Defending District Champions Set to Repeat: Texas Football Picks Panthers as Favorites Heading Into 2025 Season With High Expectations
The anticipation is building across the Lone Star State as the 2025 Texas high school football season approaches, and one of the biggest headlines heading into the fall centers around the perennial powerhouse known simply as the Panthers. After dominating their district in 2024 with a near-perfect record and making a deep run into the playoffs, the Panthers have once again been picked by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football to repeat as district champions—an expectation that comes with both prestige and pressure.
The Panthers’ selection as preseason district favorites is a testament to both their returning talent and the culture of consistency they’ve built over the last decade. Head coach Travis Coleman, entering his sixth season at the helm, has turned the program into a model of excellence. Under his leadership, the Panthers have not only stacked district titles but have become regulars in the regional and state playoff conversations. Coleman’s disciplined style, attention to fundamentals, and focus on team chemistry have paid dividends year after year, and the 2025 group looks poised to be one of his most balanced yet.
“We don’t take preseason rankings for granted,” Coleman said at the district media day. “It’s a recognition of our past success, but also a challenge to keep raising the bar. Nothing is guaranteed.”
The Panthers finished the 2024 season with a 12–2 record, capturing the district title with a perfect 6–0 run in league play. Their only two losses came in tightly contested matchups against eventual state semifinalists. They return the core of that team, including standout junior quarterback Jaylen Ricks, senior running back Andre Martin, and a trio of Division I-caliber linemen on both sides of the ball. That returning firepower played a major role in Texas Football’s decision to rank them atop the district once again.
Ricks is coming off a breakout season in which he threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, adding another 600 yards on the ground. His composure, arm strength, and dual-threat capability make him one of the top quarterback prospects in the state heading into his senior campaign. His chemistry with returning wideouts Quincy Bennett and Tevin Myers has already drawn attention from college scouts during spring workouts and 7-on-7 events.
“I’ve been working all offseason to take my game to another level,” Ricks said. “We’ve got unfinished business, and we’re coming back stronger and smarter.”
In the backfield, Martin provides a thunder-and-lightning dynamic. The bruising senior rushed for over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns last year, earning All-District honors. He’s a relentless runner who wears down defenses over four quarters, and his leadership in the locker room is as valuable as his production on the field.
“He’s the heart and soul of our offense,” said offensive coordinator Tim Lopez. “Andre sets the tone with his toughness and work ethic. He’s a special player.”
Up front, the Panthers boast one of the most imposing offensive lines in the region, anchored by left tackle Maurice Daniels (6’6”, 290 lbs), who holds offers from Baylor, Texas Tech, and TCU. Guard Isaiah Fulton and center Xavier Ward round out a line that prides itself on physicality and precision.
On the defensive side, the Panthers return eight starters from a unit that allowed just 14.5 points per game in district play last season. The group is led by linebacker Malik Johnson, a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine who recorded 112 tackles and 14 tackles for loss as a junior. Defensive end Jordan Clay, a 6’4” pass rusher with a quick first step, is expected to take a leap this season after a productive 2024 campaign.
“We want to be the most aggressive, most disciplined defense in the district,” said defensive coordinator Marcus Ray. “It starts with communication and ends with execution. These guys have bought in.”
Perhaps the most underrated piece of the Panthers’ program is their depth and special teams excellence. Junior kicker and punter Eli Rodriguez flipped field position consistently last year and is drawing interest from FBS programs for his consistency and leg strength. Backup quarterback Cameron Stokes has also impressed in offseason reps, giving the team confidence should Ricks need a breather or face adversity.
But for all the preseason praise, the Panthers know the path to a repeat won’t be easy. Their district is one of the most competitive in the region, featuring programs with deep playoff traditions and loaded with returning talent. Rival schools like Westwood, Creekview, and Lake Valley are all eyeing an upset, and games on the road in hostile environments can often turn in a heartbeat.
The district opener against Westwood, in particular, looms large. Westwood returns one of the top running backs in the state and will be hungry after falling to the Panthers in a 31–28 thriller last season. The rematch is already circled on both calendars.
“We know we’re the team everyone wants to beat,” Coleman said. “That’s what comes with success. Our kids embrace the target on their backs. It motivates them to stay locked in.”
The Panthers’ offseason has reflected that mindset. Attendance at summer strength and conditioning has reached record numbers, and team bonding activities have focused on accountability and mental resilience. Film study sessions, team breakfasts, and leadership council meetings have helped forge a cohesive unit that understands what it takes to win—and stay on top.
“We talk about earning it every day,” said Coach Coleman. “Rankings are cool, but they don’t block, tackle, or score touchdowns. That’s up to us.”
The Panthers also have their eyes set on more than just the district crown. After falling short in the third round of the playoffs last year, the team’s motto heading into 2025 is “Finish Strong.” For many seniors, it’s their final shot to bring home a regional title—or more.
“There’s nothing we want more than to be practicing on Thanksgiving and playing in December,” said Martin. “That’s what it’s all about. We’re putting in the work to make that happen.”
The buzz surrounding the Panthers has extended beyond their community. College coaches are expected to flood their early-season games, and recruiting attention has only intensified. Several juniors and seniors are in line for Power Five offers if they continue their trajectory, and the success of the team has put the entire program under a statewide spotlight.
Yet through it all, the Panthers remain grounded. They know that each Friday night requires focus, preparation, and execution. One misstep could cost them their goal. And while they’ve been picked to repeat, they understand the weight of that expectation and the effort required to fulfill it.
“This isn’t about being ranked No. 1 in July,” Ricks said. “It’s about being No. 1 in November. That’s the only thing that matters.”
As the season draws near, the Panthers stand tall—hungry, humbled, and ready. With their talent, leadership, and experience, they have every reason to believe that a repeat is within reach. But they also know that the work has just begun.
And in Texas, where high school football is more than a game, that journey promises to be one of grit, glory, and Friday night lights.
