sity and only come in after a blowout. Although the jump is never easy from JV to varsity, Mathis sees the eagerness for those callups to make an impact in 2026.

“ Those are the guys we’ ve seen grow the most,” he said.

One of the few districts unaffected by realignment, outside of the addition of Iowa Park, Brock is set to defend the crown as District 4-4A Div. II and Region I champs.

Graham is Brock’ s toughest competition in district play and in the postseason before an inevitable third attempt at dethroning Carthage.

“ You can’ t make little mistakes and you can’ t turn the ball over,” said Winfrey on the lesson learned from last year’ s 49-21 loss to Carthage.“ In big moments like that, you gotta be perfect.”

From Frazier’ s point of view, after his first crack at the Bulldogs, he stated that in all 14 wins, the

Eagles played their game. The only game they weren’ t able to do so was in the state semifinal loss, which got into their heads.

Being known as the more violent, stronger team in nearly all of their contests, it’ s been difficult for Brock to find an opponent that matches their quality of play before the final two weeks of the season; however, the players and staff made it a mission to prepare the best way possible from August to early November with meaningful football every week.

The strength of schedule drastically jumps for the Eagles in non-district play. A scrimmage with the defending 4A Div. I state champions, Stephenville, leads into a week one matchup with state-contender Springtown.

In week two, Brock travels to Anna for a highly anticipated contest against the 5A Coyotes. The rest of the early schedule is filled with games versus Midland Christian, Glen Rose and Monterrey Tech, a high school in Mexico that is considered one of the best football programs in the country.

“ I don’ t want our toughest game to be late November,” said linebacker Hayden Waller.“ Load us up.”

Excitement from the Eagles on the chance to play the Coyotes showed, but Winfrey’ s most anticipated game is the one played in mid-December for the state title.

“ Everything else is the journey to that,” he said.

OFFENSE

Frazier has come a long way since he shakily walked onto the field in his first start under center in 2025. He even recalled dropping his first snap, which made everybody in the room chuckle, including Mathis.

Despite the early slip, Frazier emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the area to the tune of 3,445 passing yards and 50 touchdowns. In year two, Frazier’ s biggest improvement is his mental game. The commander of Brock’ s offense will be necessary for a group that moves on from its top two receivers in Colt Matlock and Charles Hibbler, along with one of its leading rushers, Dash Lindsey.

Young receivers will get the nod to fill in those spots on the outside, but Frazier will be accompanied by some familiar names that take on a bigger role this season: Tight end Davis Lee and running back Bryer McDonald.

The offensive line features three new starters, but Winfrey is confident that no time is needed for them to gel, as the offense is filled with high-IQ players.

DEFENSE

The bread and butter of Eagles football remains on defense, headlined by Waller, Jack Farhat and the front line.

“ It is gonna be better than last year,” Waller said.

Pressuring the quarterback will help the Eagles get acclimated in the defensive backfield that replaces two starters. Waller mentioned an injury that sets back the safety spot a bit, but sees it as an opportunity for backups to step up in the meantime.

The unit will be tested early on, facing off against a high-octane Porcupines offense and Anna’ s group featuring the No. 1-ranked center in the country, Peyton Miller.

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