What we learned Week 5: Trinity falls flat, big wins for Haltom, Joshua, Brewer
Week 5 of the Texas high school football season had several standout performances from Fort Worth-area squads.
Here are high school sports editor Charles Baggarly’s main takeaways from the action:
White Settlement Brewer scores 63 in win over Azle
In District 3-5A Division I, the first three playoff spots are hard to secure.
That’s because Richland, Denton Ryan and Aledo are, usually, on a different level. But for teams like White Settlement Brewer, that fourth playoff spot is an attainable goal.
The Brewer Bears (3-2, 1-2) secured an important 63-42 victory over Azle, a 2024 playoff team, following losses to Aledo and Richland.
“I think it was the first game this year where I felt like we complemented each other,” Brewer coach Marte Amrine said. “We got some turnovers on the defensive side. We got some big returns in our kick return game that set up our offense, and they finished drives.”
Brewer’s offense scoring 63 points is a positive sign, especially since it was held to 21 combined points in losses to Richland and Aledo. Amrine said the staff told the players to keep focusing on themselves regardless of the score.
“It’s about us, and improving every week,” Amrine said. “And not worrying about the team that we’re playing. ... As you’re trying to build a program, it’s all about how do you improve yourself. ... I think our kids have done a good job of seeing which areas we need to get better in. They are taking advantage of that. It’s a process every week.”
The Bears have a long way to go and will need strong performances against Denton, Birdville and Granbury — teams that could challenge for a playoff spot with improved play.
“We want to do everything we can to get in the tournament,” Amrine said. “We’ll fight and claw. And our district is tough — from top to bottom every team has improved this year. You’ve got to bring your A-game every week, and if you don’t, you’re going to get beat.”
Byron Nelson steamrolls Trinity
After a sizable loss to Southlake Carroll, Euless Trinity needed a response to prove itself as a top team in the Fort Worth area.
The Trojans, however, fell flat for the second consecutive week, as Byron Nelson (2-2, 1-1 District 4-6A) seized a shocking 38-13 blowout victory Friday. The Bobcats led 31-0 at the half and were in control from start to finish.
What does this mean for 4-6A? Well, with the way the Trojans (3-2, 1-2) have played, they aren’t the usual playoff lock they have been in years past. Surging teams like L.D. Bell, Haslet Eaton and more could be more competitive against the Trojans this season.
Byron Nelson’s huge victory showcases that the Bobcats are a solid team despite the loss to Carroll. With the Dragons trouncing Byron Nelson and Trinity, the gap between them and the rest of the competition is incredibly wide.
Carroll, ranked No. 1 in the state, is truly in a league of its own in 4-6A.
Joshua capitalizes in triple overtime
Joshua football is off to a 3-1 start, and its latest victory was monumental.
The Owls defeated Midlothian 27-21 in triple overtime to start play in District 7-5A Division I. Last season, Midlothian went 5-1 in district, finishing second behind state power Highland Park.
“The biggest thing that stood out was the kids overcoming adversity,” Joshua coach Danny DeArman said. “ ... There’s not going to be a perfect game. We’re not going to play perfect snaps. There is always going to be something that happens. There were plenty of things that happened that didn’t go our way. And the kids just kept fighting, and they played for one another.”
On the other hand, Joshua had a 1-5 district record last season. With a win over a top team, the Owls are on track to compete for a playoff spot. DeArman said the players and staff have gotten closer, and the chemistry is evident with their play, despite not having many returners.
DeArman said all three phases of the game were put together for the first time against Midlothian, and the win proves the Owls have what it takes to compete for a playoff spot.
Haltom narrowly defeats Arlington Lamar
In District 8-6A, it feels like most teams can find a way to win against any opponent.
After a victory against Arlington Martin to start district play, it seemed Lamar would be in contention for a district championship. That can still be the case, but the Vikings’ 44-43 loss to Haltom on Friday is a bit of a setback.
For Haltom (1-4, 1-1), it was a huge step in the right direction after four losses to start the season. Running back Vudrico Roberson had 173 rushing yards, four touchdowns and the game-sealing interception. Receiver Elijah Lewis had 175 receiving yards and two TDs.
Now, only two undefeated teams remain in 8-6A: South Grand Prairie and Arlington Bowie, the 2024 district champion.
With 1-1 records, Arlington, Lamar, Martin and Haltom will likely compete for the third and fourth playoff spots in what should be a close race, with the district championship still up for grabs.
Crowley bounces back against Weatherford
In 2024, Crowley struggled in non-district play before going on a five-game winning streak to earn a playoff spot out of District 3-6A. The Eagles won two playoff games in their best season since 1971.
This season could bring more of the same. Coach Carlos Lynn scheduled a tough non-district slate to prepare his team for the games that matter. Although the Eagles (2-3, 1-0) missed some opportunities early in the season, there is no question that they are more experienced having faced tough squads like Houston North Shore and Tyler Legacy.
A 40-8 victory over Weatherford on Friday shows that the Eagle defense can carry it to success in district play.
Week 5 scores
Thursday’s games
DISTRICT 4-6A
Southlake Carroll 55, Keller Timber Creek 13
DISTRICT 4-5A D1
FW Arlington Heights 32, FW Chisholm Trail 14
FW Trimble Tech 20, FW Polytechnic 13
DISTRICT 3-5A D2
Arlington Seguin 68, The Colony 30
Mansfield Summit 58, Grapevine 14
DISTRICT 5-4A D1
Springtown 49, FW Southwest 20
NON-DISTRICT
Irving Ranchview 40, Bridgeport 14
Friday’s games
DISTRICT 3-6A
Crowley 40, Weatherford 8
Mansfield 31, FW Boswell 12
North Crowley 68, Mansfield Legacy 0
DISTRICT 4-6A
Trophy Club Nelson 38, Euless Trinity 13
Hurst L.D. Bell 39, Haslet Eaton 37
Keller 38, Keller Central 29
DISTRICT 8-6A
South Grand Prairie 48, Arlington 31
Arlington Bowie 52, Arlington Sam Houston 7
Haltom 44, Arlington Lamar 43
Arlington Martin 68, Grand Prairie 6
DISTRICT 3-5A D1
Aledo 56, Keller Fossil Ridge 14
FW Brewer 63, Azle 42
Denton Ryan 41, Granbury 0
NRH Richland 51, NRH Birdville 21
DISTRICT 7-5A D1
Burleson Centennial 16, Cleburne 14
Highland Park 70, Tyler 66
Joshua 27, Midlothian 21 (3OT)
DISTRICT 3-5A D2
Argyle 58, Colleyville Heritage 35
Mansfield Timberview 42, Everman 27
TAPPS DIVISION I - DISTRICT 1
Plano Prestonwood Christian 56, FW Nolan Catholic 7
Argyle Liberty Christian 63, Addison Trinity Christian 17
Dallas Parish Episcopal 43, Frisco Legacy Christian 21
DISTRICT 5-4A D1
Decatur 68, FW Carter-Riverside 0
FW Eastern Hills 34, FW Western Hills 28
SPC - CLASS 3A
Arlington Oakridge 41, Houston Christian 27
FW Trinity Valley 58, Austin St. Andrew’s 8
Addison Greenhill 48, Irving Cistercian 28
TAPPS DIVISION II - DISTRICT 2
Tyler Grace Community 33, Austin Brentwood Christian 14
Austin Regents 56, Bullard Brook Hill 14
TAPPS DIVISION IV - DISTRICT 1
Dallas First Baptist 56, FW Mercy Culture 12
NON-DISTRICT
Alvarado 55, Glen Rose 50
Graham 35, Lake Worth 10
Ferris 48, River Oaks Castleberry 36
Godley 42, Mineral Wells 21
The Woodlands John Cooper 52, FW Country Day 13
Fort Worth Christian 45, Victoria St. Joseph 7
Grapevine Faith Christian 69, FW Atlas 35
New Boston 49, FW Lake Country Christian 0
Pantego Christian 45, Waco Live Oak 9
Tyler All Saints 46, Willow Park Trinity Christian 3
Crowley Nazarene Christian 70, Greenville HomeSchool 0
Gordon 66, FW Covenant Classical 20
Rockwall Heritage Christian 56, Weatherford Christian 6
Kennedale 48, FW Dunbar 22
Brock 56, Prosper Richland 9
FW Eagle Mountain 46, Benbrook 15
Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership 58, Venus 19
FW Southwest Christian 63, Colleyville Covenant Christian 48
Azle Christian 51, FW Temple Christian 0
Lucas Christian 80, Decatur Victory Christian 44
FW All Saints Episcopal 49, Vancouver (WA) Evergreen 21
Saturday’s games
DISTRICT 4-5A D1
FW Paschal 52, FW South Hills 14
FW Wyatt 21, Saginaw 20
TAPPS DIVISION II - DISTRICT 2
Arlington Grace Prep 56, Dallas Bishop Dunne 13
This story was originally published September 27, 2025 at 12:29 PM.
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