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Running backs’ monstrous seasons push Fort Worth-area teams deep into playoffs

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Arlington Heights running back Carson James carries up the middle during the first half against Paschal on Nov. 7 at Farrington Field in Fort Worth.

Arlington Heights running back Carson James carries up the middle during the first half against Paschal on Nov. 7 at Farrington Field in Fort Worth.


Bob Booth

Special to the Star-Telegram

An effective run game can be the foundation of a deep playoff run in Texas high school football.

As the regional round approaches, several Fort Worth-area running backs will look to continue strong seasons. A few are having monstrous years.

Carson James, Arlington Heights

Fort Worth Arlington Heights junior Carson James has been monumental in helping the Yellow Jackets seize their first area-round win since 1973.

James has 2,310 rushing yards and has accounted for 40 total touchdowns. He is averaging an absurd 192.5 yards per game and 9.4 yards per carry.

Arlington Heights running back Carson James beats Brewer cornerback Jaiden Carrigan to the end zone during the second half of their Class 5A Division I bi-district playoff game Nov. 14 at Farrington Field.
Arlington Heights running back Carson James beats Brewer cornerback Jaiden Carrigan to the end zone during the second half of their Class 5A Division I bi-district playoff game Nov. 14 at Farrington Field. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram

James tallied 1,118 yards in a strong sophomore season, and he has more than doubled it this season. As an uncommitted recruit, he has done more than enough to put high-profile college teams on notice.

Although Heights (11-1) faces a tough challenge in Aledo (12-0) at 1 p.m. Friday at Crowley ISD Stadium, James said he knows his team can compete if it has courage and confidence with each play.

Aledo’s Kaden Winkfield (21) runs for a touchdown on the final play of the first half against Saginaw in a Class 5A Division I bi-district playoff game Nov. 13 at Tim Buchanan Stadium in Aledo.
Aledo’s Kaden Winkfield (21) runs for a touchdown on the final play of the first half against Saginaw in a Class 5A Division I bi-district playoff game Nov. 13 at Tim Buchanan Stadium in Aledo. Tom Marvin Special to the Star-Telegram

The Bearcats have a committee-style run game with Kaden Winkfield, Brady Powell and also quarterback Lincoln Tubbs being threats to take off. The trio has combined for 180.9 rushing yards per game.

Jayshon Gibson, Richland

Richland junior Jayshon Gibson has been a TD machine.

Gibson has 2,241 rushing yards and 388 receiving yards with 45 total TDs. In the area round, Gibson found the end zone eight times. He has had plenty of stunning performances this season, averaging 186.8 rushing yards per game and 10.3 yards per carry.

North Richland Hills Richland running back Jayshon Gibson (1) takes off for the Royals only touchdown of the first half of a UIL football game against Aledo on Thursday, October, 23, 2025 at Birdville FAAC Stadium in North Richland Hills, Texas.
Richland running back Jayshon Gibson takes off for a touchdown against Aledo on Oct. 23 at Birdville FA/AC in North Richland Hills. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram

Gibson has offers from Baylor, Kansas State, Michigan, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah, UTEP, Texas State and more.

Richland (9-3) will face Denton Ryan (11-1) at 6 p.m. Friday at Buddy Echols Stadium in Coppell. The Royals lost the regular-season matchup 30-21 and were outmatched by Aledo 72-10.

But Richland has been steadily building back momentum with wins over Granbury, Azle, Fort Worth Wyatt and El Paso El Dorado. Offensively, the Royals are strong, but the defense will have to step up to limit a state power like Denton Ryan.

The winner will face either Aledo or Arlington Heights.

Demarcus Belton, Alvarado

In the Class 4A realm, Alvarado has an elite running back of its own.

Senior Demarcus Belton, an uncommitted recruit, has stuffed the stat sheet, rushing for 1,251 yards and also tallying 1,281 receiving yards. He has 45 total touchdowns on the season.

Alvarado running back Demarcus Belton looks for yardage against Sulphur Springs in a Class 4A Division I area playoff game Nov. 21 at Children’s Health Stadium in Prosper.
Alvarado running back Demarcus Belton looks for yardage against Sulphur Springs in a Class 4A Division I area playoff game Nov. 21 at Children’s Health Stadium in Prosper. Miles Meador Special to the Star-Telegram

Belton is averaging 10 yards per carry and 25.6 yards per reception, solidifying him as one of the top offensive threats in the Fort Worth area.

Alvarado (11-0) will face Springtown (12-0) at 3 p.m. Friday at Eagle Mountain Knight Stadium in Fort Worth.

Springtown has a standout running back of its own in senior Jon Anthony Lardizabal, who has rushed for 1,321 yards and 20 TDs on the season. He took his game to another level in the area round, rushing for 272 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-41 win over Frisco Panther Creek.

Class 6A RBs to watch

In Class 6A, North Crowley’s Kiante Ingram and Southlake Carroll’s Davis Penn could have big games for their squads.

Ingram, who shares carries with G’Yrell Smith, has rushed for 1,360 yards and 21 TDs. With a tough matchup against Coppell (10-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Midlothian ISD Stadium, look for Ingram to set the tone for the Panthers (11-1).

North Crowley running back Kiante Ingram heads to the end zone during the first half against Lake Ridge on Oct. 9 at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield.
North Crowley running back Kiante Ingram heads to the end zone during the first half against Lake Ridge on Oct. 9 at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram

Within Carroll’s pass-heavy offense, Penn has been a key contributor, rushing for 62.3 yards per game. He has found the end zone 15 times this season.

Penn is one of the most talented backs in the area, and his workload has been managed carefully by the Dragons to keep him healthy for the playoffs, considering his season-ending knee injury last season.

Southlake Carroll running back Davis Penn runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Keller Timber Creek on Sept. 25 at Keller ISD Stadium.
Southlake Carroll running back Davis Penn runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Keller Timber Creek on Sept. 25 at Keller ISD Stadium. Miles Meador Special to the Star-Telegram

Southlake Carroll (12-0) will face Prosper (11-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Choctaw Stadium. In what could be a rainy game, look for Penn to possibly get more action.

Keep an eye on Brock

Brock (12-0) has been dominant in Class 4A Division II and junior running back Bryer McDonald has been a focal point with 95.2 yards per game. He has 1,142 yards and 22 TDs this season.

As Brock faces Seminole (9-3) at 1 p.m. Friday at San Angelo Stadium, look for McDonald to continue a strong junior campaign.

Charles Baggarly

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.

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