Game Preview: Palacios Sharks vs. Hempstead Bobcats

Friday, October 23, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Bobcat Stadium, Hempstead

Palacios and Hempstead meet Friday night with significant playoff implications in 11-3ADI. The Sharks enter at 1-6 overall and 0-2 in district play, while the Bobcats are 2-5 overall and 1-1 in district action.

Palacios coach Travis Hoffer says the Sharks need to win two of their final three district games to keep their playoff hopes alive. That push must begin Friday night in Hempstead. The Bobcats can take a major step toward securing a playoff appearance with a victory.

The winner is not mathematically guaranteed to finish fourth, but this matchup could go a long way toward determining the district’s final playoff spot. With both teams fighting to extend their seasons into November, there is plenty on the line.

Team Snapshot: Palacios Sharks

Current record: 1-6 overall, 0-2 district
Head coach: Travis Hoffer
Head coach’s overall record: 3-14
Head coach’s record at school: 3-14
Average Points Scored per game: 14.00
3A Division I Rank: 97
Average Points Against per game: 34.71
3A Division I Rank: 66

Season So Far

August 28: at Flatonia — Loss, 24-28
September 4: vs. Victoria St. Joseph — Win, 21-7
September 11: at El Maton Tidehaven — Loss, 7-55
September 18: at Vanderbilt Industrial — Loss, 0-49
September 25: vs. Mathis — Loss, 29-32
October 9: vs. Sweeny — Loss, 17-24
October 16: vs. Edna — Loss, 0-48

Team Snapshot: Hempstead Bobcats

Current record: 2-5 overall, 1-1 district
Head coach: Kris Gordon
Head coach’s overall record: 2-5
Head coach’s record at school: 2-5
Average Points Scored per game: 21.57
3A Division I Rank: 75
Average Points Against per game: 41.43
3A Division I Rank: 82

Season So Far

August 28: vs. Brookshire Royal — Loss, 14-37
September 4: at Altair Rice — Loss, 9-48
September 11: vs. Houston Scarborough — Win, 65-29
September 18: at Hearne — Loss, 7-45
September 25: at New Waverly — Loss, 8-60
October 9: vs. Wharton — Win, 34-14
October 16: at Sweeny — Loss, 14-57

The Breakdown

The numbers point to a matchup between two teams looking for consistency on both sides of the ball. Hempstead is averaging 21.57 points per game, compared with 14.00 for Palacios. The Bobcats are allowing 41.43 points per game, while the Sharks are giving up 34.71.

Palacios is averaging 221.86 yards of total offense per game, including 1,205 rushing yards and 348 passing yards through seven games. Hempstead is averaging 191.43 yards per game, with 853 rushing yards and 487 passing yards. Both teams have relied heavily on their ground games, making control of the line of scrimmage an important factor Friday night.

Palacios sophomore running back Austin Martinez leads the Sharks with 509 rushing yards. Senior quarterback Trey Weixelman adds a dual-threat dimension with 365 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with 346 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Junior receiver Bubba Reyes has caught 13 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown.

Hempstead’s offense is led by senior running back Rickey Young, who has rushed for 472 yards and four touchdowns. Senior quarterback Keenan Wilson has contributed 252 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns while throwing for 329 yards and one touchdown. Junior receiver Tre’Davion Smith leads the Bobcats with 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Palacios has several experienced contributors. Senior Ben Jimenez leads the Sharks with 58 tackles, while junior Jonathan Espinoza has 48 tackles and four pass breakups. Senior defensive lineman Joseph Le has recorded three sacks. Those defenders will need to limit Young’s production and prevent Hempstead from generating explosive plays.

Hempstead is allowing 338.86 yards of total offense per game. Senior Isreal Harris has recorded 25 tackles and three tackles for loss, while senior Curtavian Gooden has four quarterback hurries. The Bobcats will look to pressure Weixelman and disrupt a Palacios offense that has thrown four interceptions this season.

Players to Watch

Palacios Sharks

Austin Martinez, RB/DB, Sophomore: Martinez has rushed for 509 yards on 110 carries, averaging 4.63 yards per carry, with two touchdowns. He has also accumulated 593 all-purpose yards. His ability to establish the run could be central to Palacios’ offensive plan.
Trey Weixelman, QB/DB, Senior: Weixelman has accounted for nine touchdowns, with six rushing and three passing. He has thrown for 346 yards and rushed for 365, making him a major part of the Sharks’ offensive production.
Bubba Reyes, WR/LB, Junior: Reyes has 13 catches for 168 yards and a touchdown, plus 96 kickoff-return yards and 14 punt-return yards. He provides Palacios with a productive receiving option and additional value in the return game.
Ben Jimenez, LB, Senior: 58 total tackles, including 18 solo tackles.
Jonathan Espinoza, RB/DB, Junior: 48 tackles and four pass breakups.
Joseph Le, OL/DL, Senior: 34 tackles, three sacks and two tackles for loss.

Hempstead Bobcats

Rickey Young, RB/DB, Senior: Young has rushed for 472 yards on 70 carries, averaging 6.74 yards per carry, with four touchdowns. His production makes him a key player for a Hempstead offense that relies on the run.
Keenan Wilson, QB/DB, Senior: Wilson has thrown for 329 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 252 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to contribute through the air and on the ground gives the Bobcats flexibility.
Tre’Davion Smith, WR/DB, Junior: Smith leads Hempstead with 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. His role in the passing game will be important if the Bobcats need to counter Palacios’ defensive focus on the run.
Isreal Harris, LB/RB, Senior: 25 tackles and three tackles for loss.
Curtavian Gooden, OL/DL, Senior: Four quarterback hurries, making him a notable player to watch up front.
Quincy Foster, DL/RB, Sophomore: Recorded an interception returned for a touchdown, along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Recent Matchup History

All-Time Results

2019: Palacios 48, Hempstead 14
2018: Palacios 40, Hempstead 33
2015: Hempstead 44, Palacios 0
2014: Hempstead 48, Palacios 8
2013: Hempstead 54, Palacios 0
2012: Hempstead 40, Palacios 20

Keys to the Game

Palacios Sharks

Establish the run: Get Martinez involved early and use Weixelman’s rushing ability to make Hempstead defend multiple threats.
Protect the football: Palacios has thrown four interceptions this season. Avoiding turnovers will be vital in a game with major playoff implications.
Limit big plays: Hoffer identified Hempstead’s team speed as a concern. Sound tackling and disciplined positioning will be essential.

Hempstead Bobcats

Feed Young: His 472 rushing yards and four touchdowns make him a natural focal point of the offense.
Use Wilson’s dual-threat ability: Wilson’s rushing production gives Hempstead another way to challenge the Palacios defense.
Pressure Weixelman: Disrupt the quarterback’s timing and make the Sharks work for passing yards.

Keep Your Eye On

The playoff race: Palacios needs two wins from its final three district games to keep its playoff hopes alive, while Hempstead can strengthen its position with a win.
The quarterback matchup: Weixelman’s rushing and passing production will test Hempstead’s defense, while Wilson provides a dual-threat option for the Bobcats.
The turnover battle: These teams are basically neutral in turnover ratio. A key turnover at a key point in the game could decide the outcome.

From the Coaches

Palacios Head Coach Travis Hoffer

“We approach this game as a must win in order to keep our playoff hopes alive. We have 3 district ball games left and have to find a way to win 2 of those to have a chance. I told our kids during our Saturday team meeting that our playoff season starts now. If we want to get in the playoffs we have to take care of business. Coach Gordon has done a good job of rebuilding Hempstead and putting his team in a position to get in the playoffs as well. Hempstead has some good size upfront and impressive overall team speed. We’ll have to do a great job of containing that speed and not giving up big plays. It should be a fun 4 quarter football game with a lot on the line.”

Hempstead Head Coach Kris Gordon

“We’re treating this as our next district game and focusing on one thing at a time. We won’t look beyond it: one play at a time, stay disciplined, and DYJ.

“We’ve put together a strong game plan for offense, defense, and special teams. Now we’ll let the results speak for themselves. That’s what I love about this sport actions will always speak louder than words!”