The Amarillo Globe-News has released its updated power rankings for Texas Panhandle high school football as teams gear up for Week 2 of the 2026 season. The rankings reflect the teams' performances based on a pound-for-pound evaluation, showcasing the competitive spirit of the region.
At the forefront is Canadian, which has claimed the top spot after a commanding victory over Panhandle, winning 63-38. The Wildcats, led by junior quarterback Weston Mitchell, showcased an explosive offense that set the tone for their season. This week, Canadian will face Bushland, which is looking to bounce back from its own loss.
Following closely in the rankings is Stratford, which has moved up to second place after a remarkable 78-6 win against Sunray. This victory marked a successful debut for head coach Stacey Alexander, who secured his first win with the Elks in dominant fashion. Stratford will look to maintain its momentum as it prepares to take on Panhandle in Week 2.
Gruver holds the third position after a solid 56-14 win over Hooker, Oklahoma. Under the guidance of head coach Kurt Haberthur, Gruver aims to continue its strong performance from the previous seasons, having reached the state semifinals in both 2024 and 2025. This week, they will face Spearman, who is also seeking to improve after a tough opening game.
Wellington, ranked fourth, earned its spot with an 18-12 victory against Spearman. The Skyrockets faced a challenging matchup but managed to secure a hard-fought win. This week, they will take on Vernon, who is still searching for its first win of the season.
Randall, now in fifth place, achieved a 50-37 victory over Roswell, New Mexico. Sophomore quarterback Hendrix Funk led the Raiders' offense, highlighting their potential for the season. Randall will face Wichita Falls Memorial, which is also coming off a win.
Canyon, in sixth place, continued its strong performance from the previous season with a 59-13 victory at Snyder. The Eagles are looking to build on their success as they prepare to host Tascosa, which is still seeking its first win.
Amarillo High has made its way into the rankings at seventh place after a 21-7 win against Palo Duro. Despite losing starting quarterback Callaway Skipworth to injury, the Sandies managed to secure a victory against a talented opponent. This week, they will face Cleveland from New Mexico, who comes into the game with a 2-0 record.
Palo Duro, which previously held the top position, has dropped to eighth place following its loss to Amarillo High. The Dons are known for their resilience, having won ten consecutive games after a Week 1 loss in the previous season, and they are looking to replicate that success as they prepare to face Caprock.
West Plains sits at ninth after a narrow 42-35 defeat against Wall, the defending Class 3A Division II state champions. The Wolves are under new head coach Jeff Lofton and will be looking for their first win against Frenship Memorial.
Finally, Panhandle rounds out the rankings at tenth after their loss to Canadian. The Panthers will need to regroup quickly as they face another formidable opponent in Stratford this week. The competition in the Texas Panhandle continues to heat up as teams strive for victory in the early stages of the season.
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