As 806 football approaches for the state of Texas and the 806, we will be looking at and highlighting players, schedules, teams and more before we kick off on August 27th when the Matadors of Estacado take on Lubbock High at Lowery Field in Lubbock, TX.
In this article we will look at a few of the big time players in the 2A Classification in the 806! These young men will be ready to make a huge impact for their teams and a few of them will be the reason, or not, that their teams make a deep run in the playoffs in December.
DARIUS JONES- STRATFORD ELKS
Stratford is picked by many outlets to win STATE in 2A DII despite losing some key players on both sides of the ball, including their Head Coach. But, the cupboard wasn’t left bare as they have one of the best players in 2A period returning in Darius Jones; who had 1,110 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns last season for the Elks. He’ll do it again this season as well and lead a powerful Stratford team down the gauntlet: maybe even down to Arlington for a State Title shot in 2A DII
CADEN BIRD- ABERNATHY ANTELOPES
Caden committed to Lafayette College after a great visit and other offers he received, including Texas State! He will be counted on to carry the load on offense and he will be ready. Let’s not forget about the game he had against Olton where Bird totaled five carries for 126 yards and three touchdowns and had another 65-yard reception for a touchdown as well! I expect big things from Caden all year as he also is a speedster in Track!
LINCOLN PRESTON- NEW HOME LEOPARDS
Lincoln has been grinding this summer very hard with over ten camp visits plus summer workouts with the New Home Leopards. He needed to: he’s going to be a key cog for the Leopards this fall and will be the player counted on to be the one to make plays and rally the team through adversity. Their schedule isn’t easy as they have some tough games early including #3 Ropes, but he will have his team locked in and focused for a tough 3-2A DI race.
MASON LANKFORD- GRUVER GREYHOUNDS
Mason just received his first DI offer in basketball from Lamar University not too long ago, but he also is a DI prospect on the gridiron too. Mason had 753 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns for Gruver and he is a force on defense as well. The Greyhounds come into the 2026 season ranked fourth in the State in 2A DII and will make another yearly run deep into the playoffs.
ZACH BRYANT- WEST TEXAS COMANCHES
Zach is a 2028 ATH who has a few offers already and with 178 tackles on defense and three interceptions last season as a First Team ALL-STATE Linebacker, you forget how much of a force he was on offense for the Comanches as he had 32 receptions for 630 yards and 13 touchdowns and 296 rushing yards as he is a true five-tool player that Head Coach Ashley will utilize for the State Semifinalists from 2025.
ALSO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE STARS AS WELL IN 2A:
Chase Lantelme- Ropes
Zayden Pittman- Ropes
Bo Cowan- Gruver
Uzziah Martinez- Tahoka
Callen Kane- Wellington
Diego Soto- Wheeler
Jailen Vasquez- Spearman
Luis Sosa- Highland Park
Aiden Shaver- Hale Center
Jeremiah Guerrero- Hale Center
Kolson Allen- Farwell
Darion Duvall- Abernathy
Lukas Purcell- Panhandle
Breaking News? Tips?
Jasone Pearson
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