DEKALB, Texas – The DeKalb Bears football program is once again positioned as a contender for the District 9‑3A Division II title. After a 7‑5 record in 2025 and a bi‑district playoff victory over Grand Saline, the Bears head into the 2026 season with high expectations.
Returning experience and youthful talent
Head coach Troy Zeringue highlighted the blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers on the roster. “We return a ton of experience on offense and defense,” Zeringue said, adding that the team remains “very young” despite the experience.
Key offensive pieces include quarterback Maddux Burgin, the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year last season. Burgin’s dual‑threat ability to pass and run made him a standout freshman, and his continued development will be central to the Bears’ attack.
On the ground, the Bears will miss senior running back Dom Dunn but gain the services of Bryuan Gardner, a first‑team all‑district player who also earned preseason Defensive MVP honors. Gardner’s versatility on both sides of the ball adds depth to the lineup.
Defensively, the Bears retain several all‑district performers. Defensive back Stephen Stephens, the district’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year, and Gardner will anchor the secondary. The front seven includes linebacker Brent Cheyne and lineman Russell Ramos, both returning all‑district selections.
Schedule sets the stage
DeKalb’s non‑district slate begins on Aug. 28 at home against Tom Bean, a team that posted nine wins last season. Road games follow against Liberty‑Eylau (Sept. 4) and Garrison (Sept. 11), with a home finale versus Idabel the next week.
District play kicks off Sept. 25 at Queen City. The Bears will host Redwater on Oct. 9, travel to Hughes Springs Oct. 16, and then face the district’s traditional powerhouses: Hooks (Oct. 23), Daingerfield (Oct. 30) and New Boston (Nov. 6). Success in these matchups, especially avenging last year’s losses to Daingerfield and Hooks, will be crucial for a district title bid.
Outlook
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has ranked DeKalb No. 22 in Class 3A Division II, reflecting the program’s growing reputation. DCTF projects the Bears to finish second in the district, behind Daingerfield, but Zeringue and his players remain focused on competing for the championship.
With a solid core returning, a dynamic quarterback, and a stout defense, the Bears have the pieces to make a deep playoff run once again. The community looks forward to a season that could bring another district crown and further solidify DeKalb’s status as a playoff mainstay.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
