By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
After four seasons playing in a 4-team district, the Tarpons will now be facing some stiff competition in district 16-4A Division 2 after the new 2026-2028 UIL realignment created an 8-team district. The Tarpons will still be racking up the miles, but they’ll be driving up northward instead of to the west during this upcoming season.
With football practices officially getting underway this past Monday, Aug. 3, let’s take a look at the upcoming 2026 PIECHS Tarpons football schedule.
The Tarpons will be kicking off the season with a pair of scrimmages. Up first is Brownsville St. Joseph Academy. The Tarpons and Bloodhounds have faced off several times in the past with each team enjoying its share of victories. The game will take place at BSJA on Thursday, August 13, but a start time is TBA.
The Tarpons will be on the road again as they close out the pre-season with a scrimmage against the Weslaco Panthers on Friday, Aug. 21, with a JV 5pm, Varsity 7pm start times.
Port Isabel will then open their regular season schedule with a week 1 match against the 5A La Joya Palmview Lobos on Friday, August 28. Last season, the Lobos finished a 6-4 record and missed the playoffs. This will be the first time these two schools will have met on the gridiron.
Week 2 action has the Tarpons hosting their old nemesis the 3A Rio Hondo Bobcats at Tarpon Stadium. It’s been five seasons since the Bobcats dropped down in class, but they always put up a challenge. Last season the Bobcats beat the Tarpons 35-22 at home, but the Tarpons will be looking to return the favor this upcoming season. Game will be held on Friday, Sept. 4 (Parent’s Night).
In week 3, the Tarpons stay at home once more as they host another of their former district opponents, the 3A Raymondville Bearkats, on Sept. 11 (Band Parent’s Night). The Kats were hit hard due to graduation, but did finish last season with an impressive 10-1 record.
In week 4, the Tarpons hit the road as they open district competition against Corpus Christi London on September 18. The Pirates make their inaugural appearance in the 4A ranks and are actually favored to win the district title by Dave Campbells Texas Football Magazine, considered the leader in high school sports coverage.
In week 5, the Tarpons return home as they host the RGC La Grulla Gators on Friday, Sept. 25 (Homecoming Week). With plenty of returning players, the Gators hope to bounce back after posting 1-9 seasons back-to-back.
Midway through the season, Port Isabel will be having its bye week during week 6.
After spending some time licking their wounds and preparing for the rest of their schedule, the Tarpons head to Ingleside to take on the Mustangs for some week 7 action, on Friday, Oct. 9. On a two-year slump, Ingleside finished the 2025 season with a 2-8 record.
In week 8, the Tarpons welcome the Robstown Cottonpickers to Tarpon Stadium on Friday, Oct. 16 (Breast Cancer Awareness Week). Robstown finished with a 7-5 record in 2025, including a 38-28 loss at the hands of the Tarpons in the Bi-District round.
In week 9, the Tarpons take to the road as they take on the La Feria Lions on Friday, Oct. 23. Port Isabel got the upper hand last season in a 37-14 win against the (4-6) Lions.
In week 10, there will be some Friday Night Frights when the Tarpons face off against the Rockport-Fulton Pirates on Friday, Oct. 30. Although the Pirates finished last season with an 8-5 record, they made a late push and managed to reach the third round of the playoffs. The Pirates are expected to contend for the district title, but the Tarpons look to sink pirates on a pre-Halloween night showdown.
The Tarpons wrap up their regular season schedule with a home game against Kingsville King on Friday, Nov. 6 (Senior Night). The Brahmas finished the 2025 season with a 7-4 including a 37-22 loss to Port Isabel.
Note, all games to have a 7 p.m. start time.