BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville Lopez enters the 2026 football season healthier and more experienced after injuries forced a young roster into significant playing time last year.
Fourteen sophomores received varsity experience during the injury-plagued season. Those players return as juniors, giving coach Shaun Tarantola greater depth as the Lobos compete for a playoff place in the restructured District 15-5A Division II.
Tarantola said the team has a core group capable of contributing on both sides of the ball. He expects the Lobos to emphasize physical play, balanced production and defense that creates opportunities for the offense.
Senior offensive tackle Juan Armendariz said the players believe better health and the lessons from last season have raised expectations.
Lopez opens Aug. 28 as the visiting team against Brownsville Rivera. District play begins Sept. 25 at Gregory-Portland, and the Lobos close the district schedule Nov. 5 at home against Donna.
