Anna Stuns Heritage Panthers 49-31 in Road Opener Behind Kreye & Houston

A road trip to Colleyville didn't slow Anna down one bit. The Coyotes opened the 2026 season with a 49-31 victory over Heritage, using a combination of defensive playmaking and offensive resilience to pull away from the Panthers on their home turf.

Heritage struck first, with running back Gabriel Bess punching it in from a couple of yards out on the opening possession to grab a quick 7-0 lead. Bess finished the night with 86 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, giving the Panthers a capable ground threat throughout the game.

Anna answered immediately, tying the game at 7 on their first drive before the defense took over. Heritage quarterback Lane Vargas had a pass tipped into the hands of Carter Mundon, who returned it inside the 20-yard line to set up a short field. Anna quarterback Zephyr Kreye capitalized, firing a dart to Cor'mond Houston — who was stopped at the 9-yard line but refused to go down, carrying three defenders into the end zone to put Anna ahead 14-7.

The Coyotes never looked back. Just before halftime, Kreye kept it himself and went untouched up the middle to extend the lead, and Anna rolled to the final score of 49-31 to start the season with a statement win away from home.