Sports

Ferris has hired a new varsity volleyball coach after losing their last two in as many years. Former three-time NAIA All-American at Oklahoma Baptist University, Kristen Pressley, was recently signed by Athletic Director Tony Castillo.

Ennis swimmer A.J. Dodson proved his status as a top tier performer in the pool last week at the Dallas YMCA championships. The seventh-grader earned numerous ribbons, placing in every event: five second-places and a third in his sixth race, which earned him a high-points trophy.

Avalon volleyball has enjoyed three straight campaigns of unbeaten district play while winning their respective district championship each year. It will be tough to keep the streak alive after 6’3 senior Brooklyn De La Garza departed to Class 3A Rio Vista.

When second-year HC Don Drake blows the first whistle at 6:45 a.m. on Monday, August 10, his newlook Lions will carry the expectations of a state playoff team.

Bricktown 2026 commences with five-of-the-first-six-games at home, and 13 starters in the fold give HC Tony Castillo a chance to control their destiny. DCTF predicts a fifth-place finish without a playoff ticket.

It’s been years since Palmer finished lower than third place in the district, but DCTF is calling for the Bulldogs to slide to fourth in the fall. The last time the Black Barkers had a losing season was in 2016.

Coming off back-to-back 4-7 seasons, both ending in a first round playoff loss, Rice reloaded with a new HC, Jason Pierson. A potentially great hire, Pierson brings 10-years of experience at Class 5A Red Oak.

Italy is true to their image and to history, where gladiators were armed combatants who entertained audiences. Considering the team plays at the Coliseum, it is no surprise the Olde Gold & Black have suffered just two losing seasons over the past eight years.

Embarking on resuming the success of recent seasons, Avalon and HC Malcolm Cole are charting a course in 2026 with a fresh crop of up-andcoming flyers. Twice the Eagles have gone 11-1 on the strength of a talented core, yet this autumn will see young wings as the catalysts.