Jaxon Cox admitted the team lost a lot of chemistry and energy when the injuries piled on. The only thing that kept the Rams mentally sound was the fact that everybody would return for the final weeks of the year.

A hard-fought loss to Eagle Mountain made it a must-win situation for Mineral Wells in the final week of the regular season versus Burkburnett.

Calling it their best performance of the season, the Rams dominated Burkburnett, 63-7, to clinch a spot in the postseason.

“ Getting to the playoffs was a big deal,” Worrell said.“ Back-toback playoff appearances, been a while since it’ s happened here.”

Among the many departures from 2025 are Brogan Sims, Matthew Trent Yowell Jr. and Mineral Wells’“ Mr. Everything,” Jaidun Fisher.

Totaling 1,300 yards offensively and starting 32 games at cornerback for the Rams, Fisher is irreplaceable in Worrell’ s eyes.

The program’ s attempt to fill those shoes is in Burkhall and the offensive line.

OFFENSE

A torn hip flexor sidelined Burkhall for much of his junior season before assisting the team in its second consecutive bi-district round appearance. He suffered another setback during the offseason, breaking his arm and elbow during 7-on-7.

Burkhall had the cast removed in late July and said he’ s ready to go for week one. At 6-foot-4, the senior wideout will be Johnson’ s No. 1 target.

Mineral Wells returns its offensive line, which will be relied on as its veteran group, according to Worrell.

Javawn McKinney and Josiah Zapata highlight the unit with 300-lb bodies, which will be responsible for opening up gaps for running back Jordan Johnson.

Seeing the amount of work the line is putting into the weight room, Jordan made it clear that he’ s been putting in the work as well.“ I’ m scoring, I promise you,” he said. It’ s no surprise that the Ram offense looks to establish the running game with Jordan and take shots downfield with Burkhall, leaving Worrell to find ways to get others the ball. Cox could be a strong candidate as an alternative threat offensively at tight end and a mismatch problem for defenses.

DEFENSE

It’ s not just some positions with question marks; it’ s the entire group.

“ There’ s lot of spots open at the start of the year,” admitted Worrell.“ I’ m eager to

figure out who’ s gonna take those spots.”

Despite losing eight starters on defense, the Rams are optimistic about the new faces elevating to lead roles in 2026. Many of those newer names consist of players Cox, Jordan and Burkhall have played with since their youth football days.

Saying there’ s a lot of talent coming, Mineral Wells is hopeful that it can neutralize the inexperience, especially at the linebacker position.

Worrell mentioned players like defensive end Gavin Hendrix and lineman Jaxon Brown as potential standouts for the team in 2026.

Competing in a district only slightly affected by realignment, the heavy favorites in District 4-4A are considered to be Brock and Graham.

The Rams are absolutely using that projection as a motivating factor heading into their fourth year under Worrell.

“ Family isn’ t always blood,” said Jordan about the team’ s closeness this year.

Funnily enough, one of the most anticipated matchups of the season for the players is against Pilot Point at home in week two.

Not only is it an opportunity to avenge a loss to the Bearcats in the 7-on-7 championships over the offseason, but it’ s a family affair between Worrell and his father, Pilot Point’ s head coach, Chad.

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