It has been a long time coming for the Wellman-Union Wildcats, but the wait is finally over. For the first time in 21 years, the Wildcats are district champions, and for the first time in nine seasons, they are headed back to the Texas high school football playoffs.
In just his second season as head football coach, Bret Labadie has helped bring a winning mentality back to the Wellman-Union football program. What began as a season filled with determination and high expectations has turned into a historic campaign for the Wildcats, who now have their sights set on making some noise in the postseason.
Wellman-Union secured its first district championship since 2005 with a hard-fought 47-30 victory over district opponent and cross-county rival Meadow. The much-anticipated showdown between the Wildcats and Broncos was another chapter in the rivalry, but this time, the Wildcats came away with something they had been chasing for more than two decades: a district championship.
While the district title is certainly something worth celebrating, the Wildcats know their work is far from finished. With the regular season in the rearview mirror, Wellman-Union now turns its attention to the Class 1A Division II playoffs, where every game becomes a win-or-go-home situation.
And their first-round opponent is certainly no pushover.
Wildcats and Bulldogs Set for Intriguing First-Round Matchup
Wellman-Union will square off against the Anton Bulldogs in the Bi-District Championship on Friday, November 13, at Hornet Stadium in Sudan. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Anton comes into the postseason following an impressive regular-season campaign. The Bulldogs were undefeated at 8-0 heading into their district championship showdown against Hart. However, the Longhorns handed Anton its first loss of the season with a 76-40 victory.
Despite the setback, Anton has demonstrated throughout the season that it can put points on the scoreboard and compete against quality opponents.
The interesting thing about this Bi-District matchup is just how similar these two teams appear to be when comparing their regular-season performances.
In fact, Wellman-Union and Anton faced five common opponents throughout the season, and the results provide an interesting look at what could be a very competitive first-round playoff contest.
Both teams took care of business against Southland. The Wildcats dominated the Eagles in a 46-0 shutout, while Anton defeated Southland 54-28.
Against the Loop Longhorns, both squads again came away with convincing victories. Anton earned a 54-28 win, while Wellman-Union rolled past Loop 59-14.
The Dawson Dragons also found themselves on the losing end against both programs. Wellman-Union handled Dawson 60-6, while Anton shut out the Dragons 52-0.
Springlake-Earth was another common opponent, and once again, both teams came away victorious. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolverines 50-22, while the Wildcats earned a 46-22 victory.
However, the one common opponent that stands out is Petersburg.
Anton managed to escape with a narrow 50-45 victory over the Buffaloes, while Wellman-Union suffered a tough 44-36 loss earlier in the season.
According to Coach Labadie, the Wildcats’ loss to Petersburg was a game filled with self-inflicted mistakes. Those mistakes proved costly in what was otherwise a competitive contest.
The results against these five common opponents show just how closely matched the Wildcats and Bulldogs could be when they meet Friday night.
Both teams went 4-1 against their common opponents, with Anton’s narrow victory over Petersburg providing the only difference in the win-loss column.
Of course, comparing scores does not determine the outcome of a football game, especially in the playoffs. But it does suggest that fans could be in for an exciting contest between two teams that have proven they can score points and win games.
A Week of Rest Could Benefit the Wildcats
One factor that could work in Wellman-Union’s favor is the timing of its bye week.
The Wildcats were off during Week 11, the final week of the regular season, giving Labadie and his coaching staff an opportunity to rest their players, address areas needing improvement, and begin preparing for the postseason.
While Anton was battling Hart for its district championship, Wellman-Union had already secured its district title and could turn its full attention toward the playoffs.
That extra time could prove beneficial, particularly in six-man football, where a handful of plays, turnovers, or defensive stops can completely change the momentum of a game.
The Wildcats have shown throughout the season that they can move the football and put points on the scoreboard. However, as Labadie has emphasized, execution and limiting mistakes will be critical as the competition gets tougher.
Against a team like Anton, protecting the football, finishing offensive possessions, and making defensive stops could ultimately determine which team advances.
A Season Worth Remembering, But More Work Ahead
Regardless of what happens Friday night, the 2026 football season has already become a memorable one for the Wellman-Union community.
For a program that had not celebrated a district championship in 21 years or experienced playoff football in nine seasons, this year’s Wildcats have accomplished something special.
In only his second year leading the program, Labadie has guided Wellman-Union back to the top of its district and into the postseason. The players have responded, putting together a championship season and giving the community plenty to celebrate.
But there is a difference between making the playoffs and making a playoff run.
The Wildcats have already proven they belong in the postseason. Now comes their opportunity to prove they can advance.
Anton will present a significant challenge. The Bulldogs have an explosive offense, an impressive regular-season résumé, and plenty of motivation following their first loss of the year.
Wellman-Union, meanwhile, enters the contest rested, confident, and carrying the momentum of a district championship.
With both programs boasting impressive victories over common opponents, Friday’s matchup has all the ingredients for an entertaining six-man football showdown.
For the Wildcats, the goal is simple: keep the season alive.
Twenty-one years without a district championship. Nine seasons without a playoff appearance. Both droughts are now over.
The next question is whether the Wildcats can add a Bi-District Championship to their historic season.
The Wellman-Union Wildcats will face the Anton Bulldogs on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Hornet Stadium in Sudan. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m., with a trip to the Area Round of the Class 1A Division II playoffs on the line.
