Educated Guesses: 4A
Kickoff to the 2026 season is getting closer and closer, and the time has come to take a stab at how things will play out in each district featuring Big Country football teams.
I call them educated guesses, like your teachers used to, because I feel I have at least a little bit of knowledge about the upcoming season after speaking with area coaches for the 2026 edition of Big Country Blitz.
For the record, last season Big Country Blitz got 11 out of 12 playoff picks correct in 4A.
Stephenville is the only 4A DI team around these parts after realignment. Can the Yellow Jackets ride a strong offense and a young defense to repeat as state champs?
Brownwood is down to 4A DII for the next two years, but their district isn’t much easier than it was in 4A DI. Will the Lions be able to compete with Waco powers La Vega and Robinson?
Is Graham, behind the biggest offensive line in the Big Country, a contender to get past district rival Brock and make a deep playoff run?
And will Snyder be able to turn the corner after a winless 2025?
The Yellow Jackets return most of a very good offense that put up a whole lot of points in a 16-0 state championship season in 2025.
Their defense has some big holes to fill, but reloading is expected at Stephenville and will most likely happen. Look for another great season from the Yellow Jackets as they look to defend their state title as part of Region III this year.
Lampasas, Burnet, and Marble Falls remain as district foes, with China Spring and Jarrell new to the mix.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Stephenville
2. Lampasas
3. China Spring
4. Jarrell
5. Burnet
6. Marble Falls
Snyder has had a rough last two seasons, going a combined 1-19 in their first two campaigns under Anthony Gonzales.
They’ll still be pretty young in 2026 and hope to find the win column more often than they have lately.
Seminole seems to be the class of the district, and it's tough to predict how spots two through six will end up.
Big Spring is new to 4A DII this season and hopes to make the postseason again, as they have the last eight years running.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Seminole
2. Fort Stockton
3. Pecos
4. Snyder
5. Big Spring
6. Monahans
Graham and Brock have had some great battles over the past few seasons, and chances are their meeting in 2026 will decide the district championship.
The Steers boast one of the best returning offensive lines in the state, but the skill positions and defense are no slouches either.
Brock has been a regional champion and at least a state semifinalist in each of the past five seasons, and until somebody knocks them off, they’ll be the team to beat in the district.
Mineral Wells has made the playoffs the last two seasons; expect that streak to reach three.
The battle for the fourth spot will be interesting, with Bridgeport, Iowa Park, and Burkburnett all in the mix.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Brock
2. Graham
3. Burkburnett
4. Mineral Wells
5. Iowa Park
6. Bridgeport
Brownwood is somehow a Region IV team now as they drop to 4A DII.
They’ve been playing high-level competition, like rival Stephenville, in district for years, and it will be no different in 13-4A DII.
Waco La Vega has been a state power for years and, along with Robinson, will provide some stiff competition for the Lions this season.
Brownwood faces both schools in back-to-back weeks to open district play. Those games should have a big say in how things play out for playoff seeding.
Salado and Gatesville were playoff teams a year ago and should battle it out for a postseason spot as well.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Waco La Vega
2. Brownwood
3. Robinson
4. Gatesville
5. Salado
6. Waco Connally
