High School

Top 25 Texas high school football rankings (10/2/2023)

District play is in full effect across the Lone Star State; TX-2A, Division I powerhouse Timpson debuts while Top-15 stays put

SI Editorial

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 strong as No. 8 Katy Tigers held off a resilient fight from previously unbeaten district-foe Jordan on Friday night. 

With several Power 25 teams having byes, we do not see many changes to the order, however, the TX-2A powerhouse Timpson Tigers join the ranks with a 6-0 record on the heels of 5-star Terry Bussey's college commitment.

>> 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 | Sept. 25

Who rose and fell after Week 6? Find out below in this complete breakdown of the SBLive Texas Power 25 rankings, as of the week of Monday, Oct. 2, 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: Bye 

The top ranked Panthers had an open week as they prepare Waxahachie Friday night, and the nationally No. 5 ranked team is looking towards that Oct. 27 matchup with no. 2 ranked Desoto. Duncanville will not only dominate you on the offensive side, but their defense is top notch pitching three-straight shutouts. 

Next week: at Waxahachie (4-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

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

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 10
Previous rank: 2
Last week: Bye

The Eagles prevailed  in a shootout in their last meeting 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. 

Up next: at Mansfield-Legacy, Friday, 7 p.m.

3. Galena Park North Shore Mustangs (5-0, 2-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 12
Previous rank: 3
Last week: Def. King 42-6 

It was yet another dominant victory for the Mustangs against King as they cruised to a 2-0 district record on the season. North Shore is starting fast, and not letting their foot off the gas as they jumped out to a 42-0 lead last week.  The Mustangs have a stiff district test this week against unbeaten Summer Creek, as they are in a current 3-way tie for the district lead at 2-0. 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: vs. Summer Creek, Friday, 7 p.m.

4. Austin Westlake Chaparrals (5-0, 3-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 23
Previous rank: 4
Last week: Def. Del Valle, 58-0 

After escaping with a narrow victory two weeks ago against Lake Travis, Westlake is back to business thumping its District-26 opponents. The Chapparals are now 3-0 in district play and are showing that they are a true contender in the race for the TX-6A, Division I state championship. 

Up next: vs. Austin-Anderson, Thursday, 7 p.m.

5. Aledo Bearcats (6-0, 1-0)

Previous rank: 5
Last week: Def. The Colony, 60-14

The win streak continues. TX-5A, District 3 play opened up last week and the Bearcats kept their foot on the gas, cruising to a lopsided win. Aledo will continue through district play as they look forward to that matchup with Denton-Ryan on October 20.

Up next: vs. South Hills, Thursday, 7 p.m.

6. Vandegrift Vipers (5-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 6
Last week: Def. Manor, 51-6

Coming off their open week, the Vipers were back in action last week against a familiar district foe, Manor. Senior quarterback Deuce Adams and the Viper offense continue to pick apart area defenses through the first five games. 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-Division II state championship.

Up next: vs. McNeil, Friday, 7 p.m.

7. Atascocita Eagles (6-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 7
Last week: Def. West Brook, 71-0

The Eagles have jumped out to fast start in the young 2023 season as they continue to hit on all cylinders through their first six games. Last week, they improved to 2-0 in the district with a lopsided victory, building off a signature win in Week 2 against, then ranked No. 5 Katy Tigers. Atascocita will have another Power 25 matchup on Oct. 27 — No. 3 North Shore — for what could decide the TX-6A, District-21 title.

Up next: vs. Beaumont-United, Friday, 7 p.m.

8. Katy Tigers (5-1, 4-0)

Previous rank: 8
Last week: Def. Jordan, 42-35

The Tigers escaped last week with a narrow victory over previously unbeaten district opponent Jordan. Katy has reeled off four straight district wins as they continue to get better with conference play and gear up the for TX-6A, Division I playoffs.

Up next: at Paetow, Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

Previous rank: 9
Last week: Bye

It has been a clean, balanced first month of the season for the Dragons as they took care of business in their first district matchup this season. Southlake was off last week, and faces a district foe on the road in unbeaten Keller as it looking to claim consecutive district championships.

Up next: at Keller, Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

Previous rank: 10
Last week: Bye

One of the top teams in Texas through the first month of the season, Melissa is back in action this week. Class of 2024 quarterback Trever Ham and 2024 edge rusher Nigel Smith will continue to push the Cardinals towards a district championship and a deep playoff run.  The Cardinals will be off this week preparing for the rest of their district season and their conference finale against Lucas-Lovejoy. 

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

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

Previous rank: 11
Last week: Bye

In five games, the Raiders' defense has allowed just 17 points, which came in their Week 2 contest against Los Fresnos. Since, the top TX-5A team in South Texas has posted 12 consecutive quarters of shutout defense. 

Up next: vs. Palmview, Thursday, 7 p.m.

12. Carthage Bulldogs (5-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 12
Last week: Def. Brownsboro, 45-0

All they do is win. Week in and week out, the Bulldogs continue to build on an undefeated season, as their win streak reached 22 games. The TX-4A, Division I reigning state champs are looking like the early favorites, which would be head coach Scott Surratt's 10th.

Up next: at Canton, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

13. Prosper Eagles (5-1, 3-0)

Previous rank: 13
Last week: Def. Little Elm, 51-13

Prosper was able to stay undefeated in district play with another big win last week against Little Elm. The Eagles remain in a three-way tie in first place in the district with McKinney and Allen, and will continue to prepare for their matchup with No. 18 ranked McKinney on Nov. 2.

Up next: Bye; vs. Boyd, October 13, 7 p.m.

14. Denton Guyer (4-2, 2-1)

Previous rank: 14
Last week: Def. McKinney Boyd, 55-7

The Wildcats were able to win their second straight district game last week against Boyd as they continue to battle for one of district's four playoff spots and a shot at a district championship. Guyer still has a great shot at winning the district title and will have another chance at a marquee win against No. 18 ranked McKinney on October 27. 

Up next: Bye; vs. Denton Braswell, October 13, 7 p.m.

15. South Oak Cliff Bears (4-2, 2-0)

Previous rank: 16
Last week: Def. Spruce, 63-3

The reigning TX-5A, Division II state champs have bounced back from early season woes and are in midseason form as they have racked up 118 points over the last two weeks, while only allowing three to opponents. Through district play, the Bears have shown that they are worthy of a top-15 ranking in the Lone Star State.

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

16. Cibolo-Steele Knights (4-1)

Previous rank: 16
Last week: Bye

The Knights enjoyed their bye week as they will begin TX-6A, District 27 play this week against New Braunfels. Steele has shown it is the best team in San Antonio and have bounced back in grand fashion after an early season narrow defeat to Lake Travis. The Knights are considered a legitimate favorite to win Region 4 in the state playoffs. 

Up next: at New Braunfels, Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

Previous rank: 17
Last week: Bye

The Lobos are entering the second half of their season on a four-game win streak since their opening night loss, and their Oklahoma Sooner commit, running back Taylor Tatum is thrashing through defenses during this win streak. This week, Longview will face undefeated district foe Forney, its stiffest test since Week 1 as they are on top of TX-5A, District 7 at the moment. After this week, the Lobos will face McKinney North on the road to really shape the playoff picture in District 7.

Up next: at Forney, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

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

Previous rank: 18
Last week: Bye

Before their bye last week, the Panthers extended their win streak to five games, 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: at Boswell, Friday, 7 p.m.

19. Reagan Rattlers (5-0, 3-0)

Previous rank: 20
Last week: Def. Lee, 59-0

Through the first five games of the season, the Rattlers have looked dominant in all three-phases of the game led by their 2025 running back Cole Pryor and 2024 and future Texas State commit at quarterback Brad Jackson. Reagan has shown the ability to start fast all season, and not let their foot off the gas as they play a complete 48-minute ballgame. The Rattlers biggest test for the TX-6A, District-28 championship still remains as they will battle their rival Johnson Jaguars on Oct. 13.

Up next: at San Antonio Madison, Saturday, 2 p.m.

20. Willis Wildkats (6-0, 4-0)

Previous rank: 21
Last week: Def. Cleveland, 75-14

Willis has now scored 351 points as a team in their first six games. 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 seven-touchdown performance against Cleveland, Lagway has now tossed 31 touchdowns and thrown for 1,930 yards through five games. The Wildkats district chances will come down with their Texas showdown with The Woodlands on Oct. 26. 

Up next: at College Park, Thursday, 7 p.m.

21. McKinney Lions (6-0, 3-0)

Previous rank: 19
Last week: Def. Braswell, 35-14

The Lions received a first-half scare last week as they got the best effort from Braswell as it was a tie ball game at 14 a piece at the halftime break. 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: Bye; vs. Allen on October 13

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

Previous rank: 22
Last week: Bye

The Cavaliers will head into the start of the second half of the regular season on Friday night having two weeks to learn from their near upset-minded defeat to rival Westlake two weeks ago. Lake Travis has one marquee win on the season, knocking off No. 16 Cibolo-Steele, and have shown to be balanced offensively and defensively heading into the heart of district play.

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

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

Previous rank: 24
Last week: Bye

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: At Princeton, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

24. Timpson Bears (6-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: NR

Last week: Def. San Augustine, 72-6

The Timpson Bears is the latest team to join the rankings in the SBLive Texas Power-25 after their dominant district win last week. The reigning TX-2A state champs led by one of the Lone Star State's top athletes are showing that they can compete with any team with 2024 ATH Terry Bussey under center. Bussey, who is a 4-star recruit committed to play at Texas A&M looks like a human joystick on a football field leading the Bears offense. 

Up next: Bye; at West Sabine, October 13, 7 p.m.

25. Wimberley Texans (5-0)

Previous rank: 25
Last week: Def .Lampasas, 41-20

Wimberley has 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 begins district play for District 13 this week 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: at Jarrell, Friday, 7 p.m.

Next 5 Up:

Smithson Valley Rangers (4-1)
Johnson Jaguars (5-0, 3-0)
Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers (5-0, 2-0)
Forney Jackrabbits (5-0, 2-0)
Pflugerville Weiss (6-0, 2-0)
Westfield Mustangs (3-2, 2-0)

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

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