Top 25 Texas high school football rankings (9/25/2023)

Texas powerhouses Desoto and Westlake deal upset-minded undefeated teams first losses

Throughout the 2022-23 high school football season, SBLive is taking a look at the top 25 teams in the state of Texas, spanning all classifications and corners of the Lone Star State.

Each week, we release an update to the SBLive Texas Power 25 football team rankings, reflecting all results from the previous week. Take a look at the most recent rankings, updated Monday. 

Once again, the top-10 holds as is after No. 4 Westlake held off No. 22 Lake Travis in a showdown of two Austin powerhouses. DeSoto held off Waxahachie in a shootout last Friday night. The Wimberley Texans join the ranks after an impressive 5-0 start.

>> REGIONAL RANKINGS: South Texas Top 25 (9/25/2023)

Four teams from the Lone Star State are ranked nationally. Duncanville is No. 5, DeSoto No. 10, Galena Park North Shore is No. 11 and Austin Westlake is No. 23 in the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25.

PAST RANKINGS: PRESEASON | AUG. 28 | SEPT. 4 | SEPT. 11 | SEPT. 18

Who rose and fell after Week 5? Find out below in this complete breakdown of the SBLive Texas Power 25 rankings, as of the week of Monday, September 25, 2023:

Have a case to make about a team? A bone to pick? Reach the Texas editor at andy@scorebooklive.com.

1. Duncanville Panthers (4-0, 2-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 5
Previous rank: 1
Last week: Def. Cedar Hill, 56-0

It was business as usual for the No. 6 in the nation last week as the Panthers earned yet another shutout win and improved to 2-0 in district play. Duncanville has not allowed a point against them in the last 12 quarters as they prepare for a district-road contest this week. It still has Oct. 27 circled on the calendar with their date against Desoto, fellow nationally ranked Texas power.

Up next: Bye; Waxahachie, October 6

2. DeSoto Eagles (4-0, 1-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 10
Previous rank: 2
Last week: Def. Waxahachie, 56-35

The Eagles were able to prevail in a shootout last week against previous unbeaten district foe Waxahachie. DeSoto, however, always had an answer when the Indians made it close or at one point even tied it in the second half, but the Eagles were able to fight off and cruise to a double-digit victory. DeSoto still has eyes on that matchup on that October 27 matchup with the top-ranked Panthers. 

• DeSoto avoids upset to Waxahachie in shootout between unbeatens

Up next: Bye; vs. Mansfield Legacy, October 6

3. Galena Park North Shore Mustangs (4-0, 1-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 12
Previous rank: 3
Last week: Def. Beaumont United, 49-7

The first month of the season is complete and the Mustangs have solidified themselves as a true contender to claim the TX-6A, Division I state championship in December. The No. 12 team in the country in the SBLive/SI Power 25 has gone about its business and backed up its powerhouse status.

Up next: at King, Friday, 7 p.m.

4. Austin Westlake Chaparrals (4-0, 2-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 23
Previous rank: 4
Last week: Def. No. 22 Lake Travis, 20-14.

For the third straight year, Westlake was able to defeat their cross-town rival, no. 22 ranked Lake Travis Cavaliers to set themselves in great position for yet another district crown. No matter the records, the two District-26 rivals and their respected towns will always get up for the game, and it is always a tough, hard-nosed game between both sides. With a senior laden team, the Chapparals are showing why they are ranked nationally and a legitimate threat to upend Duncanville for the TX-6A title in December.

Up next: Against Del Valle, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

5. Aledo Bearcats (5-0)

Previous rank: 5
Last week: Def. Saginaw, 70-0.

The Bobcats keep on rolling and rolling in a big way. Another lopsided victory for Aledo to add onto their win streak as the Bobcats jumped out to a 39-0 lead after the first quarter, then added another 31 more in the second quarter to complete the scoring on the night. Aledo will continue pushing on through district play as they look forward to that matchup with Denton-Ryan on October 20.

Up next: at The Colony, Friday, 7 p.m.

6. Austin Vandegrift Vipers (4-0, 1-0)

Previous rank: 6
Last week: Bye Week

The Vipers enjoyed their open week as they prepare for the remainder of their TX-6A, District 25 schedule, while gearing up for another deep run in the state playoffs to claim that elusive state title after falling short last year.  Vandegrift has shown the ability of being a state power through the first month of the season, and a real threat to DeSoto for the 6A-Divison-2 state championship. 

Up next: vs. Manor, Friday, 7 p.m.

7. Atascocita Eagles (5-0, 1-0)

Previous rank: 7
Last week: Def. Kingwood Park, 61-7

The Eagles have jumped out to fast start in the young 2023 season as they continue to hit on all cylinders through their first five games. Last week, they started their district schedule with a lopsided victory as they are building off their signature win in Week-2 against, then ranked no. 5 Katy Tigers. Atascocita will  have another marquee, SBLive Texas Power-25 matchup on Oct. 27 against no. 3 North Shore Mustangs for what should decide the TX-6A, District-21 title.

Up next: vs. West Brook, Thursday, 7 p.m.

8. Katy Tigers (4-1, 3-0)

Previous rank: 8
Last week: Def. Mayde Creek, 59-7

After an early season loss to Atascocita, the Tigers are back to business as usual for the Houston powerhouse Tigers. Katy has reeled off three straight district wins as they continue to get better with conference play and gear up the for TX-6A, Division-1 playoffs. 

Up next: at Jordan, Friday, 7:15 p.m.

9. Southlake Carroll Dragons (5-0, 1-0)

Previous rank: 9
Last week: Def. Haltom, 66-14

It has been a clean, balanced first month of the season for the Dragons as they were able to take care of business in their first district matchup this season. Southlake will be off this week, but will face an undefeated district-foe on the road in two weeks as they are looking to claim consecutive district championships.

Up next: Bye; at Keller, October 5

10. Melissa Cardinals (5-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 10
Last week: Def. Terrell, 59-28

One of the top teams  in Texas through the first month of the season; Melissa won another shootout against Terrell in last week's district matchup. Melissa, led by their 2024 quarterback Trever Ham and their senior edge rusher Nigel Smith, the no. 10 ranked team jumped out to a 42-7 halftime lead and never looked back last week.  The Cardinals will be off this week preparing for the rest of their district season and their conference finale against Lucas-Lovejoy. 

Up next: Bye; vs. Poteet, October 6

11. Pharr San Juan Alamo North Raiders (5-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 11
Last week: Def. Vela, 30-0

In five games this season, the Raiders defense has allowed just 17 points, which came in their Week-2 contest against Los Fresnos. Since, it has been 12-straight quarters of shutout defense for the top TX-5A team in South Texas. The Raiders are a senior laden squad that will definitely be a threat for a deep run in the TX-5A state playoffs.

Up next: Bye; vs. Palmview, October 5

12. Carthage Bulldogs (5-0)

Previous rank: 12
Last week: Def. Bullard, 45-14

Led by their sophomore backfield of 2026 star's Jett Surratt and KJ Edwards, the Bulldogs just continue to show their dominance week in and week out. They opened up TX-4A, District-8 with a big, road win over previously unbeaten Bullard led by Surratt, Edwards, and Bradan Manning who all had career nights for Carthage. 

• Carthage thumps Bullard in district opener
• Carthage uncommitted trio hitting stride

Up next: vs. Brownsboro, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

13. Prosper Eagles (4-1, 2-0)

Previous rank: 13
Last week: Def. Rock Hill, 34-28

The Eagles were able to escape Week-5 with a narrow victory over after knocking off Guyer in close contest  two weeks ago. Prosper was able to erase a 14-6 1st quarter deficit by scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter fending off Prosper-Rockhill for their second straight narrow victory. Prosper won their first district test against Guyer, and will prepare for the end of the year matchup with no. 18-ranked McKinney on Nov. 2.

Up next: Against Little Elm, September 29, 7:30 p.m.

14. Denton Guyer (3-2, 1-1)

Previous rank: 15
Last week: Def. Little Elm, 55-13

The Wildcats rebounded in a big way from their narrow loss last week to Prosper with a lopsided victory over Little Elm as they evened their conference record at 1-1. Guyer still has a great shot at winning the district title and will have a chance at another SBLive Texas Power 25 matchup on October 27 against McKinney. 

Up next: at Boyd, Friday, 7 p.m.

15. South Oak Cliff Bears (3-2, 1-0)

Previous rank: 16
Last week: Def. Adamson, 55-0

After a slow start to the 2023 season, SOC has now racked up a two-game win streak after last week's shutout performance against Adamson. The Bears seem to have hit their stride after a brutal non-district schedule that started with blowout losses to Duncanville and DeSoto. 2025 Carter Kopecky was an efficient 15-for-18 passing for 340 yards and tossed six-touchdown passes in their last 55-0 win over Adamson. SOC has talent on both sides of the ball and is looking to continue to build momentum and challenge Melissa for the TX-5A, Division II state championship. 

Up next: At Spruce, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

16. Cibolo-Steele Knights (4-1)

Previous rank: 17
Last week: Def. Birmingham (Lake Balboa, California), 49-7

Cibolo-Steele once again asserted itself as the best team in San Antonio after a lopsided victory against Birmingham (California). The Knights are in midseason form as they enter their bye week before they open up District 27 play on Oct. 5. 2025 quarterback Chad Warner and junior wide receiver Jalen Cooper are proving to be a top duo and their defense is showing to be elite through the first month of the season. 

Up next: Bye; vs. New Braunfels, October 5.

17. Longview Lions (4-1, 2-0)

Previous rank: 18
Last week: Def. Lancaster, 52-35

The Lobos have now reeled off four wins in a row since their opening night loss, and their Oklahoma Sooner commit, running back Taylor Tatum is thrashing through defenses during this win streak. In their win against Lancaster, Tatum had a dazzling four-touchdown performance as the Lobos were able to win in shootout fashion. After the bye, Longview will face undefeated district-foe Forney as they are on top of TX-5A, District-7 at the moment.

Up next: Bye; at Forney, October 6

18. North Crowley Panthers (5-0, 1-0)

Previous rank: 19
Last week: Def. Trinity (Euless), 53-31

The Panthers extended their win streak to five games through the first month of the season and they have shown that can win games in multiple ways. After their marquee win against Lucas-Lovejoy, the Panthers are averaging around 57 points per game and are in prime position with a strong October to compete for a TX-6A, District 3 title.

Up next: Bye; at Boswell, October 6

19. McKinney Lions (5-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 20
Last week: Def. Boyd, 42-7

The Lions just keep on winning. After opening the season with an upset victory over Longview, and McKinney has used that momentum to build on a 5-0 start and 2-0 start in TX-6A, District-5. The Lions offensively are averaging 36.2 points per game while only allowing just under 12 per game to the opposition. McKinney will need to continue its winning ways if they want to capture the district championship as they have to face to marquee district opponents; Guyer and Prosper in the last two weeks of the season.

Up next: at Braswell, Friday, 7 p.m.

20. Reagan Rattlers (5-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 21
Last week: Def. San Antonio Marshall, 63-0

The top team in TX-6A, District 28, Reagan Rattlers, have cruised through the first month of the season and jumped out to a 2-0 district record after last week's 63-0 triumph. Led by 2024 quarterback Brad Jackson and 2025 tailback Cole Pryor on the offensive side of the ball, the Rattlers have shown they can score points in bunches while also playing stout defensive led by, 2024 cornerback and Rice commit Bailey Fletcher. Reagan is on a collision course with cross-town rival, Johnson Jaguars on Oct. 13 at 'The Battle of Stone Oak' to decide the district crown. 

Up next: Against San Antonio Lee, October 29, 7 p.m.

21. Willis Wildkats (5-0, 3-0)

Previous rank: 23
Last week: Def. Grand Oaks, 62-13

The Wildkats debuted at 23 last week and continue to rise after a convincing district win last week. DJ Lagway, 2024 quarterback and Florida commit, continue to put up video game-like numbers on the offensive end, and score points in bunches. With another six-touchdown performance against Grand Oaks, Lagway has now tossed 23 touchdowns and thrown for nearly 1,600 yards through five games. The Wildkats district chances will come down with their Texas showdown with The Woodlands on Oct. 26. 

Up next: vs. Cleveland, Friday, 7 p.m.

22. Lake Travis Cavaliers (4-1, 2-1)

Previous rank: 22
Last week: Lost to No. 4 Westlake, 20-14

The Cavaliers came up a little short of their upset bit against Westlake last Friday night, which was their first loss of the season and will look to get back on track next week after their open week. Lake Travis has one marquee win on the season knocking off no. 16 Cibolo-Steele and have shown to be balanced offensively and defensively as we head into the heart of district play. 

Up next: Bye; vs. Del Valle, October 6

23. Lucas-Lovejoy Leopards (4-1, 2-0)

Previous rank: 24
Last week: Def. Denison, 47-7

The Leopards are gaining their footing  again after slipping up earlier this season with their loss to North Crowley as they have reeled off two straight district wins. Despite missing, their top receiver in Texas commit Parker Livingston, the Leopards were still able to put together a balanced win in all three-phases. Lovejoy has shown that they can compete with the state's top teams as they upset Argyle earlier in the year, and will get another chance at a marquee win in the regular season finale on Nov. 2 against No. 10 Melissa.

Up next: Bye; vs. Princeton, October 6

24. Lewisville Farmers (3-1, 1-0)

Previous rank: 25
Last week: Def. Flower Mound, 34-7

The Farmers opened  up district play with a big win against Flower Mound as they continued their focus with a stout defense as they have now allowed  just 35-points all season to the opposition. The opening district win pushes the Farmers win streak to two as district play continues in TX-6A, District-6. As their defense as proven to be the anchor, offensively the Farmers are averaging 125-yards on the ground and through the air, respectively. 

Up next: At Coppell, Friday, 7 p.m

25. Wimberley Texans (5-0)

Previous rank: NR 
Last week: Def. Lampasas, 41-20

The Wimberley Texans have shown over last year and the start of this year that they are a powerhouse in TX-4A, Division II, led by junior quarterback Cody Stoever. The Texans only loss a year ago was to No. 12 ranked Carthage in the state championship, and this season the two schools look to be on a collision course once again to meet in Arlington. Wimberley will begin district play for District 13 in two weeks against Jarrell as Stoever will look to continue his hot start to the 2023 season as he has tossed 18 touchdown passes and rushed for another 10 on the ground. 

Up next: Bye; at Jarrell, October 6

Next 5 Up:

Smithson Valley Rangers (4-1)

Timpson Bears (5-0)

Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers (4-0)

Forney Yellowjackets (5-0)

Westfield Mustangs (2-2)

-- Ryan Childers | ryanchilders0455@gmail.com | @sblivetx