Anahuac Panthers Gear up for 2026 Season with Veteran Roster and Playoff Ambitions

With a seasoned lineup and confidence high, the Anahuac Panthers aim to build on last year’s playoff run as they prepare for a competitive 2026 football season

Author: Brandon Roddy, 12NEWSNOW

  BEAUMONT, Texas — With a successful spring and summer behind them and a veteran roster returning, the Anahuac Panthers enter the 2026 football season confident they can build on last year’s playoff appearance.

  Head coach Greg Neece said his team has made steady progress throughout the offseason and is eager to begin game preparations.

  “We’re feeling good,” Neece said. “Had a great spring. Had a great summer, and the kids are excited. We’ve got a really good group coming back.”

  The Panthers return 15 starters from last season’s playoff team, giving Anahuac an experienced foundation as it prepares for its scrimmages, non-district schedule and the start of district play.

  “We made the playoffs last year, and we’re ready to get started, get our scrimmages and our non-district games under our belt and then get into district play,” Neece said.

  Neece expects another competitive race in district, pointing to familiar challengers including Orangefield, East Chambers, Kirbyville and Tarkington.

  “It’s pretty much the same guys,” Neece said. “You’ve got Orangefield, you’ve got East Chambers. Those are always the top two, and then you throw Kirbyville in the mix. You’ve got Tarkington. It’s going to be tough, so we’re going to try to find a way to get in there.”

  Like every team, Neece said the Panthers’ ultimate goal is to compete for a district championship while maintaining a week-by-week approach.

  “Everybody’s goal is to be a district champion and take one game at a time,” he said.

  Anahuac opens district play on the road against Tarkington, which enters the season with a new head coach.

“We open up with Tarkington as our first game in district on the road, and they have a new head coach, so they’ll be excited,” Neece said.

  The Panthers then return home to face Kirbyville in what Neece expects to be another spirited matchup.

  “Our first home game will be Kirbyville coming to our place, and that’s always a really good game,” Neece said. “We’re always up for that game. They’re up for us.”

  Neece also praised the support the Panthers receive from their marching band, crediting director Mr. Kier and the students for creating a lively atmosphere on Friday nights.

  “I guarantee we have the best 3A band in Texas, especially in Southeast Texas,” Neece said. “They bring it, they rock it and they play throughout the game. Mr. Kier does a great job with those guys and girls, and it’s going to be exciting to hear that band going again this football season.”

  The Panthers will visit Van Vleck to open their 2026 football season.