Week 7 is here, and the intensity across DFW high school football is cranked all the way up. This is the stretch that separates the contenders from the pretenders, when playoff races tighten, and the spotlight burns brightest on the athletes who make game-changing plays.
Every snap matters, and these are the players who have consistently delivered all season long. Expect each of them to play a major role under the Friday night lights this week.
Caleb Smith – WR, Allen (Class of 2026, Arizona Commit)
Speed. Twitch. Playmaking. Caleb Smith is the total package. The Allen junior and Arizona commit has emerged as one of the most explosive receivers in the Metroplex, capable of changing the game in an instant.
Smith has posted 26 receptions for 397 yards, and his impact stretches beyond the stat sheet. He wins at the line of scrimmage with elite get-off, runs crisp routes, and uses strong hands to finish plays through contact. His ability to accelerate out of breaks and create separation is advanced, and he’s always a threat to take a short pass the distance.
He’s also a dynamic return specialist, giving Allen instant field position advantages on special teams. As the Eagles square off against Princeton, Smith’s versatility and explosive ability will be critical. He’s a true difference-maker, the kind of player defenses have to game-plan around every single week.
Reggie Jones – RB, Sanger (Class of 2026)
If you’re looking for a back who defines toughness and consistency, Reggie Jones fits the mold perfectly. The Sanger junior has already piled up 1,140 rushing yards in six games, powering one of the most efficient ground games in North Texas.
Jones runs with an old-school mentality, physical between the tackles, but with just enough shiftiness to make defenders miss in space. He hits the hole with purpose, keeps his pads low, and finishes runs violently. His vision and one-cut burst make him lethal in zone schemes, and once he gets north-south, he’s hard to bring down.
As Sanger continues its playoff push, expect the Indians to lean on Jones heavily. He’s the kind of back who wears down defenses and controls the tempo of a game. When he gets going, everything else in the Sanger offense clicks.
Caris Sela – RB, Northwest (Class of 2027)
It’s rare to see a sophomore carry the workload Caris Sela has and make it look easy. The Northwest running back has been spectacular through the first half of the season, rushing for 1,124 yards and establishing himself as one of the premier young backs in Texas.
Sela runs with a combination of speed, elusiveness, and power that makes him nearly impossible to contain. He’s patient behind his blockers, reads leverage well, and then hits the crease with explosion. His first-step quickness and ability to accelerate through contact make him a home-run threat from anywhere on the field.
Beyond the numbers, Sela brings leadership and poise to a young Northwest squad fighting for a playoff berth. He’s been the engine that keeps the Texans rolling, a natural playmaker who thrives in big moments. Expect another heavy workload for him this week as defenses continue to struggle to slow him down.
Deshawn Edwards – QB, Mansfield Lake Ridge (Class of 2027)
Deshawn Edwards has quickly become one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in DFW. The Mansfield Lake Ridge sophomore has guided his team to a 4–1 record, using a blend of arm strength, mobility, and leadership that belies his age.
Edwards is a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses in multiple ways. He’s got a live arm and can make every throw, from deep outs to timing routes, while keeping his eyes downfield under pressure. When the pocket collapses, he’s dangerous with his legs, extending plays or picking up key first downs on the ground.
Facing a tough North Crowley defense this week, Edwards’ ability to stay calm and make smart reads will be pivotal. He’s one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2027 class in North Texas.
Ben Ebeke – RB, W.T. White (Class of 2026)
Tough, compact, and reliable, Ben Ebeke is the heartbeat of the W.T. White offense. With 733 total yards (649 rushing), he’s been the definition of steady production for the Longhorns.
Ebeke runs with a low center of gravity and tremendous leg drive. He’s decisive through the hole and does an excellent job finishing runs with power. His balance through contact stands out on film, defenders rarely get a clean shot on him, and even when they do, he keeps his legs churning for extra yards.
Expect Ebeke to once again be the tone-setter as W.T. White continues its district slate. His downhill style, paired with his leadership, makes him one of the most respected offensive players in his district.
SaRod Baker – ATH, DeSoto (Class of 2027)
There’s versatility and then there’s SaRod Baker. The DeSoto junior can line up anywhere on offense, quarterback, running back, or wide receiver and make an immediate impact. He’s one of the most dynamic all-around athletes in the 2027 class, and his ceiling is sky-high.
Baker’s quickness and explosiveness jump off the tape and he is as advertised in person. He’s got the speed to stretch defenses vertically, the toughness to run between the tackles, and the superb vision to set up his blocks. His compact, powerful build allows him to absorb contact and keep his feet, while his lateral quickness makes him slippery in the open field.
This week’s matchup against Duncanville, one of the biggest in the state, will be a showcase opportunity for Baker. Expect DeSoto to use him creatively to attack mismatches. He’s a weapon in every sense of the word, and when the lights are brightest, he shines.
What We Know
Week 7 is where stars are made. Every one of these athletes has been a difference-maker this season, and as playoff implications grow larger, their impact only intensifies.
From veterans like Caleb Smith, to power runners like Reggie Jones, to emerging young stars like Caris Sela and SaRod Baker, the DFW area continues to prove why it’s one of the deepest talent pools in the country. These are the names you’ll be hearing deep into November and December.
