Register for 2026-2027
Show submenu for Our District
Show submenu for Parents & Students
Show submenu for Our Team
Show submenu for Community
Show submenu for Departments
Show submenu for Resources
Show submenu for
WOS Mustangs Group Photo at State Championship

Mustangs Set to End Non-District Schedule with Championship Rematch

West Orange-Cove CISD

September 24, 2026

WOS running the ball against Carthage

The 2025-2026 football season didn’t have a fairy-tale ending for the West Orange-Stark Mustangs, but one could say it was a fairy-tale journey. After a rocky 2-3 non-district record, the Mustangs shifted gears and racked up a 10-game winning streak, punching their ticket for a first-class trip to Jerry World. The fairy-tale journey ended in heartbreak with a loss to the Carthage Bulldogs at the State Championship.

Now these two gridiron titans will battle once again in West Orange-Stark’s last non-district game. Athletic Director and WOS Head Football Coach Hiawatha Hickman is ready for the challenge.

Coach Hickman on the sidelines

“We’re going to have our hands full playing these guys,” he said. “We look forward to playing a big-time game like this; you don’t usually get to play opponents like this in the preseason.”

A victory over Carthage would put the Mustangs at 4-1 for their non-district season after last week’s loss to Bay City. But a victory over Carthage is just part one of the journey for the Mustangs.

“The season is three parts: non-district games are part one, district is part two, and playoffs are part three,” Hickman said. “So, we’re going get through these five, heal up, and get ready for the first district game against Hamshire-Fannett.”

Hickman is cautiously optimistic. Returning powerhouse players like Anterrion Fontenot, Channing Larkin Jr., Ja’cuincy Walker, and running back juggernaut Khelvy Jefferson are just a few of the X factors in tomorrow’s highly anticipated rematch.

WOS catching a ball in the endzone for a touchdown

“These guys are experienced and have played a lot of football. That’s one of the advantages we’ll have in this game,” Hickman said.

The community is white-hot with anticipation for the game. Hickman knows all eyes will be on the Mustangs. He says even neighboring districts are invested in the high-profile, marquee game.

“There are more requests for tickets and sideline passes than any other game!”

Hickman says win or lose, this game will set the tone for Mustang football.

“Carthage is the standard,” he said. “It will show us where we are. If we win, the momentum will be outstanding. This will give us an opportunity for competition. If we go to state, this is probably who we will play.”