High School

Ranking the 10 Most Surprising TXHSFB Playoff Teams in 2026

Nov 10, 2026, 2:00 PM

The most surprising Texas high school football playoff teams for 2026 include the Houston Northbrook Raiders, Quitman Bulldogs, Wilmer-Hutchins Eagles, and Red Oak Hawks.

Ranking the 10 Most Surprising TXHSFB Playoff Teams in 2026
(Photo: Mason Starks, Andy Leos, Ron Francis)

10. Red Oak Hawks

Red Oak finished 5-5 a year ago in Class 5A, bumped up to Class 6A in realignment, and was thrust into the Dallas-Fort Worth District of Doom, 11-6A, with Waxahachie, North Crowley, and Duncanville. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine picked the Hawks to finish second-to-last in the district. Already the smallest school by enrollment in the district, the Hawks got even smaller after three starters left the program during spring ball. Oh, and Red Oak didn’t get to play a single home game this fall, as its stadium underwent massive renovations. 

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