first season with the program was cool, Briggs didn’ t think much of it. Always a quiet guy, his teammates never minded his introverted personality and always knew he would be an immediate, impactful player for the Zebras.

“ You don’ t have to talk loud if you play loud,” Landers said.

With many young players holding close friendships with Jenstch, the sophomore wideout steps into a leadership role for Grandview.

“ I want to help them do what I did,” he said.

After a preseason featuring familiar opponents in Glen Rose and Malakoff, the highly anticipated rematch against Whitney is the district game Grandview circles on its calendar for multiple reasons.

Before the trip to the 3A Div. I state championship, the Zebras reached a crossroads after a loss to Whitney in 2025. From district title contenders to potentially missing the playoffs, that game was the turning point for the squad.

“ I know it’ s thrown around that we needed it, but I do sincerely believe that swift kick in the butt is what we needed,” Landers said.

The Wildcats swept District 5-3A, but failed to reach past the regional semifinal round. Less than a year later, Whitney returns much of its roster and aims down sight to the target on Grandview’ s back.

“ That week of practice

will be something else,” said the Zebras. An emotional game is expected for the white and black, who want revenge for last season’ s defeat. With the district’ s only change being the additions of Keene and Palmer, the expectation of the rematch’ s winner being the eventual district champion is likely.

As for making it back to AT & T Stadium, the Zebras do believe the experience is the best attribute they possess. Knowing the intensity and intent it takes to make it there, the trio agreed that the biggest thing for an Arlington trip is the desire as a collective.

WR / FS Briggs Jentsch WR / DB Kason Sanders TE / DE Randy Pistokache

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