Two-a-Day Tour 2026: McAllen High Bulldogs
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The McAllen High Bulldogs are heading into the 2026 season with a lot to replace after a solid 2025 campaign.
The Bulldogs finished 7-4 overall and 5-2 in district last year. Their three regular season losses came by just three points to Vela, six points to Los Fresnos and 14 points to McAllen Memorial.
This year, only four defensive starters and three offensive starters are returning.
Quarterback McCoy Wolthoff, running back Hunter Morely and receiver Finn Henderson all graduated and on defense, playmaker Cash Frisby also graduated.
The players feel despite the losses, they have what it takes to reload and find success.
"Nobody's gonna be Cash. Cash was a good player, but we've got different play styles. We've got good guys on the D-line. We got a great D-line coach, so our D-line, they're gonna be solid. We're gonna have guys that we're gonna put in their place and they're gonna do a good job," Helgeson said.
"Coach puts it good. People think that we just lose players, but I think every year we just reload with new guys. We're always ready with another 11 up there to get us touchdowns and move the ball," Alvarez said.
McAllen head football coach Patrick Shelby said the returning players have the reps and experience necessary to get the job done this fall.
"A lot of the guys that we do have, they've got a lot of experience because they were with us last year as juniors and then some sophomores who are now juniors were with us last year also, so we feel really good about it. They got a lot of playing time," Shelby said.
The district also looks a little different this fall. Edinburg Vela and Juarez-Lincoln are out. PSJA Memorial and Donna North are in.
Vela leaving the district opens up a big vacancy at the top of the standings, which the Bulldogs could be in position to take advantage of. However, the players are more focused on what they can control internally.
"We just gotta keep our guys healthy. The challenge is really, as long as we're one team and we stay positive, I think we're gonna be alright and I think we're gonna win. These guys are showing up to practice everyday, they're working, we're putting in a ton of work, so that's really our key to success," Helgeson said.
The Bulldogs open the season against Economedes, then face Edinburg North and PSJA to close out non-district play.
District play begins with back-to-back games against their two McAllen rivals, followed by a bye in Week 6. After the break, they face Rio Grande City, Palmview, PSJA Memorial and Donna North before closing the season against Mission.
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