BATTLE IN BOSQUE BEGINS

CLASS 1A SIX-MAN ROUNDUP: Without league of their own, Bosque County six-man football teams embark on quest for postseason berths playing in three different districts and two separate divisions

When it comes to the Texas high school gridiron, make no mistake about it, six-man football rules in Bosque County. And now, it’s time for district competition, But it’s going to look different than it has in many years.

In a series of moves more dramatic than any in recent memory, the Bosque County six-man football landscape underwent seismic changes with the University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment last February, sending ripple effects across the Heart of Texas.

With Bosque County’s five six-man football squads spread out across three districts in two divisions for the first time since 2014, the Class 1A, Division II’s eighth-ranked Iredell Dragons (4-2) remain the favorites in the five-team District 11-1A, DII, followed by 2023’s surprising Kopperl Eagles (4-1).

In the meantime, the Morgan Eagles (2-4) will attempt to take flight and stay in the playoff chase competing against the Bluff Dale Bobcats (4-2) and the undefeated Three Way Braves (6-0), who dropped down from Class 1A, DI.

“All five teams in our district have a chance at post season,” Kopperl head c oach Ken Davis said. “So, it should be a fun five weeks.”

As the lone mainstay in a revamped District 14-1A, DII, the Cranfills Gap Lions (0-6) have been hit hard by injuries but still hope to challenge for a playoff berth behind the fourth-ranked Oglesby Tigers (4-2) in another five-team district that includes the Mullin Bulldogs (2-4), the Evant Elks (1-4) and the Priddy Pirates (0-5).

In possibly the biggest surprise of all, the Walnut Springs Hornets (3-3) moved up to Class 1A, Division I for the first time since 2014 to compete against the 23rd-ranked Avalon Eagles (6-0), the perennial playoff contender Blum Bobcats (3-3), the Milford Bulldogs (3-3) and the Covington Owls (1-5). Led by new head coach Richard Dye, the Hornets have the smallest enrollment in Class 1A, DI.

“When it comes to picking the team to beat, I’ll always say Milford – tradition and athleticism,” Dye said. “Avalon will be strong, too. Then Blum, Covington and us – we’ll all be in there scrapping for a playoff spot. We’re going to get after it and try to improve every day, every game. I know our folks worked hard this summer, and we’re working hard now.”