Four Dallas-area high school football programs enter Week 3 of the 2026 season with a 0-2 record, yet analysts suggest these teams still possess the talent and positioning to compete for district titles. The article notes that recent state champions, such as South Oak Cliff in 2022, have overcome similar early-season struggles to reach the postseason.
Arlington Bowie enters the week following narrow defeats to Prosper Rock Hill and South Grand Prairie, losing by a combined 11 points. The team is adjusting to new quarterback Mason Nicholls, who threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns in his second game, a marked improvement over his debut.
With Antonio Birdow emerging as a key receiver, Bowie remains a contender in District 8-6A alongside Arlington Lamar, Arlington Martin, and Aledo.
DeSoto faces a challenging schedule, having lost 50-6 to Allen and previously to Creekside of Georgia. Despite these setbacks, the team is considered a strong contender in 5A Division I. DeSoto plays rival Duncanville this week, a matchup it lost 48-28 in the previous season, and remains favored on paper against most other teams in its district.
Highland Park has not started a season 0-2 since 1989. The team lost its opener to Lewisville due to turnovers and fell 41-38 to Rockwall-Heath. Quarterback Buck Randall continues to perform at a high level, and the program, led by coach Randy Allen, is still favored to win its district. The team plays Tyler this week and Argyle next week.
