Denton Ryan fell just short in 2019 dropping 28-22 in the UIL 5A Division I Championship game to Shadow Creek. Since that loss, the Raiders have posted an undefeated season going 13-0 overall and 7-0 to finish first in district. Ryan is coming off of a high after defeating Highland Park last Friday by a score of 17-7. The win marked the first time Ryan has defeated their longtime playoffs rival in over a decade — the last time the Raiders defeated the Scots was in a 2004 non-district matchup with a 21-18 score.
"We knew it was a team that many people said we couldn't beat," said Denton Ryan's All-American, four-star wide receiver/defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. "We wanted to show people we could beat them. We're just focused on one goal — getting a ring this year."
Denton Ryan has a handful of players that fans should pay close attention to in the semifinal matchup against Mansfield Summit on Friday at AT&T Stadium.
Texas signee Ja'Tavion Sanders alongside Oklahoma signee Bowman has posted a combined remarkable 39 receptions for 652 yards and seven touchdowns in just the last three games — against College Station, Longview, and Highland Park. On the season, Sanders has tallied 55 catches for 1,073 yards and 15 touchdowns while Bowman has posted 68 catches for 1,010 yards and 13 touchdowns. Kalib Hicks, a sophomore running back for the Raiders, has averaged over 105 rushing yards per game with about 8 yards per carry in the playoffs. Quarterback Seth Henigan- a Memphis signee- has posted 3,351 passing yards and 36 touchdowns this season with a 68% pass completion rate. In the last seven-straight games, Henigan has thrown at least two touchdown passes. Not to mention a dominating defense who has allowed fewer than 10 points in a game in half of their games this season.
Denton Guyer played a rough game in the 2019 6A Division II UIL State Championship match against Austin Westlake. The Wildcats definitely have a chip on their shoulder after falling 24-0 to lose the title.
Since failing to score in the state title game, Guyer has posted an 11-2 overall season finishing second in district with a 5-1 district record. Their two losses came to Denton Ryan in a non-district matchup where Ryan narrowly defeated Guyer 23-20 and against Allen in a district game where Allen came out victorious with a score of 56-38. The Wildcats have far outscored their opponents this season by over 200 points (554-339) and they're coming off of an incredible 30-24 triple-overtime defeat over Prosper last Saturday.
Guyer's defense- led by Baylor signee defensive lineman Cooper Lanz- has proven to play a key role throughout this season. Last week, Lanz recorded two sacks, six tackles for a loss, and an incredible blocked field goal in the third overtime to help set up the win.
Texas A&M signee, quarterback Eli Stowers also posted a great play against Prosper where he ran for a five-yard touchdown in the third overtime to secure the Wildcats' spot in the semifinals. Despite only throwing six completed passes, two interceptions, and only one touchdown pass, Stowers is ready to continue his drive toward a state title appearance after being injured in the first drive of the state title game in 2019. "Obviously, it was a tough situation last year," Stowers said remembering his injury. "To be able to get this close to a state championship game is a blessing." Stowers has posted three game-winning touchdowns this season.
Another athlete to watch for on Guyer's end is junior Jace Wilson. If you don't recognize the name, you should. The wide receiver is the younger brother of Kansas basketball player, Jalen Wilson. Wilson has proven his role on the Guyer squad and posted a touchdown against Prosper last week.
Guyer looks ahead to winning their first state title since 2013 (when they were classified as a 4A team), but first, they will face Cedar Hill on Saturday at McKinney ISD Stadium.
Duncanville (4-1) and North Crowley (6-1) remain in steady pursuit, both showing signs of championship-caliber form as their defenses have begun to tighten.
In Class 5A, Lone Star (7-0), Highland Park (6-1), and Melissa (5-1) hover just beneath South Oak Cliff (6-1) and Aledo (7-0), representing programs that continue to evolve with each passing week. Celina (7-0) once again anchors the 4A discussion — balanced, battle-tested, and built for November.
Elsewhere, Denton Guyer (5-2) appears to have rediscovered its rhythm, Coppell (5-1) has emerged as a legitimate riser after toppling Lewisville (6-1), and Rockwall-Heath (6-1) quietly remains one of the most dangerous teams in the area.
Approaching kickoff this week, separation is minimal, but urgency is rising — and the next two contests will go a long way in defining who’s truly built for a deep run.
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*** Second section denotes most recent game result (acquired from MaxPreps as of 10/19/2025) // Last section denotes next matchup
VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-4A) Top-20 Football Rankings -- WEEK 9 (10/20 - 10/26)
1. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) -- 8-0 (6-0 in District 4-6A) // 57-7 W v. Northwest // Next Matchup: @ Bell -- Friday 10/24
2. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 7-0 (5-0 in 6-6A) // 56-7 W v. Plano West // Next Matchup: @ Prosper -- Friday 10/24*
3. Duncanville Panthers (6A) -- 4-1 (3-1 in 11-6A) // 35-10 W v. Lancaster // Next Matchup: VS. Mesquite Horn -- Friday 10/24
4. North Crowley Panthers (6A) -- 6-1 (3-0 in 3-6A) // 70-7 W v. Weatherford // Next Matchup: @ Boswell -- Friday 10/24
5. South Oak Cliff Bears (5A) -- 6-1 (4-0 in 5-5A-D2) // 62-0 W v. Wilson // Next Matchup: VS. Seagoville -- Thursday 10/23
6. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 7-0 (5-0 in 6-6A) // 59-0 W v. McKinney // Next Matchup: VS. Allen -- Friday 10/24*
7. Aledo Bearcats (5A) -- 7-0 (5-0 in 3-5A-D1) // Bye Week // Next Matchup: @ Richland -- Friday 10/24
8. Celina Bobcats (4A) -- 7-0 (3-0 in 7-4A-D1) // Bye Week // Next Matchup: @ Paris -- Friday 10/24
9. Denton Guyer Wildcats (6A) -- 5-2 (4-0 in 5-6A) // 52-21 W v. FM Marcus // Next Matchup: @ Little Elm -- Friday 10/24
10. DeSoto Eagles (6A) -- 4-3 (3-1 in 11-6A) // 57-30 W v. Mesquite Horn // Next Matchup: VS. Cedar Hill -- Friday 10/24*
11. Waxahachie Indians (6A) -- 5-1 (3-1 in 11-6A) // 36-0 W v. Cedar Hill* // Next Matchup: VS. Skyline -- Friday 10/24
12. Lewisville Farmers (6A) -- 6-1 (3-1 in 5-6A) // 23-41 L v. Coppell* // Next Matchup: VS. Hebron -- Friday 10/24
13. Lone Star Rangers (5A) -- 7-0 (5-0 in 5-5A-D1) // 49-3 W v. Sherman // Next Matchup: VS. Wakeland -- Friday 10/24*
14. Rockwall-Heath Hawks (6A) -- 6-1 (3-0 in 10-6A) // 45-34 W v. Royse City* // Next Matchup: @ Longview -- Friday 10/24*
15. Denton Ryan Raiders (5A) -- 6-1 (4-1 in 3-5A-D1) // 44-10 W v. Azle // Next Matchup: @ Denton -- Friday 10/24
16. Argyle Eagles (5A) -- 6-1 (5-0 in 3-5A-D2) // 25-20 W v. Mansfield Summit // Next Matchup: @ Burleson
17. Coppell Cowboys (6A) -- 5-1 (3-1 in 5-6A) // 41-23 W v. Lewisville // Next Matchup: @ Braswell -- Friday 10/24
18. Highland Park Scots (5A) -- 7-1 (3-0 in 7-5A-D1) // 34-10 W v. Joshua // Next Matchup: VS. Cleburne -- Friday 10/24
19. Melissa Cardinals (5A) -- 5-1 (5-0 in 4-5A-D2) // 68-0 W v. Independence // Next Matchup: VS. Emerson -- Friday 10/24
20. Byron Nelson Bobcats (6A) -- 5-2 (4-1 in 4-6A) // 48-26 W v. V.R. Eaton // Next Matchup: @ Northwest -- Friday 10/24
Others to Watch: North Forney Falcons (10-6A), Wakeland Wolverines (5-5A-D1), Forney Jackrabbits (10-6A), Cedar Hill Longhorns (11-6A), Trinity Trojans (4-6A), Mansfield Summit Jaguars (3-5A-D2)
Two familiar 6A challengers, Southlake Carroll (26-5) and Keller (28-6), are among the few to have taken a set off the Bobcats this year — no small feat — while Allen (33-5) and Plano West (25-5) have also positioned themselves well for extensive playoff runs toward the Curtis Culwell Center.
At the 5A level, McKinney North (31-3) headlines the conversation after its memorable State Final appearance last fall.
The Bulldogs look every bit capable of another charge, though programs like Aledo (35-2), Highland Park (34-8), Argyle (31-3), and Frisco Liberty (29-4) each bring enough firepower to disrupt the order – depending on how the divisions are split.
Even beyond the Top-10, the competitive depth is unmistakable. Mansfield (42-1), Flower Mound (32-7), and Duncanville (34-6) in 6A — along with Walnut Grove (30-7), Wakeland (23-7), and Lovejoy (27-12) in 5A — all linger as postseason wildcards capable of flipping any bracket.
And with every rally from here on out carrying real weight, the margins separating DFW’s powerhouses have never felt slimmer.
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***Second section denotes current record (acquired from MaxPreps as of 10/19/2025)
VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-5A) Top-10 Volleyball Rankings -- End of October / Pre-Playoffs
1. Byron Nelson Bobcats (6A) -- 34-0 // 14-0 in District 4-6A
2. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) -- 26-5 // 11-3 in District 4-6A
3. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 33-5 // 12-2 in District 6-6A
4. McKinney North Bulldogs (5A) -- 31-3 // 12-0 in District 9-5A
5. Keller Indians (6A) -- 28-6 // 11-4 in District 4-6A
6. Plano West Wolves (6A) -- 25-5 // 13-2 in District 6-6A
7. Aledo Bearcats (5A) -- 35-2 // 10-0 in District 5-5A
8. Highland Park Scots (5A) -- 34-8 // 12-0 in District 12-5A
9. Frisco Liberty Redhawks (5A) -- 29-4 // 11-1 in District 11-5A
10. Argyle Eagles (5A) -- 31-3 // 10-0 in District 6-5A
Others to Watch:
CLASS 6A: Mansfield Tigers (3-6A), Flower Mound Jaguars (5-6A), Duncanville Panthers (11-6A), Plano East Panthers (6-6A), Hebron Hawks (5-6A), Plano Wildcats (6-6A), Lake Highlands Wildcats (7-6A), Rockwall Yellowjackets (10-6A)
CLASS 5A: Walnut Grove Wildcats (9-5A), Wakeland Wolverines (12-5A), Lovejoy Leopards (9-5A), Frisco Reedy Lions (12-5A)
Rockwall-Heath Hawks
Denton Guyer continues to gain traction in 5-6A, quietly putting together an unbeaten district mark, while Lewisville and Prosper also remain unblemished and poised for deeper runs. North Crowley, too, continues to impress with its balance and explosiveness.
Perhaps the weekend’s most dramatic moment came in 10-6A, where Rockwall-Heath emerged from a 56–55 offensive showcase against North Forney — a game that featured fireworks from start to finish and ultimately handed the Falcons their first loss of the season. The Hawks’ resilience in that shootout reasserts their spot among the region’s top 6A contenders.
Among 5A programs, Aledo and South Oak Cliff once again appear a cut above, but Melissa has forced its way back into the Top-20 following a decisive victory over Lovejoy, extending its district win-streak to four.
Several key clashes now loom that could further reshape the regional structure heading into late October.
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Melissa Cardinals
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*** Second section denotes most recent game result (acquired from MaxPreps as of 10/12/2025) // Last section denotes next matchup
VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-4A) Top-20 Football Rankings -- WEEK 8 (10/13 - 10/19)
1. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) -- 7-0 (5-0 in District 4-6A) // 66-7 W v. V.R. Eaton // Next Matchup: VS. Northwest -- Friday 10/17
2. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 6-0 (4-0 in 6-6A) // 62-14 W v. Princeton // Next Matchup: VS. Plano West -- Friday 10/17
3. Duncanville Panthers (6A) -- 3-1 (2-1 in 11-6A) // 48-28 W v. DeSoto* // Next Matchup: @ Lancaster -- Friday 10/17*
4. North Crowley Panthers (6A) -- 5-1 (2-0 in 3-6A) // 62-17 W v. Lake Ridge // Next Matchup: @ Weatherford -- Friday 10/17
5. South Oak Cliff Bears (5A) -- 5-1 (3-0 in 5-5A-D2) // 55-0 W v. Hillcrest // Next Matchup: @ Wilson -- Friday 10/17
6. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 6-0 (4-0 in 6-6A) //45-14 W v. Plano // Next Matchup: @ McKinney -- Friday 10/17
7. Aledo Bearcats (5A) -- 7-0 (5-0 in 3-5A-D1) // 61-0 W v. Granbury // Next Matchup: Bye Week
8. Lewisville Farmers (6A) -- 6-0 (3-0 in 5-6A) // 49-7 W v. Flower Mound // Next Matchup: @ Coppell -- Friday 10/17*
9. Celina Bobcats (4A) -- 7-0 (3-0 in 7-4A-D1) // 38-14 W v. Sulphur Springs // Next Matchup: Bye Week
10. DeSoto Eagles (6A) -- 3-3 (2-1 in 11-6A) // 28-48 L v. Duncanville // Next Matchup: @ Mesquite Horn -- Friday 10/17
11. Waxahachie Indians (6A) -- 4-1 (2-1 in 11-6A) // 56-20 W v. Mesquite Horn // Next Matchup: @ Cedar Hill -- Friday 10/17*
12. Lone Star Rangers (5A) -- 6-0 (4-0 in 5-5A-D1) // Bye Week // Next Matchup: @ Sherman -- Friday 10/17
13. Denton Guyer Wildcats (6A) -- 4-2 (3-0 in 5-6A) // 44-16 W v. Hebron // Next Matchup: VS. FM Marcus -- Thursday 10/16
14. Denton Ryan Raiders (5A) -- 5-1 (3-1 in 3-5A-D1) // 30-21 W v. Richland // Next Matchup: VS. Azle -- Friday 10/17
15. Argyle Eagles (5A) -- 5-1 (4-0 in 3-5A-D2) // 41-24 W v. Seguin // Next Matchup: VS. Mansfield Summit -- Friday 10/17
16. Highland Park Scots (5A) -- 5-1 (2-0 in 7-5A-D1) // Bye Week // Next Matchup: @ Joshua -- Friday 10/17
17. Rockwall-Heath Hawks (6A) -- 5-1 (2-0 in 10-6A) // 56-55 W v. North Forney* // Next Matchup: VS. Royse City -- Friday 10/17
18. Cedar Hill Longhorns (6A) -- 5-1 (3-0 in 11-6A) // 30-7 W v. Mesquite // Next Matchup: VS. Waxahachie -- Friday 10/17*
19. Melissa Cardinals (5A) -- 4-1 (4-0 in 4-5A-D2) // 49-14 W v. Lovejoy // Next Matchup: @ Independence -- Friday 10/17
20. North Forney Falcons (6A) -- 6-1 (2-1 in 10-6A) // 55-56 L v. Rockwall-Heath // Next Matchup: Bye Week
Others to Watch: Coppell Cowboys (6A), Rockwall Yellowjackets (6A), Forney Jackrabbits (6A), Byron Nelson Bobcats (6A), Trinity Trojans (6A), Lancaster Tigers (6A), Wakeland Wolverines (5A)*, Royse City Bulldogs (5A), FM Marcus Marauders (6A)
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