first district title since 2020 and earned their 16th-straight playoff berth.
Now, they’ve had some reloading to do this offseason with just four starters back on each side of the ball. Among the graduates were Deonte Dean, the Metroplex’s leading rusher, and a two-year starter at quarterback.
In that backfield this year, Campbell expects athletic quarterback Harrison Day to step in behind center and junior Christian Rhodes to take over at running back. With a new look backfield, returning receiver Leland Germany will need to play a key role this year.
King David Ibeabuchi will bring the size on the offensive line at 6’4″ and 305 pounds.
Defensively, the Wildcats are the strongest on the back end with Oklahoma State commit Ayden Webb and fellow returning starter Lloyd White at safety. In the front seven, linebacker Ryan Schirato and defensive end Michael Odelami also return from last year’s squad.
For weeks I’ve been hearing about 2025 Lake Highlands DB Ayden Webb (@AWebb_2) being underrated in the DFW area. Today I’m seeing why — big INT here.
Being recruited as a CB & S. Will visit TCU this weekend. pic.twitter.com/NnS2EWV9pb
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) January 13, 2024
Lake Highlands has been the definition of consistent over the past decade and a half. With Highland Park moving back down to 5A, the Wildcats will expect to be in the mix for the district title again this season.
Richardson Pearce Mustangs
Head Coach: Jarrett Lambert (3rd season; 10-10 record)
Last Season: 6-4; 4-4 record
Richardson Pearce Key Players and Storylines
The Mustangs haven’t been to the playoffs since 2020, and they are determined to change that this season. Six starters are back on each side of the ball.
Pearce should be a handful offensively again this year. The Mustangs averaged over 37 points per game a year ago. Quarterback Presley Harper (2,874 passing yards and 22 touchdowns) was at the forefront of that offense and ended up leading the DFW area in passing yards, according to head coach Jarrett Lambert.
Running back Andrew Casagrande has 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash. He has great vision out of the backfield and finished as Pearce’s leading rusher a year ago despite playing in just four games.
Up front, the Mustangs will lean on junior Hagan Anderson.
Defensively, Will Miltenberger (50 tackles, seven TFLs) has shown plenty of promise. He was Richardson ISD’s sophomore defensive player of the year in 2023. Linebacker Luke Johnson (27 tackles, five TFLs) will be Pearce’s “leader on defense,” while defensive back Ethan Hunt (70 tackles) was Pearce’s second-leading tackler a year ago.
Lambert said this Pearce senior class has great leadership. The Mustangs will hope that will be what gets them over the hump and back into the postseason this fall.
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