District 4-5A Division II Preview: Anna, Celina, Frisco Schools & More

Two years removed from a state championship at the 4A level, Anna High School arrives in UIL District 4-5A Division II as the team everyone else is chasing. Analyst Matt Diggs, breaking down the district for DFW Inside High School Sports, has the Coyotes at the top of his board — and the roster depth backs it up.

Senior offensive lineman Peyton Miller is widely regarded as one of the best at his position in the state of Texas, a player Diggs says has been physically dominating opponents since his freshman year. Add in transfer quarterback Zephyr Crew, transfer running back Jules Carter out of Cedar Hill, and kicker Desmond Marroquin — one of the better specialists in the state — and Anna's ceiling is difficult to project.

Celina checks in at number two, though the Bobcats face a significant challenge. Moving up from 4A Division I to 5A Division II is a steep climb, and the program graduated key contributors including Bo Bentley and L.J. Taylor. New head coach Mark Mandel, who comes from Wichita Falls, and new athletic director Brett Watson are expected to provide stability in what figures to be a transitional year. Offensive linemen Dylan Goodson and Cole Best give Celina a foundation up front, and Diggs believes the program's infrastructure — backed by one of the fastest-growing communities in the area — keeps them firmly in the playoff conversation.

Panther Creek slots in at three. The program has built consistent momentum in recent years, and linebacker Tristan Schram and running back Sean White return as proven contributors. The addition of transfer Cora Cooper, a 2029 prospect who racked up over 500 all-purpose yards in a single game as a freshman, gives the Catamounts a potential difference-maker.

Frisco High comes in at four, led by running back Brennan Lacy — a player Diggs projects as a Power Four recruiting target — along with Barron Barker and Desire Watson on the other side of the ball. Frisco Emerson, with a Hebron transfer at quarterback in Wild Stalwart and receiver Jason Waldron, is ranked fifth.

Denison rounds out the projected playoff field at six. The program is young but talent is accumulating, with quarterback Gavin Mann drawing attention and offensive lineman Kason Crouch, wide receiver Brandon Douglas, and running back Rashawn Terry all contributing to a team Diggs believes could push Emerson and Frisco for that fourth postseason spot.

Prosper Richland (7), Frisco Memorial (8), and Frisco Independence (9) complete the nine-team district. Diggs' full rankings: Anna, Celina, Panther Creek, Frisco High, Frisco Emerson, Denison, Prosper Richland, Frisco Memorial, Frisco Independence.