Tyler High’s football program took a decisive step toward a postseason run on Friday night, beating Mesquite 63‑28 at Rose Stadium. The win marked the Lions’ eighth victory of the 2026 season, the most since the program recorded ten wins in 2018, and it clinched the No. 2 seed in District 7‑5A Division I.
According to KLTV, the victory was highlighted by a strong performance from both seasoned and younger players. “Tonight they pulled out all their guns and showed what they could do, and they got a chance to get some young guys in,” senior analyst Michael Coleman said on the Red Zone Overtime broadcast. Coleman added that the coaching staff used the sizable lead to give playoff experience to the team’s younger members.
Head coach Rashaun Woods, now in his fourth year at Tyler High, received commendations from both Coleman and fellow analyst Kyle Owens. Owens noted, “We’ve seen the building blocks over the past couple of years. For Coach Woods and the Lions to pick up eight wins this year is incredible. They’re riding some momentum going into the playoffs.” The coaches’ steady leadership has been credited with turning the program into a consistent contender.
The Lions will host Midlothian in the bi‑district round of the playoffs on Friday at Rose Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be the first postseason contest for both teams and offers Tyler residents a chance to rally behind their local high‑school athletes.
Community members expressed excitement about the upcoming matchup. “It’s great to see our kids out there competing at a high level and representing Tyler,” said a local fan who attended Friday’s game. The support underscores the town’s strong tradition of backing its schools and families.
What’s next: Tyler High will prepare for the bi‑district clash with Midlothian on Friday at 7 p.m. The winner advances to the district semifinals, keeping the Lions’ postseason hopes alive as they aim to build on the momentum generated by their recent win.
