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10 takeaways: L.D. Bell ends playoff drought, more squads near program history

The Fort Worth-area football regular season is nearing a close. Here are 10 takeaways from the Week 10 action:

L.D. Bell ends lengthy playoff drought

The L.D. Bell Blue Raiders are back in the dance.

Bell (6-3, 5-1) clinched a spot in District 8-6A with a dominant 64-10 victory over Irving MacArthur Friday, earning a playoff berth for the first time since 2013.

That sets up a high-stakes clash against Euless Trinity for a share of the district championship. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Pennington Field.

Bell has come close to the playoffs several times during the drought, most recently missing by one game last season.

Weatherford nears postseason after stellar turnaround

It’s been an uber successful first year for Weatherford head coach Marshall Williams, as the Kangaroos are leaping back into the postseason.

Weatherford (6-3, 4-2) took down reigning district champion Arlington Bowie 28-7, clinching a spot in District 3-6A.

It’s been quite the turnaround for Weatherford, as it finished with a 1-9 overall and 0-6 district record last season. The Roos haven’t made the playoffs since 2021.

Weatherford will end the regular season Thursday, Nov. 5, against Arlington with a chance to officially lock up the spot.

Chisholm Trail to play for share of district title

Fort Worth Chisholm Trail (6-3, 4-1) kept rolling Thursday, picking up a 46-18 victory over Keller Fossil Ridge.

The Rangers clinched a playoff spot in District 3-5A Division I and will appear in the postseason for three straight years. Now they face a massive challenge in Denton Ryan (7-1, 5-0) to close out the regular season with a chance to clinch a share of the district title.

Arlington Martin clinches district title

Arlington Martin is back on top of District 3-6A.

The Warriors (9-0, 6-0) took down Arlington 41-31 Friday, reclaiming the district championship and further boosting their prime playoff positioning. The program is one win away from its first-ever undefeated regular season.

Martin will face Granbury Thursday, Nov. 5, at Pirate Stadium. After two uncharacteristic years in 2024 and 2025, the Warriors have won district titles in six of the past eight seasons.

Keller Central’s offensive explosion

District 4-6A tends to find a way to entertain.

The group has more parity than most, and it shows every week. Keller Central (7-2, 4-2) took down a Keller squad that went toe-to-toe with district kingpin Southlake Carroll, handing the Indians a stunning 80-49 loss.

With a win over Northwest Friday, Nov. 6, at Northwest ISD Stadium, Central can officially clinch a playoff spot in a tightly contested District 4-6A. Keller (3-3, 6-3) has lost three straight and will face Haslet Eaton (5-4, 4-2) to close the regular season.

Colleyville Heritage continues Red Rail dominance

Colleyville Heritage continued its dominance in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD rivalry against Grapevine, also known as the Red Rail.

Heritage (5-4, 3-2) won 35-20, pulling away in the second half to lock up a playoff spot in District 3-5A Division II. The Panthers have won the Red Rail in four straight years.

Grapevine last won in the 2022 season (44-26). The Mustangs went winless in district in 2024 and 2025 but seem to be narrowing the gap, showing more competitiveness in 2026 with a 3-6 overall record and three losses by 11 or less points.

Mansfield Timberview demolishes Everman

Mansfield Timberview (9-0, 6-0) beat Everman 81-7 Friday, moving closer to an undefeated District 7-5A Division II run and a perfect regular season.

The Wolves are the Star-Telegram’s No. 1-ranked Fort Worth-area squad in Class 5A and the No. 5 team statewide. They’ll wrap up the regular season Thursday, Nov. 5, at Corsicana.

Euless Trinity clinches district title

Euless Trinity, for the first time since 2021, has clinched a share of a district championship.

The Trojans (7-2, 6-0 District 8-6A) picked up a 17-9 win over Haltom Friday. They can win the title outright with a win over HEB ISD rival L.D. Bell on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Pennington Field.

Euless Trinity has handled business with a relatively easier schedule compared to the past four seasons. The Trojans showed they can rise to the occasion in close games, beating both Haltom and South Grand Prairie by one score.

Decatur holds off Springtown

Decatur moved to 8-1 on the season with a 41-27 win over Springtown Friday.

Decatur, ranked No. 2 in the Star-Telegram’s local Class 4A rankings, faced a dangerous Porcupine squad ranked No. 3 in the area.

A District 4-4A Division I title may be out of the cards, as Decatur fell to Aubrey earlier in the season. The Eagles will host Alvarado Friday, Nov. 6, to end the regular season.

Brock makes statement, thrashes Graham

The Brock Eagles made a case as a title contender in Class 4A Division II.

Brock (8-1, 4-0 District 4-4A Division II) trounced Graham 59-7 Friday, proving it’s on another level. The Eagles are ranked No. 5 statewide by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and No. 1 in the Star-Telegram Fort Worth-area Class 4A rankings.

Brock wasn’t playing an easy opponent, too. Graham entered the contest ranked No. 8 statewide.

The Eagles will aim to complete a 5-0 district run Friday, Nov. 6, at Mineral Wells.

Charles Baggarly

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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