Opening Home Battle
The 2026 football season at Cross County High School is poised to usher in a fresh era, as former assistant coach Ty Mimbs steps into the head‑coach role on August 28. The date coincides with the Thunderbirds’ first home matchup of the year, a showdown against Harrisburg that will kick off a schedule packed with tradition and ambition.
Cross County enters the campaign as the defending Class 2A state champions, a status that adds a layer of expectation to every snap. The varsity slate, released earlier this year, lists a series of competitive fixtures, including road trips to Palestine‑Wheatley, Barton and McCrory, before the team wraps up the regular season on November 5 against Clarendon.
Mimbs replaces Van Paschal, who has taken the reins at Harrison High School after a successful stint as offensive coordinator at Cross County. The transition has been met with optimism from players and alumni alike, who view the new leadership as a continuation of the program’s winning culture.
The opening home game against Harrisburg will serve as both a celebration of the previous championship and a litmus test for the Thunderbirds’ early‑season form. Community members are expected to fill the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that could set the tone for the months ahead.
As the season progresses, the team will navigate a demanding schedule that tests depth and resilience. The culmination of the regular season on November 5 against Clarendon promises to be a pivotal contest, potentially determining seeding for the upcoming playoff push.