06/02/2026
We are 87 days from the start of the Texas High School Football Season. The 2026 season should be very exciting all across Texas, but here at Ball Talk, we are focused on East Texas.
With the slogan “bEast Texas” becoming quite popular around the state, it's an embodiment of just how good our sports programs are here in East Texas. This offseason has been a coaching change frenzy, some might say a carousel, but I think there were some programs that got better, a lot better, with some of their hires.
Today, we focus on Class 2A D1 District 12 Region 3.
This is one of those districts where I think every school made some big hires that got their program better. Already well-known for being one of the toughest districts in the state, it just got tougher.
(Garrison Bulldogs)
Adding a familiar face back to the district again with State Champion Coach Therwhanger now at Garrison, who ran the table in this district for 4 years at Timpson. He comes in with a Garrison group that still has lots and I do mean lots of talent. The Bulldogs made it to the Area round last year before falling in a thriller to Elysian Fields. Coach Therwhanger is a proven winner and looks to continue his winning ways at Garrison.
(Joaquin Rams)
Then you have the 2025 2A D1 State Finalist Joaquin Rams with Coach Jared Jones, who haven’t performed the best in the district but have completely dominated in the playoffs for the past 2 seasons, making a State Semifinals run in 2024 and a trip to Jerry’s World in 2025 to compete for a State Title.
(San Augustine Wolves)
The 75972 Wolves of San Augustine are one of the most skilled and athlete-filled programs in the entire state. The Wolves won (then) District 11 last year and made a trip to the Region Finals before falling to district rival Joaquin. Coach Tory Barnes looks to get the young, talented Wolves further in 2026.
(Shelbyville Dragons)
You also have a team in Shelbyville that will be in District Championship discussions. The Dragons won (then) District 11 in 2024 and have been a consistently competitive football team. The 2025 season ended in the Bi-District round for the Dragons. Coach Jerrod Wallace looks to get back on track in the 2026 season.
(Timpson Bears)
The young group in Timpson has a very high ceiling that 2nd-year Head Coach Patrick Gandy is trying to get the Bears to. The Bears are a very talented, skilled, and athletic group that have a tall task of filling the shoes of the great 2023 State Championship Team. The Bears missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in several years. Coach Gandy was a part of that success in 2023. He and the Bears are looking to bounce back in 2026.
(Hemphill Hornets)
With a new man in the driver's seat, the Hemphill Hornets are looking for a fresh start in 2026. As 1st-year Head Coach Nathan Byerly brings his offensive mindset to the Hornets, Hemphill has been in rebuild mode lately, but if you know the history of the Hornets program, they have had some very solid athletes and teams. Coach Byerly looks to get the winning ways back to Hemphill.
Who are you picking to win 2A D1 District 12 ?
