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BASTROP — The Bastrop Bears have finished spring football and released their schedule for the 2026 season, giving fans a look at the road ahead under new University Interscholastic League district alignment.
After another successful season in 2025, the Bears enter the fall with high expectations and a roster featuring several returning playmakers. Bastrop will face a competitive non-district schedule before beginning district play in October.
The Bears open the season Aug. 28 against Montgomery Lake Creek. The Lions finished 5-6 overall and 4-3 in district play last season, earning a playoff berth and offering Bastrop an early test.
The non-district slate continues with matches against Killeen Chaparral Sept. 4 and Belton Sept. 11. The Bobcats struggled in 2025, finishing 2-8 overall and winless in district play, while the Tigers reached the postseason after posting a winning district record.
Bastrop takes on a Midland team that finished 3-7 overall last season Sept. 18, before facing one of the strongest teams on the schedule in Brenham Sept. 25. The Cubs went 11-2 overall, finished second in district play with a 4-1 record and advanced to the postseason.
The Bears will have a bye week before opening district competition Oct. 9 against Austin Crockett. Bastrop dominated the Cougars in last year’s meeting, rolling to a 60-11 victory.
The Bears then face Pflugerville Oct. 16, after defeating the Panthers 70-6 during the 2025 season.
District play continues Oct. 23 against Austin Navarro. Bastrop recorded its most lopsided victory last season against the Vikings with a 71-0 blowout.
One of the most anticipated games on the schedule comes Oct. 30, when the Bears face county rival Elgin. The Wildcats will enter the contest following a bye week, while Bastrop will look to continue its recent success in the rivalry after claiming a 62-6 victory last season.
The Bears conclude the regular season Nov. 6 against Liberal Arts and Science Academy. Based on last season’s results, Bastrop is expected to be a strong contender for a district championship in its first year under the new UIL alignment. The Bears return one of the area’s most productive offenses, led by quarterback Weston Nielsen, who threw for 44 touchdowns last season.
Nielsen will once again have several familiar targets, including Dallas Crescenzo and Zac Wilkinson, giving Bastrop a veteran core on offense heading into fall and a favorable district schedule.
