As the 2026 football season approaches, A&M Consolidated High School’s head coach Brandon Schmidt sat down to outline the challenges and aspirations that lie ahead for the Tigers. The conversation centered on a demanding district slate, the loss of more than 30 seniors from last year’s 9‑3 squad, and the excitement surrounding a new wave of leadership.
A Season Defined by Transition
The upcoming district schedule reads like a who’s who of Texas high school football, featuring formidable opponents such as Georgetown, Katy Station, Pflugerville Weiss and Killeen Shoemaker. Each matchup promises a test of the Tigers’ resilience and depth.
While the program has logged at least nine wins in every season since 2017, the 2025 campaign ended with a 9‑3 record and a roster that will see over 30 seniors depart. Yet the junior class is poised to inherit leadership responsibilities, bringing fresh energy and experience to the field.
Among the standouts, Mari Moore, who transitioned from quarterback to receiver, dazzled during spring drills, while quarterback Holt Goodwin also turned heads with a strong performance. Their development will be crucial as the team seeks to fill the void left by departed seniors.
Defensively, returning starters Leo Bedford, Lucas Hightower and Jackson Solomon anchor a unit that will look to build on last year’s foundation. Their experience should provide stability amid the roster turnover.
Senior Jamarion has been lauded for his character, work ethic and the attention he’s attracting from recruiters after a breakout junior season. His presence embodies the culture the program has cultivated around the motto “do your job.”
The crosstown rivalry with College Station High School adds an extra layer of excitement, with the community eagerly anticipating the clash that traditionally sets the tone for the year. This rivalry has become a rallying point that fuels both teams’ preparations.
Coach Schmidt repeatedly emphasizes the mantra “do your job,” a philosophy that has helped sustain the program’s culture amid constant turnover. He believes that discipline and accountability will be the bedrock of the team’s continued success.
The Tigers will open the season at Brenham High School on August 20, a venue that promises a fresh start and a chance to test the new‑look squad against a different opponent early in the schedule. The early‑season test will serve as a barometer for the team’s progress as they head into district play.