a Panther side with major state aspirations, who’ ve started some friendly trash talk in anticipation for week one.

“ They’ ve been putting a lot of stuff on social media, but once the whistle blows, nobody can save you,” stated Meeks.

Safety Cooper Hull matched his teammate’ s excitement for the electric environment the Crowley ISD Stadium will offer to open the season.

OFFENSE

Entering 2025, the Bearcat offense was solidified at every position except quarterback. Nash McElree and Lincoln Tubbs competed for the starting spot for the first half of the season before Tubbs earned it with his dual-threat ability.

Throughout that time, the offense had enough weapons to run smoothly with Kaydon Finley on the outside and a two-headed monster of Kaden Winkfield and Brady Powell in the backfield.

Most of those names graduated, while McElree moved to California for his senior year.

In 2026, there are more questions than answers at the moment entering week one.

“ We’ re trying to find our identity,” said Jones.“ It’ s gonna be a work in progress against some really good football teams early on.”

The group’ s biggest question mark is the offensive line, Jones noted. With multiple injuries and Omari Din-

Mbuh moving to the defensive side, it’ s up to several new names to step in.

Grant Foreman is the only returning starter up front, who will move to left tackle this season. Cooper Elms gets his opportunity to be a starter after being a“ sixth man” for the Bearcats last season.

At the skill positions, Jones feels good about a committee of receivers that he can rotate in to replace the production of Finley. Aledo will use a lot of two-tight-end sets, utilizing Colby Thompson and Caden Palmquest’ s big frames. Both possess blocking abilities to assist on the line and great hands, according to Aledo’ s head coach. In the backfield, the Bearcats feature contrasting styles with sophomore Izzy Roberts’ agility and the strength of starting back Jeremiah Johnson.

Some may remember when Johnson went viral when he was 12 years old, looking much older due to his size and mustache. Now, Johnson looks to continue a lineage of prominent running backs in the program and quiet the doubters.

“ He’ s got a lot on his shoulders, but I think he’ ll do what he needs to do,” said Meeks about Johnson.

At 5-foot-11 and 225 lbs, the senior Bearcat is up to the task to power through defenses.

There was no question about Aledo’ s choice at quarterback, as Lewisville-transfer Tre Williams takes over under center.

Williams was given the keys to the Farmer

offense in 2025 and totaled 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns in his junior campaign.

Hyped to join a winning program, Williams added 10 lbs of muscle during the offseason.

“ I’ m super excited because of all the work we’ ve been putting in as a team,” said Williams.“ I’ ve never been so confident in a coaching staff and a group of teammates.”

Jones was impressed by Williams’ throwing ability, but will involve him in the run game as well after the success Tubbs gave the offense last year.

Although Lewisville didn’ t use Williams’ running ability till late in the season, the newcomer is ready to show it off for 10 + games.

“ We gon’ spank,” said Williams.“ The city deserves it [ state title ].”

DEFENSE

The strength of the team is the defensive line, Jones said. Arguably the best defensive line in the state of Texas last year, the Bearcats plug in another set of Div. I athletes to replace departures. Meeks holds it down in the middle with Din-Mbuh, while Max Foreman and Jojo Cooper finally get their opportunity to start on the outside.

A line that will get to the quarterback on many occasions makes Hull’ s job in the secondary easier. Cornerback Jordan Hall returns as well for the Bearcats, while the remainder of the defensive backfield consists of last year’ s backups now in starting roles.

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