Irving Nimitz Vikings
Head Coach: Mark Small (4th season; 3-37 record)
Last Season: 0-10; 0-7 in district
Returning Lettermen: 35 (8 returning starters on offense; 8 on defense)
Nimitz Key Players and Storylines
Head coach Mark Small isn’t afraid to shake things up. A year after switching the Vikings to a slot-T offense, they plan to roll out a brand new defensive scheme this year too.
Entering year two of the slot-T, he’s optimistic the Vikings will put out a better product on the field this season. Workhorse running back Jaylin Harris (917 rushing yards and five touchdowns) will need to lead the way after the Vikings graduated a 1,100-yard rusher. Up front, 6’4”, 308-pound tackle Aaron Acala is “violent at the point of attack” and exactly the type of player offenses want to run behind.
Defensively, the Vikings have some good size in the trenches too with 6’0”, 324-pound nose guard Adonis Lelea. Safety Juan Barron (32 tackles) will lead from the back end with his football IQ. He’ll be joined by fellow safety Kordale DeGrate (54 tackles), who had a phenomenal freshman season.
Junior Season Highlights
27’ Nickel, Safety
Nimitz High School
Stats⬇️
32 tackles,
1 Pass Break Up
Force Fumble
1 Fumble Recovery pic.twitter.com/jMujJoYseM— Juan Barron (@Juan_Barron09) February 14, 2026
The Vikings were outscored 511-155 last year, but with 16 returning starters and a strong offseason under their belt, they are excited about getting back on the field in 2026. Head coach Mark Small believes their unity will be big as they look to rebound after last year’s winless campaign.
2026 Schedule
*Denotes District 7-6A Contest
8/27 vs. Dallas Adams 7:00 p.m.
9/4 vs. Fort Worth Polytechnic 7:00 p.m.
9/10 @ South Garland 7:00 p.m.
*9/25 vs. L.D. Bell 7:00 p.m.
*10/1 vs. Haltom 7:00 p.m.
*10/8 @ Grand Prairie 7:00 p.m.
*10/16 vs. Trinity 7:00 p.m.
*10/23 @ Irving MacArthur 7:00 p.m.
*10/30 vs. South Grand Prairie 7:00 p.m.
*11/6 @ Irving 7:00 p.m.
