McKinney Boyd hosted a swim meet in which all McKinney ISD high school swim teams took part. McKinney Boyd, McKinney North and McKinney High celebrated their swim and dive seniors while all teams continued to show their excellence in the water.
A new culture is taking root at McKinney Boyd, and head coach Stu Johnson believes that change will be the catalyst for turning the Broncos into a contender.
After playing a number of underclassmen a season ago, Boyd enters 2026 with valuable experience and renewed confidence. The record may not have reflected it last fall, but the foundation was laid by a young roster that gained meaningful Friday night reps. Now, those players return bigger, stronger and fully invested in Johnson's vision.
"The strength of our program is our culture," Johnson said. "The standards are different. Our kids have bought into what we're doing, and they want to change the direction of this program."
That buy-in has created a different atmosphere throughout the building. From the weight room to the practice field to the locker room, there is a renewed energy surrounding the Broncos. Expectations have risen, accountability has become the norm and competition is bringing out the best in everyone.
Offensively, McKinney Boyd has several exciting pieces to build around. Running back Kayden Washington is coming off an outstanding season and looks poised for an even bigger year after adding strength and explosiveness during the offseason. On the perimeter, Hudson Drake gives the Broncos a reliable outside target, while AJ Stewart creates matchup problems from the slot with his quickness and playmaking ability.
The offense will also benefit from the return of its junior quarterback, who gained valuable experience as a sophomore starter. With another offseason of development and a better understanding of the system, Boyd expects the passing game to take another step forward. Up front, center Drew Bowman anchors an improving offensive line that will be counted on to establish the physical identity Johnson wants.
Defensively, the Broncos believe the front seven can become one of the strengths of the team. Defensive linemen Chaston Stephens and Pierre Roby are physical forces at the point of attack, while linebacker Ugo Anosike flies sideline to sideline as the unit's "heat-seeking missile."
Their ability to control the line of scrimmage and create negative plays will be key as Boyd looks to compete in a challenging district.
Perhaps the biggest difference, however, isn't found on the depth chart. It's the belief inside the program.
The positive vibes throughout the locker room and school are impossible to ignore. Players are embracing the higher standards, competing every day for playing time and taking ownership of changing the narrative surrounding McKinney Boyd football.
Lancaster coach Stephen Jackson
There may not be a program in Texas with more raw talent year in and year out than Lancaster.
Situated along the talent-rich I-20 corridor in the Dallas area, the Tigers once again boast a roster loaded with Division I prospects. Now, the challenge is turning that talent into the program's first UIL state championship.
That responsibility falls to new head coach Stephen Jackson, who arrives after a highly successful tenure at West Mesquite.
Jackson inherits one of the state's most tradition-rich programs and understands both the opportunity and the expectations that come with leading the Tigers. His vision is simple. Jackson wants Lancaster to be disciplined, play fast and have fun while doing it.
More importantly, he wants to teach the game the right way, building fundamentally sound players who can thrive not only on Friday nights but at the next level. He believes assembling the right coaching staff was the first step in creating that championship culture.
"I feel like we've put together a staff that can teach the game the right way," Jackson said. "We want to play disciplined football, play fast and let our kids enjoy the process."
The Tigers certainly have the personnel to make noise in the playoffs again this season.
Quarterback Joseph Hairston headlines an explosive offense and has one of the area's top playmakers to target in wide receiver Keylon Bradley. Up front, offensive lineman Justin Jennings anchors the trenches. The talented junior has already accumulated dozens of Division I scholarship offers and is emerging as one of the premier offensive line prospects in Texas. Defensively, Lancaster has difference-makers at every level. UCF commit Tavarren Wade is a lockdown corner capable of eliminating an opponent's top receiver, while linebackers Amir Adkinson and James Foster III bring physicality and leadership to the heart of the defense.
Despite the demands of leading one of Texas' marquee programs, Jackson still finds time to unwind—and he's doing it much like many of his players.
"I love to play the game," he laughed. "I play a lot of College Football '27." That competitive spirit hasn't left him, and Lancaster is hoping it translates into a new era of championship football.
Sarah Perez of Plano East
Plano East has become one of the more consistent volleyball programs in North Texas, and head coach Sarah Perez has the Panthers positioned to chase a fourth consecutive playoff appearance in 2026.
Although Plano East enters a new district this season, the expectations inside the program remain unchanged. The Panthers have established a winning culture built on discipline, effort and team chemistry, and Perez expects her squad to compete for a postseason berth once again despite graduating several key contributors from last year's team.
The biggest constant is the return of Dakota Huynh, a two-time District Defensive MVP and one of the area's premier liberos. Huynh has built a reputation as the backbone of the Panthers' defense with her elite court awareness, relentless motor and ability to keep rallies alive. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as Plano East works several new faces into the lineup.
Outside hitter Kyla Slaughter is another player poised for a breakout campaign. With increased opportunities this fall, Slaughter has the athleticism and offensive versatility to become one of the Panthers' go-to attackers. If she takes the next step, it will provide Plano East with another reliable scoring option to complement its outstanding defensive play.
Perez knows replacing experienced seniors won't happen overnight, but she believes the pieces are in place for another successful season.
"We have some great pieces, we just need to put them together," Perez said. "We need to play as a team, communicate and make great decisions. It's that simple."
That message has become the foundation of the Panthers' offseason. Plano East will rely on chemistry, communication and execution rather than individual star power as it navigates a challenging new district.
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