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Duncanville leads off in huge opener with Allen
Duncanville, Allen renew rivalry in blockbuster season opener
ALLEN — There is no easing into the 2026 football season for Duncanville or Allen.
The Panthers and Eagles will open the season Friday night at Eagle Stadium in a matchup that feels more like a playoff game than Week 1.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
And for Allen, there is a little unfinished business.
The Eagles' 2025 season came to an end at the hands of Duncanville, which defeated Allen 31-9 in the Class 6A Division I state semifinals. Duncanville went on to finish 12-2 and advance to the state championship game, while Allen finished 14-1.
Now the two Texas powers meet again, only this time with a clean slate.
"This isn't last year," will be the message on both sidelines.
But it's hard to ignore the history.
Duncanville enters the season ranked No. 10 nationally by MaxPreps, while Allen checks in at No. 18. Both programs have championship expectations, and Friday night's opener will provide an immediate test for two teams with plenty of talent.
For Duncanville, four-star Purdue commit Trenton Yancey is one of the players capable of changing the game every time he touches the football.
The Class of 2027 standout is a versatile weapon who can line up at receiver, take carries out of the backfield and create matchup problems all over the field.
Allen will have to account for him wherever he lines up.
On the other side, the Eagles are ushering in a new era at quarterback with Ty Snell.
The Class of 2029 quarterback enters his first season as Allen's QB1 with more than 30 Division I offers already to his name. His first season-opening start will come against one of the state's most established programs.
He'll have a special weapon alongside him.
Wide receiver Zach Williams, also a Class of 2029 standout with more than 30 Division I offers, gives Snell an explosive target and creates the possibility of a dynamic young quarterback-receiver connection.
The Snell-to-Williams combination could become one of the most intriguing storylines in Texas high school football this season.
But they'll have to navigate a Duncanville defense led in part by Nelson Burns, a senior who returns with experience in the Panthers' defensive system.
For Allen, the challenge is more than simply beating Duncanville.
It's about setting the tone for a new season.
The Eagles have won five state championships and enter 2026 with the talent and expectations that come with being one of the state's premier programs. Duncanville has three state titles of its own and has established itself as a perennial contender under legendary head coach Reginald Samples.
Friday's matchup gives both programs an opportunity to make an early statement.
For Duncanville, it's a chance to show that last year's run was no fluke.
For Allen, it's a chance to turn the page on the game that ended its championship dreams.
And for everyone watching, it's one of the biggest games on the opening-week schedule.
The rematch is here.
Only this time, there's an entire season ahead of both teams.
CULTURE CHANGE: Boyd turning corner under Coach Johnson's energy
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.