Arlington was unranked, and few expected the Colts to take down an area power on its own field. But that\u2019s just what happened, as Arlington seized a statement 38-22 victory.<\/p>\n
And as big as the win was, Arlington head coach Scott Peach said he thought the offense and special teams were sloppy at times. Four takeaways from the defense, two of which were taken back for scores, made a huge impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of our boys,\u201d Peach said. \u201c … I think it\u2019s a big deal for our program when you play a team like Byron Nelson and get off to a good start, and we did that.<\/p>\n
The Colts have won 10 consecutive season-opening games. Scott Peach has led them as head coach since 2002. The eye-popping victory suggests the Colts could take a major leap this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot of kids who love playing football, and they\u2019ve worked really hard for this,\u201d Peach said. \u201cWe\u2019re a lot more talented than we\u2019ve been in the last handful of years. … We\u2019re not surprised by going out and having success. … It\u2019s nice to be 1-0, but there are so many things we\u2019ve got to get better at. If we stack those things from game to game and get better we have a chance to be really, really good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fort Worth Arlington Heights wins big<\/p>\n
When Fort Worth Arlington Heights had its best season since 1973<\/a>, a question was raised: Could the Yellow Jackets take another step forward?<\/p>\n To start the year, head coach Curtis James\u2019 Jackets delivered a phenomenal performance, setting the tone for what they hope will be another strong season. Heights dominated Mansfield Legacy 40-9 Thursday \u2013 the Broncos dropped from Class 6A to Class 5A in the 2026 UIL realignment.<\/p>\n The Yellow Jackets have matchups against Cleburne and Class 4A power Alvarado before starting district play; Heights is expected to compete for another district title.<\/p>\n Arlington Sam Houston, Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis seize wins<\/p>\n Arlington Sam Houston and Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis both won their opening games last year and lost the rest of the way.<\/p>\n In 2026, the two building programs will have a big opportunity to make some more progress, as they once again seized opening-night wins. DHJ seized a dominant 38-6 win over A Plus Academy, and Sam Houston took a hard-fought 24-21 win over North Mesquite.<\/p>\n Keep an eye on both squads to take a step forward.<\/p>\n Head coach Irwin Garcia is in his second year at DHJ and helped snap a 47-game losing streak<\/a> last season. By building community support and excitement, DHJ is finding small wins that will add up over time.<\/p>\n Sam Houston is in a new era led by head coach Bobby Watkins, who was hired in December.<\/p>\n Arlington Martin, Timber Creek, Crowley look strong<\/p>\n Three Fort Worth-area Class 6A squads had impressive opening games: Arlington Martin, Keller Timber Creek and Crowley.<\/p>\n After missing the playoffs in 2025, Martin started off on a great note, handing a solid Mansfield program a 38-35 loss. The Warriors have taken a step back from the yearly district titles and playoff appearances the last two seasons, but they certainly have the talent to build back to that high standard.<\/p>\n Keller Timber Creek wasn\u2019t expected to beat South Grand Prairie, a squad that competed for a district title last season. But the Falcons didn\u2019t care much about the noise, taking a 27-25 victory.<\/p>\n Wide receiver Hudson Howard was phenomenal, tallying 127 yards and two scores. Timber Creek will aim for a playoff spot in a highly competitive District 4-6A. The Falcons won two district games in 2025, but lost three games by one score or less.<\/p>\n Crowley came out on top over a solid Cedar Hill squad (21-14), which is a fantastic sign for the Eagles\u2019 season.<\/p>\n They have an uphill battle in Texas\u2019 toughest district among powerhouses and title contenders like Duncanville, North Crowley and Waxahachie. But for the program, it\u2019s a chance to rise to the challenge and grow quickly from the experience.<\/p>\n White Settlement Brewer, Mansfield Timberview start promising seasons<\/p>\n In the Class 5A realm, keep an eye on these two squads to compete for district titles: White Settlement Brewer and Mansfield Timberview.<\/p>\n Brewer defeated a solid Class 6A Haltom program 31-14, setting the tone for what could be a big season. The Bears are expected to compete for a district title along with Arlington Heights.<\/p>\n They have a plethora of impact players, and I expect a well-rounded, versatile offense led by an effective rush attack.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Mansfield Timberview\u2019s Week 1 showing is a scary sight for the Wolves\u2019 competition.<\/p>\n Timberview has been rapidly ascending over the last two seasons and is getting closer not just to competing for district titles, but potentially returning to being a state title contender. The Wolves demolished West Mesquite (69-7).<\/p>\n Brock solidifies status as best area Class 4A squad<\/p>\n Brock entered a matchup against Springtown ranked as the No. 1 Class 4A squad<\/a> in the Fort Worth-area.<\/p>\n Springtown, ranked No. 2 in the area, was one of the few teams with enough firepower to knock Brock off its pedestal. But the Eagles held strong with a strong 42-20 victory. It was a great sign for the Eagle defense against a Springtown offense that has plenty of talent.<\/p>\n Make sure to check out the rest of the Star-Telegram\u2019s high school football coverage.<\/p>\n This story was originally published August 29, 2026 at 11:39 AM.<\/p>\n