High School

Top 25 Texas high school football rankings: DeSoto on top (10/30/2023)

DeSoto stunned Duncanville, North Shore blasted Atascosita in top-10 showdowns. Plus, Byron Nelson debuts ahead of final week of regular season.

Ryan Childers

There's a new No. 1 team in the Lone Star State entering the final week of the regular season — and the separation between 1 and 2 is razor-thin.

Nationally ranked DeSoto (8-0, 6-0), the No. 2 team all fall, move to No. 1 after handing top-ranked Duncanville its first loss in nearly two years and first district loss since 2016 in the Texas high school game of the year on Saturday.

North Shore moves up to No. 2 after pulling away to thump No. 7 Atascocita in a big District 21-6A showdown.

Byron Nelson debuts after upsetting No. 9 Southlake Carroll and Corpus Christi Miller continues to rise in South Texas.

Throughout the 2023 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 and release an update to the SBLive Texas Power 25 football team rankings, reflecting all results from the previous week.

PAST RANKINGS: PRESEASON | AUG. 28 | SEPT. 4 | SEPT. 11 | SEPT. 18 | OCT. 2 | OCT. 9 | OCT. 17 | OCT. 23

Who rose and fell after Week 10? Find out below in this complete breakdown of the SBLive Texas Power 25 rankings, as of the week of Monday, October 30, 2023. The rankings are compiled by Ryan Childers.

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

1. DeSoto Eagles (8-0, 6-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 6
Previous rank: 2
Last week: Def. No. 1 Duncanville, 49-35

There is a new No. 1 team in Texas. The Eagles pulled off the big win against their district rival for the first time since 2016 and put them in first place in the District 11-6A race. Quarterback DJ Bailey led the way with four touchdowns as DeSoto will head into the regular season finale and playoffs with sky high confidence. 

Up next: Against Mansfield, Thursday, 7 p.m.

2. Galena Park North Shore Mustangs (9-0, 6-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 9
Previous rank: 3
Last week: Def. Atascocita, 61-37

The Mustangs remained unscathed after the "other" top-10 match up this week: an impressive 61-35 win over No. 7 Atascocita. Quarterback Kaleb Bailey combined for five total touchdowns and five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez started the game with a pick-six for the opening touchdown. 

Up next: At Kingwood, Thursday, 7 p.m.

3. Duncanville Panthers (7-1, 5-1)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 10
Previous rank: 1
Last week: Lost to DeSoto, 49-35

For the first time in 22 games, the Panthers lost. Duncanville did not have enough answers for the DeSoto offense after falling into an early deficit. The Panthers may not be the overwhelming 6A-DI favorite anymore, but are right in contention with a lot of football to be played.

Up next: Against Mansfield Legacy, Thursday, 7 p.m.

4. Austin Westlake Chaparrals (9-0, 7-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 19
Previous rank: 4
Last week: Def. Bowie, 62-0

While the top three teams in Texas flip flopped, the other national powerhouse in Texas took care of their business as usual. The Chaparrals just keep winning on their way to a district championship and preparing to get back to the state playoffs. 

Up next: At Buda-Johnson, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

5. Aledo Bearcats (9-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 5
Last week: Bye

The Bearcats were off last week in preparation to their regular season finale this week. Aledo is on a current 23-game winning streak cruising through this season to an undefeated record and a district championship after their narrow victory two weeks ago against Denton Ryan. 

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

6. Vandegrift Vipers (9-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: 6

Last week: Def. Vista Ridge, 45-0

After wrapping up the District 25-6A title last week, Vandegrift may be one of the most balanced teams on offense and defense and has one of the best chances at knocking off defending TX-6A Division II state champions' DeSoto for the state championship.

Up next: Against Round Rock Westwood, Friday, 7 p.m.

7. Katy Tigers (8-1, 7-0)

Previous rank: 8
Last week: Def. Seven Lakes, 66-7

A preseason top-5 team, Katy is one of the hottest teams in the Lone Star State through October, playing their best ball of the season and have been dominant through district play; averaging 48 points per game. Despite losing the head-to-head to Atascocita in non-district play, the Tiger's recent success through district has them one spot ahead of the Eagles heading into the final week of the regular season. 

Up next: At Katy-Taylor, Friday, 7:15 p.m.

8. Atascocita Eagles (8-1, 5-1)

Previous rank: 7
Last week: Lost to No. 2 Galena North Shore, 61-35

The Eagles dropped their first game of the season last week to national power house, North Shore. The Eagles have been dominant all season long as they have already proven they have the ability to knock off top 10 team in the state and will have another opportunity this week with their regular season finale, which will certainly play a large part in their playoff seeding. 

Up next: Against Summer Creek (Houston), Friday, 7 p.m.

9. Melissa Cardinals (9-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: 10
Last week: Def. Princeton, 56-13

Melissa made an emphatic entrance to the season and has not looked back. The Cardinals marquee district matchup to decide the the conference title for district 7-5A. Melissa has looked like a true TX-5A, Division II contender all season thanks to senior leaders Trever Ham and Nigel Smith.

Up next: Against No. 21 Lucas-Lovejoy, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

10. Carthage Bulldogs (10-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: 12
Last week: Def. Van, 35-7

The Bulldogs started slow last week, but rolled to another big win against district rival to extend its win streak to 26 games. Led by a young core in the offensive backfield, the Bulldogs have their eyes on back-to-back state championships, which would be its 10th in program history. Carthage will have the top seed in the TX-4A bi-district round.

Up next: Bye

11. Prosper Eagles (8-1, 6-0)

Previous rank: 13
Last week: Def. Allen, 37-36

The Eagles escaped with a narrow district victory last week to remain unbeaten in the vaunted district 5-6A conference. Prosper will face another marquee district matchup in their regular season finale, which will determine the district championship and the one seed in the upcoming state playoffs for the bi-district round.

Up next: At McKinney, Thursday, 7 p.m.

12. Southlake Carroll Dragons (8-1, 5-1)

Previous rank: 9
Last week: Lost to Byron Nelson, 34-17

The Dragons fell short for the first time all year on the road at Byron Nelson. Southlake may not win the District 4-6A, Region IV title, but look out: The Dragons host their regular season finale looking to bounce back and secure the two seed in the upcoming bi-district round of the Texas state playoffs. 

Up next: Against Fossil Ridge, Friday, 7 p.m.

13. Cibolo-Steele Knights (8-1, 4-0)

Previous rank: 15
Last week: Def. Converse Judson, 52-14

The Knights continue to roll through district play. With a win this week against cross-town rival Schertz, the Knights will wrap up another district championship and the one seed in the upcoming playoffs. Led by their 2025 core in Chad Warner and Jalen Cooper, Steele looks destined to make it past the area round where they were knocked out last year. 

Up next: Against Schertz-Clemens, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

14. South Oak Cliff Bears (7-2, 5-0)

Previous rank: 16
Last week: Def. Dallas-Wilson, 49-0

After a tough start to the season, the Bears have bounced back and look ready to to repeat as TX-5A, Division 2 state champions. In the regular season finale this week, South Oak Cliff district championship chances will be decided this week with a battle of the unbeatens in District 6-5A.

Up next: Against Seagoville, Thursday, 7 p.m.

15. Longview Lobos (8-1, 6-0)

Previous rank: 17
Last week: Def. Tyler, 34-12

The Lobos continue to take care of business through district play and with one week remaining, Longview has clinched at least a share of the district championship. Longview has used their dominant rushing attack led by 2024 Oklahoma commit Taylor Tatum, during its eight-game win streak. Last week, Tatum became the all-time touchdown leader in Lobo's school history. 

Up next: At West Mesquite, Friday, 7 p.m.

16. Reagan Rattlers (9-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 19
Last week: Def. San Antonio Roosevelt, 42-21

The Rattlers had a slow start in the first half last week, but cruised to another victory led by 2025 running back Cole Pryor, who had four touchdowns and 200-plus rushing yards. Reagan wrapped up the title for District 28-6A as they head into the regular season finale and will be the one seed in the bi-district round of the playoffs. 

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

17. North Crowley Panthers (9-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: 18
Last week: Def. Chisholm Trail, 77-0

The Panthers undefeated regular season is just one game away entering the final week. North Crowley clinched at least a share of the District 3-6A championship last week with a lopsided victory. Junior signal caller Chris Jimerson tossed seven touchdown passes to keep the Panthers undefeated. A win this week will give North Crowley the one-seed in the district round of the upcoming playoffs. 

Up next: At Crowley, Thursday, 7 p.m.

18. Willis Wildkats (9-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 20

Last week: Def. The Woodlands, 60-52

DJ Lagway continues to get it done. This time, the 5-star Florida commit led his Willis squad to a shootout victory last week. The win was their closest decision all year and Lagway continued to put video game numbers like he has all year; he had seven total touchdowns and 405 total yards. The win clinched at least a share of the District 13-6A title heading into the final week.

Up next: Against Oak Ridge, Friday, 7 p.m.

19. Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers (9-0-6-0)

Previous rank: 25
Last week: Def. Victoria West, 52-45

The Buccaneers are a well-oiled machine on the offensive side of the ball and just keep winning. Miller is averaging 57 points per game on the season and has shown the ability the last two weeks to be able to outscore their opposition in a shoot out victory. 

Up next: Against Carroll, Thursday 7 p.m.

20. Pharr San Juan Alamo North Raiders (9-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: 11
Last Week: Def. Juarez-Lincoln, 57-0

Another win, another shutout victory for the Raiders. PSJA has positioned itself to be one of top teams to come out of the South region in the upcoming Texas state playoffs. They can score points in bunches — and the playoffs will be a good test. 

Up next: At Rio Grande City, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

21. Byron Nelson Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: NR
Last Week: Def. No. 9 Southlake Carroll, 34-17

The Bobcats recorded a win they will proudly hang their hats on, handing No. 9 Southlake Carroll its first loss to to clinch the District 4-6A, Region I title and top seed in districts. Debuting in the Power 25 this week, Byron Nelson is led by senior quarterback Tom Von Grote's (18 TD passes, one interception) and junior running back Tucker James (16 total TDs). 

Up next: At V.R. Eaton, Friday, 7 p.m.

22. Lucas-Lovejoy Leopards (8-1, 6-0)

Previous rank: 21
Last week: Def. Greenville, 49-7

The Leopards have hit their stride through mid-October, riding high on a six-game win streak and proving it can compete with the state's top teams in the process. Lovejoy took care of business at home against Greenville  before hitting the road this week for their chance at a district championship.

Up next: At No. 9 Melissa, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

23. Timpson Bears (9-0, 5-0)

Previous rank: 22
Last week: Def. Shelbyville, 61-0

For the second straight week, the Bears posted another shutout victory. Led by its three-headed monster — 5-star QB/athlete Terry Bussey (Texas A&M, 3-star running back JJ Garner, and 3 Voskey Howard, Timpson's TX-2A championship hopes are justified. But first, they face an undefeated Garrison team at home for the district championship. 

Up next: Against Garrison, Friday, 7 p.m.

24. Wimberley Texans (9-0, 4-0)

Previous rank: 23
Last week: Def. Lago Vista, 34-22

Wimberley extended its streak to nine wins to solidify itself as a top team in TX-4A. It is a rich tradition of winning in Wimberley, and 2025 dual-threat quarterback Cody Stoever is helping lead the way for the Texans to get back to the state championship game in Arlington.

Up next: At Austin-Achieve, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

25. Smithson Valley Rangers (8-1, 6-0)

Previous rank: 24
Last Week: Def. Buda-Hays, 47-10

With a win this week, the Rangers can finish their second straight undefeated district season District 12-5A. Last week, they clinched the outright conference title. Are they true contenders to win region three of the TX-5A playoffs? Junior running back Bradley Sowersby and senior wide receiver Freddie DuBose (Texas commit) lead the way offensively.

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

Next 5 Up:

Pflugerville Weiss (8-1, 4-1)

McKinney Lions (8-1, 5-1)

Johnson Jaguars (8-1, 6-1)

Forney Jackrabbits (8-1, 5-1)

Lake Travis Cavaliers (7-2, 5-2)

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

Published
Ryan Childers
RYAN CHILDERS

Ryan Childers is a freelancer who covers high school sports Central Texas. He's based out of Spring Branch, Texas and has seen his work published in the San Marcos Record.

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