DIMMITT, Texas – The Dimmitt Bobcats are gearing up for a pivotal season under head coach Jimmy Arias, who is entering his second year at the helm. Coming off a 5-6 record that included a playoff berth, the team returns six starters on offense and six to seven on defense, providing a solid foundation for improvement. Arias, who took over the program last year, says the athleticism of his squad has been evident from day one. “We’re looking pretty athletic. We’ll have about six returners on offense and seven on defense,” Arias said. “We’re pretty young up front on the offensive and defensive lines, but we’re ready to get the ball rolling.” According to Arias, the level of commitment across the entire athletic program has risen sharply since his arrival. “As a program, we’ve improved in all sports. Football and baseball made the playoffs for the first time in history in the same year,” he noted. “We feel that the kids now kind of know more about the program and are more bought in, as well as the coaching staff.” That buy-in is critical as the Bobcats navigate a demanding district schedule in the Texas Panhandle. The offense will be driven by experienced skill players, particularly wide receivers and running backs, who Arias expects to lead the charge. However, the offensive line remains a work in progress, with several young players needing to step up. “Our wide receivers and running backs are probably going to lead the offense. We’ll have to hone in on the offensive line. We’re pretty young,” Arias explained. “We feel confident about them because they are good, strong kids and willing to be here every day.” The competition in the district is fierce, with perennial powerhouses like Stratford, Canadian, and Childress presenting tough challenges. “It’s always amazing how physically dominant the other teams are. You’ve got your Stratfords, your Canadians, your Childress — there’s a lot of experience,” Arias said. “So every Friday night, you better be ready to work, especially in a district like ours.” For Arias, the most exciting aspect of the upcoming season is the overall growth of the program. “Growth. Growth with the football team, growth with the coaches, growth with the program,” he emphasized. “Having a more family atmosphere, little by little. Growth and the enjoyment of Friday night, the stands being full, the big-time district games.” The Bobcats open their 2026 season on August 28 at home against Sundown, followed by a September 4 matchup with Borger. They then travel to Muleshoe on September 11, Morton on September 18, and host Denver City on September 25. After a home game against Littlefield on October 2, district play begins with a home contest against Childress on October 9. The Bobcats will face Canadian on the road on October 16, host River Road on October 23, and close the regular season at Friona on October 30.