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RANKINGS
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.
Kendall Brewer of McKinney North
No Slogans, No T-Shirts, Just Ball at McKinney North
McKinney North enters the 2026 season with lofty expectations, and head coach Kendall Brewer believes the Bulldogs have the leadership and experience to live up to them.
The driving force behind this year's team is a senior class that has spent years building toward this moment. Their leadership has become the defining characteristic of the program and, according to Brewer, the biggest separator between McKinney North and its competition.
"We have a really strong senior class," Brewer said. "Their leadership is part of what makes us unique. We have high expectations going into the season."
For Brewer, culture isn't built with catchy phrases or motivational posters.
"It's not slogans on the walls or words on T-shirts," he said. "It's how you behave, rep in and rep out."
Offensively, continuity starts up front, where four of five starters return along the offensive line. That veteran group should provide stability as McKinney North breaks in new quarterback Campbell Seyb, who has impressed throughout the offseason.
"He's way ahead of schedule," Brewer said of his signal caller.
Seyb will have no shortage of weapons. Two All-District wide receivers return to stretch defenses, while running back John Richardson gives the Bulldogs a proven playmaker capable of carrying the load on the ground. With an experienced offensive line paving the way and a talented group of skill players surrounding their new quarterback, McKinney North expects to be one of the district's most balanced offenses.
"Offensively, we feel really good about who is coming back," Brewer said.
The defense is built around one of the area's premier defenders in Eli Harris, a three-year starter who enters the season as the preseason District Defensive MVP. Harris sets the tone with his physicality, leadership and experience, serving as the cornerstone of a unit that expects to be among the district's best.
"We're going to be physical, we're going to be big and we have great athletes in the back end," Brewer said.
With experienced leadership, a veteran offensive line, emerging talent at quarterback and a defense anchored by one of the district's top players, the expectations are high in Bulldog Country. Brewer wouldn't have it any other way.