UIL released the 2026 realignment list Feb. 2, moving Legacy down to 5A Region 1 District 8. Football, basketball and volleyball opponents have been released, with other sports districts releasing no later than April 1.
In the new district, the football team will play Burleson Centennial, Cedar Hill, Cleburne, DeSoto, Lancaster, Mansfield Summit and Midlothian. Other sports like basketball and volleyball will play Arlington Seguin, Burleson, Burleson Centennial, Cleburne, Joshua, Mansfield Summit and Mansfield Timberview.
“We have the experience of playing at the higher level, so the expectations set at performing at that high level will stay the same,” Varsity Football Linebacker Coach Mark Walker said. “The district is notably tough for football, but I’m not one to complain; we have to play the best to be the best.”
The reason for the difference in districts depending on sport falls on sport-specific needs, according to UIL. Participation rates from football to basketball and volleyball vary drastically across 5A schools, causing this change in districts for same-school sports.
“Whether we go the football route or basketball and volleyball route, I think it leaves a good chance for us,” Varsity Soccer Coach Sidney Danner said. “It was a good option by UIL to put us in that district, and it gives us good competition that will make us better.”
The current junior class now enters their third new district, as they prepare for the last run in senior year. Junior football player Kain Henrix sees an opportunity for the team to do great things.
“As a player, I feel as if I can speak for everyone on the team when I say we are fired up and ready to compete,” Hendrix said. “I think the team is going to work even harder, especially after seeing some of these tough teams we’re facing, as it’s only just another challenge to prove ourselves.”
Falling into a new district with whole new teams, unaware of how the team will compare, Coach Danner said his players can overcome this and strive to play through the games, no matter the opponent.
“Players will make opinions on how they play or the quality of their players, but that can’t affect our game,” Coach Danner said. “Hopefully, everyone understands the game isn’t won until the whistle blows, and the guys should have that mindset going into this new district.”
The combined record last year of all the teams football will play this year shows 42-38, proving the strength of Legacy’s opponents, with DeSoto winning the 2025 UIL Class 6A Division 2 State Championship.
“We’ve been here before in this situation and we’re ready to compete,” Coach Walker said. “I think overall for Legacy this will be very good for us and it’ll be great to see how all sports perform in these upcoming seasons.”
