District 13-6A Football Preview: College Park, Willis, The Woodlands & More

Defending district champion College Park enters 2026 under a new head coach but with plenty of returning firepower. Kyle Coats, who built the Cavaliers into a district power, departed for another opportunity, leaving Michael Burrows to inherit a program with legitimate repeat potential. Cincinnati commit Camden Hughes returns at quarterback, wide receiver Julian Cromartie is back on the outside, and defensive linemen Jordan Grant and RJ Wims anchor the front. The key questions are finding a running back and replacing defensive leader Marco Beltran, who signed with New Mexico.

Willis has been one of the most consistent programs in the district, winning back-to-back district titles in 2023 and 2024 before falling short last year — though the Wildkats still advanced to the fourth round of the playoffs. The post-Jermaine Bishop era begins, but sophomore quarterback Lincoln Frazier is already drawing Division I interest after throwing 43 touchdown passes as a freshman. Trent Miller has built Willis into a program that reloads rather than rebuilds, and this year figures to be no different.

The Woodlands faces a steeper climb after losing 57 seniors, including standout Jack Dalton. Junior Caden Copeland, who started one game last season, steps in at quarterback for Jim Rapp's program. The bigger concern is a secondary that loses three multi-year starters, making defense the central question for the War Eagles heading into fall.

Grand Oaks broke through last season under Sean McDowell, reaching the playoffs for the first time and winning a postseason game before falling to Sienna Ranch in the area round. Running back Darnell Jackson — described as one of the fastest players in the state — and receiver Brian Victorian give the Grizzlies a proven offensive core. Oak Ridge may carry the most momentum of any challenger, returning 14 starters in year two under head coach Tyler Black. Conroe, which went 6-4 and missed the playoffs last year, brings back experienced quarterback Cameron Nunnally and a defensive line featuring Jamarion Hayes and Alexander Coley.