Texas high school football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. From the electric atmosphere of Friday night lights to the roar of packed stadiums, the Lone Star State breeds some of the nation’s fiercest gridiron talent. In 2025, a handful of powerhouse programs stand above the rest, blending elite coaching, standout players, and unbreakable community spirit. Want to know which teams are dominating the Texas high school football scene this year? Let’s dive into the best of the best, exploring their legacies, recent performances, and what makes them tick—all while keeping it engaging, data-driven, and easy to read.
What Makes a High School Football Team the Best?
Greatness in high school football isn’t accidental. It’s forged through a mix of tradition, talent, and tenacity. The top teams in Texas share a few key traits:
- Championship Pedigree: A history of state titles signals a program’s staying power.
- Elite Talent: Players who shine on the field and catch college recruiters’ eyes.
- Coaching Excellence: Masterminds who turn raw potential into polished performance.
- Fanatic Support: Communities that live and breathe every snap.
In 2025, these elements are on full display as teams like Duncanville, North Crowley, and DeSoto battle for supremacy in the ultra-competitive 6A Division I landscape. Ready to meet the cream of the crop? Let’s break it down.
Top 5 Best High School Football Teams in Texas for 2025
Here’s a rundown of the top dogs tearing up Texas turf this year, based on recent rankings, performance stats, and program strength as of April 2, 2025.
1. Duncanville Panthers
- Location: Duncanville, Texas (south of Dallas)
- 2024 Recap: 11-2, reached 6A Division I semifinals, finished No. 9 nationally (MaxPreps)
- Standout Players: QB Keelon Russell (Alabama signee), WR Dakorien Moore (5-star recruit)
- Why They’re Elite: Under Coach Reginald Samples’ 300+ win leadership, Duncanville blends a high-octane offense (38.5 points per game in 2024) with a stingy defense.
Duncanville’s 2022 state title and consistent playoff runs make them a perennial contender. Their 2024 semifinal loss to North Crowley (36-34) only fuels their fire for 2025.
2. North Crowley Panthers
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- 2024 Recap: 15-1, won 6A Division I state championship, ranked No. 4 nationally
- Standout Moment: Crushed Austin Westlake 50-21 in the title game
- Why They’re Elite: Coach Ray Gates’ squad stunned DeSoto and Duncanville en route to their second state crown.
North Crowley’s explosive offense and relentless defense turned heads in 2024, cementing their status as a Texas titan for 2025.
3. DeSoto Eagles
- Location: DeSoto, Texas
- 2024 Recap: 11-2, lost in 6A Division II quarterfinals
- Notable Talent: RB Deondrae Riden (Texas A&M commit)
- Why They’re Elite: Back-to-back 6A Division II titles in 2022 and 2023 showcase their dominance.
DeSoto’s fast-paced attack and deep roster keep them in the national conversation, even after a rare playoff stumble.
4. Austin Westlake Chaparrals
- Location: Austin, Texas
- 2024 Recap: 13-2, 6A Division I runner-up
- Legacy: Three straight state titles (2020-2022)
- Why They’re Elite: A powerhouse under new coach Tony Salazar, Westlake reloads talent yearly.
Their 2024 title game loss to North Crowley doesn’t dim their shine—expect a fierce rebound in 2025.
5. Galena Park North Shore Mustangs
- Location: Houston, Texas
- 2024 Recap: 12-1, fell in 6A Division I quarterfinals
- Star Power: CB Devin Sanchez (Ohio State commit)
- Why They’re Elite: Five state titles since 2003 and a knack for clutch performances.
North Shore’s physicality and defensive prowess make them a constant threat, even after missing the 2024 championship dance.
How Do These Teams Train for Greatness?
Winning in Texas 6A football demands more than talent—it takes grit and preparation. Here’s a peek at a typical practice schedule for these elite programs, based on insights from coaches and players across the state.
Typical Weekly Practice Schedule (In-Season)
| Day | Focus | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Film Review & Recovery | 2 hours | Analyze last game, light conditioning |
| Tuesday | Offensive Drills | 3 hours | Passing, blocking, play execution |
| Wednesday | Defensive Drills | 3 hours | Tackling, coverage, blitz packages |
| Thursday | Full Team Walkthrough | 2.5 hours | Game plan rehearsal, special teams |
| Friday | Game Day | 3-4 hours | Pre-game prep, competition |
| Saturday | Rest or Light Practice | 1-2 hours | Recovery, scout next opponent |
| Sunday | Off | – | Rest and family time |
- Real-World Example: Duncanville’s Keelon Russell credits Tuesday’s quarterback drills for his 69% completion rate in 2024—hours spent perfecting timing with receivers like Dakorien Moore.
- Data Insight: Top teams average 12-15 hours of practice weekly, per Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, balancing intensity with injury prevention.
Who Are the Players to Watch in 2025?
These teams don’t just win—they produce stars. Here are some names lighting up recruiters’ radars:
- Keelon Russell (Duncanville, QB): His 55 TDs in 2024 scream “future SEC standout.”
- Devin Sanchez (North Shore, CB): A lockdown defender with NFL potential.
- Riley Wormley (Southlake Carroll, RB): A USC commit who could crack the Top 5 if Carroll surges.
These athletes embody the talent pipeline that keeps Texas atop national rankings—38 teams in the HSFA Top 300 in 2024, per High School Football America.
What Are the Biggest Rivalries Among the Best Teams?
Rivalries fuel Texas football’s fire. Here’s a taste of the fiercest:
- Duncanville vs. North Crowley: The 2024 semifinal thriller (36-34) showcased two Fort Worth-area giants slugging it out.
- DeSoto vs. Duncanville: Intra-district bragging rights and national rankings are always on the line.
- North Shore vs. Westlake: Playoff classics that test Houston vs. Austin supremacy.
These matchups aren’t just games—they’re events that pack stadiums and spark debates across the state.
How Can Fans Keep Up with Texas’ Best Teams?
Want to follow the action? Here’s your playbook:
- Live Streams: NFHS Network or TexasFootball.com for real-time games.
- Scores & Rankings: MaxPreps and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football for updates.
- Social Buzz: Follow team accounts like @Duncanville_FB or @NCPantherFB on X.
Pro Tip: Bookmark TexasFootball.com/Live for Monday rankings reveals—perfect for planning your weekend watchlist.
Why Do These Teams Dominate Texas High School Football?
It’s no fluke—data backs their reign. According to the 2025 TXHSFB Program Rankings by Dave Campbell’s, these schools excel over a six-year span due to:
- Winning Percentage: All boast 80%+ win rates since 2019.
- Playoff Success: Multiple state title appearances.
- Talent Development: Over 50 D1 commits combined since 2020.
Their secret sauce? A culture that demands excellence, from the weight room to the classroom.
Tips for Aspiring Players to Join the Elite
Dreaming of suiting up for a top team? Here’s how to get noticed:
- Start Young: Join youth leagues to master fundamentals.
- Hit the Books: A 3.0+ GPA keeps you eligible for UIL play.
- Showcase Skills: Attend summer camps—Duncanville’s draws 200+ hopefuls annually.
- Outwork the Rest: Extra reps after practice turn good into great.
Example: North Crowley’s Quinten Gibson went from JV to 180-yard, 4-TD star in 2024 through relentless effort.
What’s Next for Texas High School Football in 2025?
The 2025 season is shaping up as a brawl among giants. With North Crowley defending their crown, Duncanville hungry for redemption, and DeSoto reloading, the race to AT&T Stadium promises fireworks. Emerging teams like Aledo (5A) and Southlake Carroll could crash the 6A party too—keep an eye out.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The best high school football teams in Texas—like Duncanville, North Crowley, and DeSoto—aren’t just winning games; they’re shaping legacies. They embody the state’s passion for the sport, producing NFL talent, thrilling fans, and inspiring the next generation. As 2025 unfolds, these programs will keep Texas at the heart of America’s football obsession.
