Educated Guesses: 5A Division I

Kickoff to the 2025 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 2025 edition of Big Country Blitz.

For the record, last season Big Country Blitz got four out of four playoff picks correct in 5A DI.

District 2-5A Division I has three teams in the DCTF preseason top-25 in #9 Abilene High, #22 Amarillo, and #25 Tascosa, making it another tough year to emerge as the champ.

Lubbock Monterey knocked off Abilene High in Week 10 last year to claim a share of the district title, and the Plainsmen will not be an easy team to beat either.

Abilene High QB/ATH Brayden Henry

The Warbirds get Brayden Henry back from injury, and they think he can get back to the extremely high level he was playing at last season. Five other starters return on offense, including two all-district linemen in Jim Boima and Rhyan Esparza, and nine are back from a defense that struggled to stop the pass last season. They’ll need to improve in that department but have the players back to do it. Tristan Beal is a great option at quarterback as well when Henry sees the field at running back or receiver.

Amarillo High, led by quarterback Jett Lopez, have 15 total starters back (8 offense/7 defense) and will be a top contender for the title.

Tascosa finished strong a year ago and was the last team left from the district in the playoffs. The Rebels return 11 starters, led by QB Coltyn Fulton.

Coronado, Caprock, and Lubbock High will have to show big-time improvement to be a playoff contender this season.