it’ s like to struggle, be behind and have to fight,” said Sims.“ It’ s not going to be 70-0 in the first half.”

The Indians also added matchups with two 5A schools in non-district as well.

One of Sims’ biggest obstacles is growing accustomed to lesser numbers compared to 6A. The luxury of having one-way players is not the case for the Indians; however, Alvarado’ s head coach has worked in 4A before at Iowa Park.

A major advantage he does bring from Weatherford is the level of competition he saw nearly on a weekly basis. Coaching against teams such as Trinity, Byron Nelson and North Crowley, Sims carries plenty of experience to Alvarado.

Offense

The Indians can’ t replace Belton, Sims noted. But what they plan to do is replicate his production through four or five other guys.

Names that can emerge for Alvarado this season include junior slot receiver Juju Reese, wide receivers Keilon Dixon and Kenneth Lomack, Brown and running back Cam’ Ron Turner.

The catalyst to skill position success is luckily under center for his senior year, Jenkins.

“ He’ s such a calming presence and a good leader out on the field,” Sims said about his quarterback.

Throwing for more than 3,800 yards and 51 touchdowns without playing four quarters most weeks, Jenkins sees the offense being much more balanced with different types of weapons at every

position in the‘ post-Belton era.’

“ The younger guys seeing him [ Belton ] do that makes them want to do it,” said Jenkins.

To go along with his arm talent, the senior QB confirmed he will be using his legs more this season, feeling faster and looser heading into 2026.

Sims doesn’ t expect many designed run plays for Jenkins, but rather the utilization of his legs to extend plays.

The offense sees change from Walraven to Sims, but the one certainty that must happen in order for the Indians to be successful is the offensive line.

Every position up front except the center is new, making pass protection the priority.

“ If we can give KJ time, he’ s got the talent and the arm strength to get the ball where it’ s supposed to be,” Sims said.

Defense

Much like the offense, Brown believes the defense is balanced as well this year. Coming from a season featuring one of the best linebacker corps in the classification, Brown is one of the few returners after over 150 tackles last year.

Sims still expects the linebackers to be the group to represent an aggressive defense, but Brown anticipates a different look to the unit as they forget what they learned from the past regime and incorporate the new system.

QB KJ Jenkins WR Juju Reese RB / LB Zyon Brown

Week 9 at Springtown( Oct. 23) johnson county gridiron 2026 9