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The Wildcats return to the gridiron this week looking to reverse a recent trend and claim their first season opener in three years over the Hays Hawks.
Elgin opens the 2025-26 regular season with plenty to prove in the 7:30 p.m. matchup Thursday, Aug. 28. The varsity lineup fell to Hays 31-21 at home last season, and will take on a challenging road ahead under new Head Coach Rich Lucero.
Lucero, moving up from offensive coordinator after the departure of Heath Clawson this year, inherits a roster with several question marks — particularly on offense. The Wildcats have to replace three key contributors missing from last fall.
Starting quarterback Dylan Owens is gone after transferring to Hutto during the offseason, along with his brother and standout receiver Jalen Owens, who graduated in the spring. Running back Gary Jefferson Jr. switched over to area rival Bastrop.
Despite the losses, Elgin will return some proven playmakers in seniors Michael Mejias and J.J. Reed. Utility player Mejias is expected to play a larger role this year, according to Lucero, and Reed will anchor the ground game at running back.
Both players will need to provide substantial support if the Wildcats hope to keep pace with a Hays offense bringing back most of its firepower.
The Hawks return senior quarterback Tacoma Ames, who led the roster this time last year, along with senior wide receiver Layton Fuentes and senior running back Anthony Hernandez. Their experience and chemistry could pose a major challenge for Elgin’s defense in the opener, according to team leaders.
On the other side of the ball, however, Hays will be breaking in a series of new defensive faces after losing a slate of top performers to graduation. The inexperience could provide an opportunity for Elgin’s offense to settle in early and establish a rhythm.
Defensively, the Wildcats are looking for consistency and leadership to emerge. The unit will be anchored by senior linebacker Matthew Clear, senior defensive end Lewis Reese and junior linebacker Trey Flores — all of whom are expected to hold their own as contributors this season.
The lineup’s ability to slow down Ames and the Hawks’ skill players will be crucial if Elgin hopes to reverse its season opener stumbles.
After facing Hays and Anderson Sept. 5, Friday night lights return to Elgin for a highly anticipated matchup with Montgomery Sept. 12.
