Week 8 | Games through Saturday, October 17, 2026
The Lubbock Chronicle's West Texas rankings compare teams across classifications, emphasizing results, strength of schedule, quality wins and representation from the South Plains, Panhandle, Permian Basin and Big Country. These are editorial power rankings, not a UIL classification poll.
West Texas Top 10 — 11-Man Football
1. Odessa Permian (8-0) — 6A. The Panthers' 56-0 shutout of Odessa High followed a 42-10 win over Midland Lee. The strongest big-school résumé in the region.
2. Amarillo High (6-1) — 5A Division I. A 24-14 road win at Abilene High adds another quality district result to a demanding schedule.
3. Graham (7-0) — 4A Division II. The Steers handled Mineral Wells 29-7 after earlier wins over Paradise and Brownwood. Their unbeaten record holds up against solid opposition.
4. Amarillo Palo Duro (7-1) — 5A Division II. The Dons beat Abilene Wylie 53-10 and have been among the Panhandle's most consistent teams.
5. Canyon West Plains (4-3) — 4A Division I. An 18-16 win over Canyon followed a narrow win at Dumas. Three losses are weighed against one of the area's toughest schedules.
6. Wall (7-1) — 3A Division I. The Hawks rolled past San Angelo TLCA 74-0 and have maintained a strong season against a credible schedule.
7. Idalou (8-0) — 3A Division II. The Wildcats beat Littlefield 38-20 and remain unbeaten; their state-level standing and consistent wins earn a place here.
8. Gruver (8-0) — 2A Division II. The Greyhounds stayed perfect with a 55-0 win over Bovina and bring one of the strongest small-school résumés.
9. Lubbock Estacado (8-0) — 4A Division II. A 66-0 win over Borger kept the Matadors unbeaten. Their offensive production and shutout move them firmly into the regional conversation.
10. Ropes (7-0) — 2A Division II. The Eagles have wins over Panhandle, Texico (New Mexico) and New Home. That non-district body of work earns the final spot.
West Texas Top 5 — Six-Man Football
1. Borden County (7-0) — Division I. The Coyotes' 54-28 win over Westbrook followed a signature 75-69 victory against Whiteface.
2. Whiteface (6-1) — Division I. The Antelopes' only loss came by six points to Borden County. Their schedule includes strong wins over Westbrook and Newcastle.
3. Hermleigh (7-0) — Division I. The Cardinals remain unbeaten after a 79-26 win over Roby, with Jayton up next.
4. Motley County (7-0) — Division II. The Matadors handled Crowell 66-16 and remain a Division II state contender.
5. Jayton (6-1) — Division I. The Jaybirds rebounded from a narrow 58-52 loss to Newcastle and defeated Aspermont 72-24.
How we ranked them: We considered overall records and verified results through Week 8, along with opponent quality, schedule strength and competitive context. A difficult schedule can outweigh a prettier record. Six-man teams are ranked separately.
More football: Read the Flatland Football Report for the weekend roundup, and the October 18 Morning Edition for additional local coverage.
Results and rankings reference: MaxPreps Texas 11-man rankings (updated Oct. 18); Pigskin Prep six-man ratings; South Plains Week 8 scoreboard; Amarillo-area Week 8 scoreboard; Concho Valley Week 8 scoreboard.
Times and schedules are subject to change. Rankings reflect games completed through the stated cutoff.
