High School

Top 25 Texas high school football rankings: Playoffs are here (11/6/2023)

Playoff brackets finalized, district champions crowned in the final week of the regular season, plus two top 10 upsets

Ryan Childers

The Texas high school regular season has come to an end as the playoff brackets are set and the Bi-District round begins Thursday.

No. 1 DeSoto (9-0, 7-0) and No. 2 North Shore (10-0, 8-0) both held serve in the final week.  

No. 21 Lucas-Lovejoy blitzed No. 9 Melissa for the the District 7-5A championship and Summer Creek Bulldogs jump into the top 25 after their thumping of No. 8 Atascocita. 

Texas high school football playoff brackets: 2023 UIL bi-districts matchups, game times

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 | OCT. 30

Who rose and fell after Week 11? Find out below in this complete breakdown of the SBLive Texas Power 25 rankings, as of the week of Monday, November 6, 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 (9-0, 7-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 6
Previous rank: 2
Last week: Def. Mansfield, 63-24

The Eagles took care of business in their first full week as the new top team in the Lone Star State. DeSoto will open up the TX-6A, bi-district round trying to defend its state championship.

Up next: Against Harker Heights, Thursday, 7 p.m.

2. Galena Park North Shore Mustangs (10-0, 7-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 9
Previous rank: 3
Last week: Def. Kingwood, 55-7

The new number two team in the Lone Star State took care of business as usual in their regular season finale. The Mustangs are hungry for more and ready to get back to the state championship and that starts this week in the bi-district round. North Shore is looking to reclaim top dog status for the first time since 2021 in Texas.

Up next: Against Deer Park, Thursday, 7 p.m.

3. Duncanville Panthers (8-1, 6-1)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 10
Previous rank: 1
Last week: Def. Mansfield Legacy, 35-3

The Panthers started a new win streak last week with a big win in the regular season finale, one. Despite losing their first game in nearly two years, Duncanville is still a threat to repeat as TX-6A State Champions led by their explosive offense and a stifling defense. 

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

4. Austin Westlake Chaparrals (10-0, 8-0)

SBLive/Sports Illustrated national ranking: 19
Previous rank: 4
Last week: Def. Buda Johnson Jaguars, 34-0

Westlake finished off an undefeated regular season last week and led by a dominating defense who earned their fifth shut out of the year and a heavy senior laden squad, the Chaparrals look primed to get back to the state championship. The Chaps won the TX-6A, Division I state title in 2021, and this group is a real threat to do it again.

Up next: Against Round Rock, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

5. Aledo Bearcats (10-0, 8-0)

Previous rank: 5
Last week: Def. Brewer, 59-13

The Bearcats are rolling into the playoffs on a 24 game winning streak and looking to go back-to-back with another state championship. Aledo wrapped up another District 3-5A championship with a strong season led by 2024 quarterback and TCU commit Hauss Hejny and a prolific offense to 513 total points and the Bearcat defense only allowed 146 against.

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

6. Vandegrift Vipers (10-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 6
Last week: Def. Round Rock Westwood, 38-7

Last year's runner up to DeSoto, the Vipers set a clear goal in the offseason to avenge that loss and bring home a state championship. The senior led Vandegrift team accomplished their first goal with an undefeated regular season and will look to continue their climb to the top starting this week in the first round of the playoffs. The Vipers have shown that they can score points in bunches and play stifling defense all year.

Up next: Against Lake Travis, Friday, 7 p.m.

7. Katy Tigers (9-1, 8-0)

Previous rank: 7
Last week: Def. Katy-Taylor, 49-3

The perennial Houston powerhouse Tigers are one of the hottest teams in TX-6A headed into the playoffs. Katy is bringing an eight game winning streak with them and District 19-6A championship after bouncing back from an early season loss to Atascocita. The Tigers are looking like a true contender to win their first state championship since 2020, which would be No. 10 in school history.

Up next: Fort Bend Travis, Friday, 7 p.m.

8. Prosper Eagles (9-1, 7-0)

Previous rank: 11
Last week: Def. McKinney, 24-12

The Eagles capped off their undefeated conference record with a District 5-6A title. In a vaunted conference, Prosper has looked impressive offensively and defensively to come out unscathed. The Eagles crack the top 10 of the Texas Power 25 this week and will look to continue their hot play this week in the first round of the playoffs. 

Up next: Against Plano East, Friday, 7 p.m.

9.  Carthage Bulldogs (10-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: 10
Last week: Bye

The Bulldogs were off last week to prepare for the first round of the playoffs. The team has aspirations to capture the school's 10th state championship. Led by a young core in the offensive backfield, in sophomore stars Jett Surratt and K.J. Edwards, Carthage is hungry to go back-to-back in TX-4A, Division 2. The Bulldogs are riding a 26-game win streak into the bi-district round. 

Up next: Against Liberty-Eylau, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

10.  Southlake Carroll Dragons (9-1, 6-1)

Previous rank: 12
Last week: Def. Fossil Ridge 63-0

Southlake was able to bounce back in a big way after suffering their first loss two weeks ago. The Dragons will look to build upon last week's shutout win into the state playoffs led by 2024 quarterback Graham Knowles,  2025 star running back Riley Wormley, and 2026 running back Davis Penn. Penn nearly cracked the 1,000 yard mark in his sophomore campaign and reached paydirt 16 times. Southlake as a team rushed for 2,482 yards. 

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

11.  Cibolo-Steele Knights (9-1, 5-0)

Previous rank: 13
Last week: Def. Schertz-Clemens, 31-14

The top ranked team in the San Antonio area wrapped up an undefeated District 27 title run and look to carry their momentum into the TX-6A, Division II playoffs. Knights head coach David Saenz as a good nucleus of upperclassmen and underclassmen on both sides of the ball that should propel a title-aspiring Steele to deep playoff run. The Knights have the makeup to be the first team in San Antonio since 2013 to get to the title game.

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

12.  South Oak Cliff Bears (8-2, 6-0)

Previous rank: 14
Last week: Def. Seagoville, 34-13

The reigning TX-5A state champions are hungry and looking to go back-to-back. The Bears wrapped up the district 6-5A title last week its win and have rebounded from their two early season losses to Desoto and Duncanville. South Oak is led by their suffocating defense that has 35.5 sacks and 10 interceptions on the season.

Up next: Against Everman, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

13.  Reagan Rattlers (10-0, 8-0)

Previous rank: 16 
Last week: Def. San Antonio Brandeis 39-7

Reagan is ready for the playoffs. The Rattlers capped off their undefeated season last week and look to avenge last year's early first round exit in the playoffs with a deep run. Head coach Lyndon Hamilton has a balanced team in all three phases led by 2025 running back Cole Pryor, who reeled off 1,356 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in nine games. Their defense has next level players on all three levels led by 2024 Rice commit Bailey Fletcher. 

Up next: Against East Central, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

14. Lucas-Lovejoy Leopards (9-1, 7-0)

Previous rank: 22
Last week: Def. Melissa, 28-7

The Leopards had the most impressive win in the final week of the season capping off the District 7-5A title with its upset win over Melissa.  Tied 7-7 at halftime, the Leopards came out with a strong 14 point third quarter to propel them to the victory. Lovejoy is entering this week's playoffs on a seven game winning streak and its stifling defense will look to carry them to more gold balls this postseason in TX-5A. 

Up next: Against Pine Tree (Longview), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

15.  Melissa Cardinals (9-1, 6-1)

Previous rank: 9
Last week: Lost to Lucas-Lovejoy, 28-7

The Cardinals could not cap off their undefeated season last week after their high octane offense, which averaged 53 points per game was held to just seven against the Leopards. Melissa is still a real threat to make it to Arlington to upend the defending state champions in South Oak Cliff led by 2024 quarterback Trever Ham and 2024 Oklahoma commit Nigel Smith on defense. 

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

16. North Crowley Panthers (10-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 17
Last week: Def. Crowley, 56-21

The Panthers capped off an undefeated regular season with a District 3-6A title. North Crowley has a balanced offense and defense to carry them deep into the playoffs led by a prolific rushing attack tallying 3,215 yards on the ground and an aerial attack that accumulated over 2,200 yards. The Panther defense has been suffocating all season with 31 sacks and 12 interceptions. 

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

17. Willis Wildkats (10-0, 8-0)

Previous rank: 18
Last week: Def. Oak Ridge, 49-35

The Wildkats have been one of the most exciting team to watch all season led by 2024 quarterback and Florida commit DJ Lagway. Willis finished off their undefeated regular season and are looking for much more and with Lagway and his 54 total touchdowns this season; may be possible. 

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

18. Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers (10-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 19
Last week: Def. Carroll (Corpus Christi), 76-24

The top ranked team in SBLive's Texas South power rankings, the Buccaneers have a high-octane offense averaging nearly 60 points per game helping them capture the District 14-5A title. Miller scored 70 or more points this year three times led by 2025 quarterback Trevor Long who threw for 2,470 yards and 38 touchdowns. Junior running back Broderick Taylor added 1,391 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. 

Up next: Against Laredo-Martin, Thursday, 7 p.m.

19. Longview Lobos (9-1, 7-0)

Previous rank: 15
Last week: Def. West Mesquite, 43-0

The District 7-5A champions are rolling into the playoffs on a nine game winning streak led by a prolific rushing attack. 2024 Oklahoma commit Taylor Tatum who became the school's leader in touchdowns with 61 in his career and the Lobos will look to get through Class 5A Region II with their hard nosed defense and ground game. 

Up next: Against Frisco-Reedy, Friday, 7 p.m.

20. Pharr San Juan Alamo North Raiders (10-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 20
Last Week: Def. Rio Grande City, 57-14

The Raiders finished off a remarkable regular season with yet another lopsided win and will head into the TX-5A playoffs on a high note. With an overpowering defense that has seven shutouts on the season and as an offense that can points in bunches - and the playoffs will be a good test.

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

21. Summer Creek Bulldogs (9-1, 6-1)

Previous rank: NR
Last week: Def. No. 8 Atascocita, 45-28

Summer Creek secured the two-seed out of District 21-6A with its upset victory over Atascocita last week and jump into the Power 25 rankings. Led by junior 6-foot-4 edge rusher Chad Woodfork, an uncommitted four-star prospect, linebacker Xavier Atkins (3-star, LSU) and running back Lloyd Avant (3-star, Tulsa), the Bulldogs will look to carry this momentum to get out of Region III and into a state championship run.

Up next: Against Pasadena Memorial, Thursday, 7 p.m.

22.  Atascocita Eagles (8-2, 5-2)

Previous rank: 8
Last week: Lost to Summer Creek, 45-28

After flying up the rankings through the first two months of the regular season, the Eagles have hit a snag with two straight losses to end the season. The Eagles are led by running back duo of 4-star Tory Blaylock and Cardae Mack as they look to bounce back this week in the bi-district round and beyond in the state playoffs. 

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

23.  Byron Nelson Bobcats (10-0, 7-0)

Previous rank: 21
Last Week: Def. V.R. Eaton, 43-36

The District 4-6A champions survived an upset bid last week in a shootout fashion to finish the regular season undefeated heading into the playoffs. The Bobcats marquee win over Southlake Carroll two weeks ago  put the Lone Star State on notice that they are a threat at deep playoff run in Region 1. 

Up next: Against Crowley, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

24. Timpson Bears (10-0, 6-0)

Previous rank: 24
Last week: Def. Garrison 35-26

The Bears survived an upset bid and claimed the District 11-2A title against formidable foe Garrison. 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.

Up next: Against Corrigan-Camdan, Friday, 7 p.m.

25. Smithson Valley Rangers (9-1, 7-0)

Previous rank: 25
Last Week: Def. Seguin, 56-0

The Rangers finished off their second straight undefeated district season last week. 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. The Ranger defense has been stout all season led by 2024 defensive back Zachary Gringrich and 2025 stars in linebacker Cade Spradling and defensive tackle Caleb Sosa. 

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

Next 5 Up: 

Wimberly Texans (10-0, 5-0)

Pflugerville Weiss (9-1, 5-1)

Johnson Jaguars (9-1, 7-1)

Forney Jackrabbits (9-1, 6-1)

Lake Travis Cavaliers (8-2, 6-2)

-- 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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