Basin Gridiron Training Camp: Andrews Mustangs

ANDREWS, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - A new era is underway for the Andrews Mustangs as Jason Richters takes over as head coach for the 2026 season.

Richters enters his first season as head coach after spending 11 years at Andrews, including time as the team's defensive coordinator. His familiarity with the players has helped make the transition a smooth one.

"That was a seamless transition, really, because I've been around them, all of them, the whole time I've been here, from junior high up until now," Richters said.

The Mustangs will also have a different look offensively. Andrews is moving to a power-spread system designed to create more opportunities in the passing game while still maintaining a physical, run-first identity.

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Richters said the new system fits the personnel Andrews has in place.

"I think that offense, the style of athletes we have and the offensive line we have, it kind of fits what we want to do better and fits our kids a little bit better," Richters said.

The Mustangs are also moving away from two-platooning, meaning their best players will be expected to contribute on both sides of the football.

"We're going to put our best football players on whatever side of the ball it may be," Richters said.

Junior quarterback Collin Kelley will lead the new-look offense, while Jace Mendoza is expected to step into a larger role at receiver following the graduation of JaeSean DeBouse.

Defensively, Andrews will maintain the system it has used for the past eight seasons, with Richters expecting senior linebacker Juan Bejarano to be one of the team's key leaders.

Bejarano says his approach to leadership is simple: lead by example and take responsibility when things go wrong.

"I play a pretty big role in leading, and the way I lead is just showing everybody what to do right," Bejarano said. "And when I make a mistake, I own up to it and let them know that it's not the right way, but learn from my mistakes."

The Mustangs will face a challenging district slate in 2026. Greenwood moves up to Division I after a strong season, while Plainview drops down from Class 5A.

Richters knows the competition will be tough, but Andrews is embracing the challenge as it looks to build on its recent success.

"We're not ever going to be the biggest team on the field," Richters said. "Most teams we play are going to have more size than us for the most part, but our guys are gritty."

For Andrews, the goal is to compete for another district championship while establishing a new identity under Richters.

Dave Campbell’s Texas High School Football Magazine predicts the Mustangs to finish second in District 3-4A Division I.

Andrews kicks off the 2026 season on August 28 at home against Clint.

To see the full season preview, watch the video above.

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