Head Coach: Jimmy Carter (7th season; 30-33 record)
Last Season: 4-6; 4-4 in district
Returning Lettermen: 34 (6 returning starters on offense; 6 on defense)
Wylie Key Players and Storylines
The Wylie Pirate ship found some rough waters a year ago. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021 after three district losses by eight points or less.
A lot of that team is back this year with 34 returning lettermen. Several of those players are heading into their third year on varsity, so this will be a veteran group.
It also has some star power. Running back Daylon Gordon (840 rushing yards, 558 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns) is a legitimate Power Four prospect, while returning quarterback JB Blake (1,599 passing yards and 540 rushing yards) is a dual threat that consistently kept defenses on their toes a year ago.
Up front, 6’4”, 265-pound senior Teslim Busari is a vocal leader who will anchor the offensive line.
Defensively, senior cornerback Chase Grandy has “potential for a breakout year” alongside do-it-all junior safety Donnie Skinner (61 tackles). In the middle of the field, linebacker Kaylan Wara (64 tackles) is a “physical player with good speed.” He’s Wylie’s leading returning tackler.
With the lessons learned from 2025, Wylie expects to be a stronger unit this fall. The Pirates haven’t missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 2000 and 2001. This year’s group is determined not to rewrite that piece of history as they strive for a top four finish in District 9-6A.