Written by Will Johnson, September 15, 2026
Allen and North Crowley hold the top two spots, while Waxahachie moves up and DeSoto joins the rankings after knocking off Duncanville.
Texas high school football delivered another statement weekend, and the BTGS Texas Top 10 has changed again.
Allen and North Crowley strengthened their grip on the first two positions with convincing wins. Waxahachie climbed into the top three after defeating Denton Guyer, while North Shore survived a serious challenge from South Oak Cliff. The biggest shakeup came in the Cotton Bowl, where DeSoto held off Duncanville, 21–20, to earn its way into this week’s rankings.
These rankings are independently compiled by Between The Game Sports. As the season progresses, current results and opponent quality carry more weight than preseason expectations or reputation.
1. Allen (3–0)
Previous ranking: No. 1
Week 3: Defeated Southlake Carroll, 56–35
Allen remains the team to beat in the BTGS rankings. The Eagles scored 56 points against another respected program, one week after their 50–6 statement win over DeSoto. The defense allowed more production this time, but Allen’s explosive offense and back-to-back quality victories keep the Eagles firmly at No. 1.
2. North Crowley (3–0)
Previous ranking: No. 2
Week 3: Defeated Summer Creek, 41–20
North Crowley continues to build one of the strongest early résumés in Texas. After beating Southlake Carroll in Week 2, the Panthers handled Summer Creek by three touchdowns. Their combination of speed, physicality and big-game experience makes them Allen’s closest challenger.
3. Waxahachie (3–0)
Previous ranking: No. 4
Week 3: Defeated Denton Guyer, 44–30
Waxahachie moves into the top three after pulling away from Denton Guyer. The Indians have shown that they can score against strong competition and finish close games. Their complete three-week body of work earns them a one-spot rise.
4. North Shore (3–0)
Previous ranking: No. 3
Week 3: Defeated South Oak Cliff, 23–21
North Shore found a way to win a tight, physical game against South Oak Cliff. That matters. The Mustangs slide one position only because Waxahachie added a more convincing quality win—not because North Shore suddenly looks like less of a contender.
5. Smithson Valley (2–0)
Previous ranking: No. 7
Week 3: Defeated McCallum, 63–7
Smithson Valley delivered the most dominant result among the ranked teams. The Rangers overwhelmed McCallum on both sides of the ball and have allowed only 21 points in two games. They rise two spots and continue to look like one of the state’s most complete teams.
6. Katy (3–0)
Previous ranking: No. 8
Week 3: Defeated Tompkins, 45–21
Katy keeps moving upward after another balanced win. The Tigers have opened the season with three victories and continue to pair a productive offense with the physical style that has defined the program. The consistency of their early work moves them to No. 6.
7. Ridge Point (3–0)
Previous ranking: No. 9
Week 3: Defeated Bridgeland, 56–35
Ridge Point’s offense made another loud statement by putting 56 points on Bridgeland. The Panthers are 3–0, have beaten quality opponents and are building one of the strongest résumés in the Houston area. Defensive improvement would give them an even higher ceiling.
8. Cypress Ranch (3–0)
Previous ranking: No. 10
Week 3: Defeated Nimitz, 52–7
Cypress Ranch follows its win over C.E. King with a 45-point victory over Nimitz. The Mustangs are gaining momentum, and their ability to win both a close game and a blowout strengthens their case. They climb two spots.
9. Richmond Randle (2–0)
Previous ranking: No. 5
Week 3: Idle
Randle did nothing wrong during its open week. The Lions remain unbeaten and still own a 3–0 win over Westfield. Their four-position drop reflects the new evidence added by teams that played and won in Week 3; Randle will have opportunities to climb again once it returns to the field.
10. DeSoto (1–2)
Previous ranking: Not ranked
Week 3: Defeated Duncanville, 21–20
No team owns a more complicated résumé than DeSoto. The Eagles are only 1–2, but their one-point victory over Duncanville is one of the season’s biggest results. Their earlier loss to No. 1 Allen keeps them at No. 10, while the quality of their schedule and their breakthrough win put them back in the statewide conversation.
Who dropped out?
Duncanville (previously No. 6) falls out after dropping to 1–2 with the loss to DeSoto. The Panthers remain dangerous and can return quickly, but the BTGS system places a growing emphasis on current results. Duncanville gets an immediate opportunity to change the conversation when North Crowley comes to town.
First five out
Duncanville
South Oak Cliff
C.E. King
Denton Guyer
Carthage