Shoemaker (4-0) sprinted out of the gates to the program’s best start since the 2020 season, Harker Heights is 2-2, Chaparral 2-1 and Killeen 0-4.
At this point, though, those win-loss records sit merely as valuable learned lessons to carry into a two-month stretch that will determine where those four Killeen ISD football programs stand at regular season’s end –– in the playoffs, or out.
“4-0 means that we were able to complete non-district successfully,” SHS head coach Toby Foreman said. “But, now, everyone has the same record.”
The same record –– and the same lofty aspirations.
Indeed, the Grey Wolves, Roos, Knights and the four other teams in District 12-6A all are 0-0 in league play as the chase for four playoff spots and the district title begins this week. Same goes for the Bobcats and their seven counterparts in District 8-5A-I.
Buckle up for the next 2025 football season adventure.
District 8-5A-I
Chaparral (2-1) at Cedar Park (1-2)
7 p.m. Thursday, Gupton Stadium
The Bobcats were two extra-point conversions away from the program’s first 3-0 start. However, the 13-12 setback at Lampasas on Sept. 12 –– by the way, a far cry from the 63-20 loss to the Badgers a season ago –– sent CHS to 2-1 heading into its district opener against the Timberwolves.
CHS head coach Tyrell McCrea, whose team was idle last week, said he and his staff are pleased with how the team has looked through three games.
“We feel we are in a good position heading into district. We are pretty healthy, and the last game showed our growth and some deficits we needed to work on heading into district,” McCrea said. “We felt we should have won our last game, but we're turning our outcome into fuel to propel us into district.”
The Bobcats own 8-5A-I’s top scoring defense through three games, yielding a tick more than 14 points per game. Second on that list is Georgetown (22 points).
“We hope our bye week rejuvenated us so that we have a great week of prep heading into our first district ball game,” McCrea said. “Our points of emphasis have been to play a complete game, and maintain a focused attention to details during the week.”
District 12-6A
Copperas Cove (3-1) at Killeen (0-4)
7 p.m. Friday, Leo Buckley Stadium
The Roos have been on victory’s doorstep each of the last three weeks, ultimately falling short by five, seven and two points –– the latter last week against Class 5A Division II top-10 foe Brenham in their non-district finale.
KHS navigated the first month of the season without their injured starting quarterback D’Angelo Ingram, 12-6A’s newcomer of the year in 2024, and without big-play outside receiver Tavaris Miles because he’s filled in at QB in Ingram’s absence.
Buoyed by a physical defense that’s allowed just 22 points per game and a budding rushing attack, though, the Roos have kept themselves in games down to the wire, and the signs of an improving, determined team are glaring, head coach Josh Sadler said.
“What’s good about where we’ve been and where we are is that we’ve played really good teams and we are battle-tested,” Sadler said. “We haven’t gotten that one yet, we haven’t made that one play to get us over the hump yet, but we are battle-tested. We know that we can go serve it up with anybody. Our kids know that we are OK.”
Killeen’s defense came up with three interceptions against Brenham and allowed a season-low 15 points. The Roos have surrendered just seven second-half points over the last three contests.
“I’m proud of the way we are playing. We are playing hard, we are playing physical and we are getting after it, specifically defensively. Our kids have been showing out night in and night out,” Sadler said.
“Offensively, not having D’Angelo has been tough. It’s been hard. But what it has done is that it has made our defense tougher and it’s helped our offensive line learn how to move people off the ball in heavy boxes and help our running backs get positive yards. And, Tavaris has done a good job learning a new position. So, it’s really been a blessing, I think.”
Harker Heights (2-2) at Waco Midway (4-0)
7 p.m. Friday at Panther Stadium
The Knights are currently on an identical path as 2024, when they won their first two games and dropped the next two entering 12-6A action against Waco Midway.
All Harker Heights did after that last season was win six games in a row and claim its third straight district championship. So, staying on the current course isn’t the worst option, however, head coach Mark Humble said his squad will need to correct some of their self-inflicted mistakes as they get ready to embark on the next chapter.
“We played a really, really tough non-district schedule, and what we learned as a team through these last two games against Dripping Springs and Midlothian is that we can’t make critical mistakes. Good teams will capitalize on those mistakes,” said Humble, whose team committed eight turnovers during that two-game span. “But, big picture, it wouldn’t matter if we were 0-4 or 4-0, 3-1, 1-3 or 2-2, we have the opportunity to start the new season of district play, and the hope is that the non-district schedule pays off during our district games.”
Midway is one of three 4-0 squads in 12-6A after notching wins over Round Rock Westwood, Round Rock Cedar Ridge, Leander Rouse and Mansfield.
Overall, 12-6A teams have a combined record of 17-11.
“Our district is traditionally one of the toughest in the state. You’re not going to get any easy nights, and that’s the way 6A is and how it is in 12-6A. Anybody can beat anybody,” said Humble, whose offense averaged 546.5 yards per game during non-district. “We are excited about the opportunity and the challenge we have at Midway. They have a tradition-rich program and it’s going to be a great environment.”
Shoemaker (4-0) at Temple (4-0)
7 p.m. Friday at Wildcat Stadium
Foreman points to a productive offseason as the starting point to describing his team’s early season success, which features wins over Round Rock, Nuevo Leon, Ellison and Waco University.
“We had the best offseason since I’ve been here and it’s not even close,” the ninth-year coach said. “We are excited about the buy-in and the leadership that the offseason created.”
The Grey Wolves also can be excited about their offensive output so far, including 827 yards and eight TDs passing from sophomore quarterback De’Mani Dail-Addison, three running backs –– Josiah Walker, Willie Thomas and Brandon Brown Jr. –– with at least 300 yards rushing, and 518 yards and seven TDs receiving by Jamal Polite Jr.
“With the exception of four plays against Ellison, we haven’t really turned the ball over. Being able to protect the ball has been a big deal,” Foreman said.
Temple, guided by first-year head coach and former Wildcats quarterback Chad President, earned its 4-0 start with wins over Nuevo Leon, Round Rock, San Antonio Reagan and Austin High.
“We are jumping into it against an undefeated Temple team at Temple. It’s a big game for both teams. They’re kids are going to be excited. We’re excited,” Foreman said. “I am 0-5 against Temple since I’ve been here. We’ve got to be able to get over the hump. We just have to do what we’re taught and be discipline.”
Non-district
Ellison (1-3) vs. Odessa High (0-4)
1 p.m. Saturday, Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
The Eagles and Bronchos are set to square off for the second straight season at neutral site Shotwell Stadium. Last season, Ellison posted 69 points in a 41-point win.
Sophomore quarterback Marlyn Smith is second among KISD signal callers through four weeks with 983 yards and 10 touchdowns passing. Three Eagles receivers are in the top five in yards receiving –– Kae'Andre Sayles (293 yards), Juan Ramirez (290 yards) and Prince Hall (261 yards).
Following Saturday’s game, the Eagles are idle Oct. 3 before starting District 10-5A-II on Oct. 9 on the road against Belton.
