Pearland Oilers

Head Coach: B.J. Gotte (5th season; 35-12 record)

Last Season: 11-1; 8-0 in district (Lost to Dickinson in area round)

Returning Lettermen: 34 (7 returning starters on offense; 7 on defense)

Pearland Key Players and Storylines

Pearland is fresh off its winningest season in 12 years, but the Oilers stumbled over a familiar hurdle yet again. They came up just short to Dickinson 28-21 in the second round of playoffs. With that loss, 2013 remains the last time they advanced past the area round.

Getting over that hump is goal number one this year. Seven returning starters on both sides of the ball give them a realistic chance to do just that.

The offensive line is bolstered by guards Roy Swan Jr., a three-year letterman, and Colby Rao, a three-year starter. They’ll hope to open holes for “violent runner” Royce Swan (874 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns), who takes over as the lead back this season. 6’2”, 222-pound tight end Karon Johnson, another three-year letterman, will be an important weapon, especially as the receiving corps looks for a new number one target to emerge.

Defensively, good luck moving three-star defensive tackle Demarco Jenkins (48 tackles, 18 TFLs). He’s an anchor for the Oilers at 6’3” and 265 pounds. Behind him, linebacker Kamryn Harris (63 tackles, three TFLs) can play a number of positions from edge rusher to safety, while cornerback Ed Smith (44 tackles, four INTs) has “exceptional ball skills.” All three of those players will need to take another step forward this year after Pearland graduated its five leading tacklers.

Junior Szn Highlights..

48 Tackles
18 TFL’s
8 Sacks
10 Qb Hurries
5 PBU’s @CoachGotte @JasonHinkelman @Coach_Hartwick @philchat45 @OilerRecruiting https://t.co/Om84MvchIj pic.twitter.com/1S4CnpeGO8

— DeMarco Jenkins (@DeMarcoJenkins_) November 24, 2025

With 34 returning lettermen, head coach B.J. Gotte believes the Oilers have just as much talent as they did a year ago. That has him confident this team can contend for a second-straight district title and push for that elusive third-round playoff appearance.

Pearland Oilers 2026 Football Schedule

*-Denotes District 19-6A Contest

• August 28 @ Clear Falls at Challenger Stadium
• September 4 vs. Katy Paetow at The Rig 7:00
• *September 10 (Thurs) @ Dobie at Veterans Memorial Stadium 6:30
• *September 18 vs. Dawson at The Rig 7:00
• *September 24 (Thurs) vs. Pasadena Memorial at The Rig 6:30
• *October 2 vs. Manvel at The Rig 7:00
• *October 9 @ Alvin at Memorial Stadium 7:00
• *October 23 vs. Sam Rayburn at the Rig 7:00
• *October 30 @ Shadow Creek at Freedom Field 7:00
• *November 5 (Thurs) vs. Brazoswood at The Rig 6:30