However, the toughest stretch may still lie ahead. Given their loaded district schedule – featuring matchups with Harlan, Brennan, and Taft – the Panthers will face another test, as they look to solidify their spot among the state’s elite.
Harlan (17-4) isn’t far behind. The Hawks continue to build on last year’s strong campaign and appear poised to make another extensive trip through the postseason. Also making noise in Class 6A are Reagan (17-8) and Brennan (15-9), both of whom have played through challenging schedules.
Though Johnson (9-14) is below .500, their early-season record masks the caliber of their opponents—and with a history of doing their best work in September onward, the Jaguars remain a team no one wants to face come playoff time.
In Class 5A, New Braunfels is quickly becoming the region’s breakout story. At 25-5, the Unicorns have asserted themselves as a legitimate state contender, showing both depth and cohesion in key wins. Pieper (16-7) and Boerne-Champion (14-2) are keeping pace, with the latter flying slightly under the radar despite one of the best win percentages in the area.
Meanwhile, Davenport (22-2) continues to dominate the 4A field. The Wolves' combination of experience and balance has made them a near-lock in most matchups and a clear postseason favorite in their classification.
As district play ramps up across all classes, expect further shifts in the pecking order. With multiple teams battle-tested and trending upward, the San Antonio region once again looks ready to produce a number of playoff contenders—and potentially, a few title threats.
...
***Second section denotes current record (acquired from MaxPreps as of 8/31/2025)
VYPE San Antonio Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Volleyball Rankings -- Start of September 2025
1. O'Connor Panthers (6A) -- 23-4
2. Harlan Hawks (6A) -- 17-4
3. New Braunfels Unicorns (5A) -- 25-5
4. Davenport Wolves (4A) -- 22-2
5. Comal Canyon Cougars (6A) -- 17-12
6. SA Reagan Rattlers (6A) -- 17-8
7. Pieper Warriors (5A) -- 16-7
8. Boerne-Champion Chargers (5A) -- 14-2
9. SA Johnson Jaguars (6A) -- 9-14
10. Brennan Bears (6A) -- 15-9
Others to Watch:
CLASS 6A: Churchill Chargers (6A), , Taft Raiders (6A), Clark Cougars (6A), East Central Hornets (6A), Cibolo Steele Knights (6A)
CLASS 5A: Smithson Valley Rangers (5A), Boerne Greyhounds (5A)
CLASS 4A: La Vernia Bears (4A)
Close behind, Allen (23-1) and Southlake Carroll (15-3) round out a 6A-heavy top tier. Allen’s deep roster and early wins over several ranked opponents have solidified its place as a state contender, while Carroll's only setbacks have come in tight matches against other ranked teams.
Keller (18-3), Plano West (14-3), and Mansfield (29-1) have also staked their claim in a crowded 6A field, with Mansfield in particular emerging as a quiet powerhouse with the most wins of any team in the rankings.
On the 5A side, perennial power Lovejoy (17-6) remains a threat despite a few early-season hiccups, with their strength of schedule arguably more demanding than most. Aledo (22-2) and McKinney North (18-3) have surged forward with impressive starts, while Frisco Liberty (16-3) continues to trend upward as a possible dark horse in postseason play.
Beyond the Top-10, several teams are positioning themselves for a breakthrough. In 6A, Duncanville, Hebron, and Flower Mound are names to watch, while 5A contenders like Argyle, Highland Park, and Wakeland could shake up the rankings in the coming weeks.
With district play just around the corner, expect even more shifts as the region’s deepest programs begin to collide. For now, though, Byron Nelson and Allen have established themselves as the teams to beat in DFW.
...
***Second section denotes current record (acquired from MaxPreps as of 8/31/2025)
VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-5A) Top-10 Volleyball Rankings -- Start of September 2025
1. Byron Nelson Bobcats (6A) -- 22-0
2. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 23-1
3. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) -- 15-3
4. Lovejoy Leopards (5A) -- 17-6
5. Aledo Bearcats (5A) -- 22-2
6. Keller Indians (6A) -- 18-3
7. McKinney North Bulldogs (5A) -- 18-3
8. Plano West Wolves (6A) -- 14-3
9. Frisco Liberty Redhawks (5A) -- 16-3
10. Mansfield Tigers (6A) -- 29-1
Others to Watch:
CLASS 6A: Duncanville Panthers (6A), Plano Wildcats (6A), Plano East Panthers (6A), Flower Mound Jaguars (6A), North Forney Falcons (6A), Hebron Hawks (6A)
CLASS 5A: Argyle Eagles (5A), Highland Park Scots (5A), Wakeland Wolverines (5A), Walnut Grove Wildcats (5A)
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