Despite a fourth-place finish in District 5-4A and 7-12-2 overall record, the Brownwood Lions caught fire in the postseason and advanced to the third round of the playoffs. With a solid nucleus returning from the 2025 team, the Lions are seeking a better start and deeper postseason push in 2026.
“We did have a good run in the playoffs,” said Lions head coach Michael Westerman. “We dealt with players in different positions, we had to figure out a new back line, a freshman goal keeper, and a style of play I like to play which is put the ball down and let’s let the ball move instead of chasing the ball, and that took a while to get used to and we dealt with that frustration throughout the season. There’s moments where it looked good and lots of moments of error as well, but as the season progressed I had a good group that was able to learn from their mistakes throughout the season and toward the end of the year we started to pick it up and begin to understand a little bit more, so when it did matter it showcased.”
The Lions lost four seniors from last season’s squad, but return the bulk of the roster which has led to the lofty expectations.
“We’re returning a large group with a lot of varsity experience and now they know how I like to play and what I like to play, and what my expectations are,” Westerman said. “None of that is changing this year so we should gradually improve and tactically get stronger.”
Among the players to keep an eye on are Alex Vaquera, Isaac Morales, Jeremiah Chacon, Aiden Jimenez, Jacob Gray and Jonathan Skrhak.
“Alex is a wonderful kid and our top goal scorer before he got hurt halfway through district,” Westerman said. “Isaac is another senior who has stepped up significantly in the pitch. He’s been a great leader as well, helping the younger guys adjust. Jeremiah Chacon, our center back, is returning as well, and he’s got a lot of experience. Those are guys I’m expecting to carry a big load. We have a couple of sophomores, Aidan joined us toward the end and in our playoff run and helped us up front as our nine and was a goal contributor. Jacob is another flexible player we can rotate in as a left back, center back or defensive mid. Jonathan is a great kid that plays club year round and has a lot of soccer experience, we just have to get him used to the varsity level.”
The Lions kick off the season Tuesday, Jan. 2 at home against Godley. Objectives for the Lions between the first game and the District 5-4A opener Feb. 3 against Lampasas, according to Westerman, are, “Getting some of the younger guys accustomed to our style of play and how the ball moves. At the JV level we ran a 3-5-2 for the majority of the season, so this is different style at the varsity level with a 4-3-3. We like to play our wingers high and wide and overlap our outside backs and also allow that nine to play so we can get a third midfielder running as well. It’s all a matter of getting a lot of game minutes and reps and touches on the ball, and then sharpen team chemistry.”
As for the District 5-4A race, Westerman said, “We know it’s always going to be a tough district. Lampasas brings a tough team we always seem to struggle against. They bring that high line that forces us to be patient and we need to understand that and be able to adjust to that. Stephenville is always going to be tough competition no matter how many they lose, they bring in a lot as well. That’s always a dogfight and comes down to grit and being able to compete. Gatesville brings a good team as well, a smaller team but they’re coached very well. Little River Academy has been a team that’s been progressing as well and is a team we can never underestimate.”
Asked how good the 2026 Lions could be, Westerman replied, “That’s something we discussed since the run we made last year. I’m just reiterating with the boys that was a taste of success we’re capable of achieving, but we’re not content with it. We want more now and our goal is to compete for a district title and I truly believe that’s something we can accomplish. Now with the goal of the third round of the playoffs in mind, we want to surpass that and take this program to an uncharted area.”
Brownwood Lions 2026 Soccer Schedule
| J2 | Godley | 7 p.m. |
| J6 | at Marlin | 6 p.m. |
| J13 | Burkburnett | 6 p.m. |
| J15-17 | at Burnet tournament | TBA |
| J20 | at Abilene Cooper | 7 p.m. |
| J23 | at Saginaw Eagle Mountain | 7 p.m. |
| F3 | at Lampasas* | 7 p.m. |
| F10 | Little River Academy* | 7 p.m. |
| F13 | Gatesville* | 7 p.m. |
| F17 | at Stephenville* | 7:30 p.m. |
| F20 | Lampasas* | 7 p.m. |
| F27 | at Little River Academy* | 7 p.m. |
| M3 | at Gatesville* | 7 p.m. |
| M6 | Stephenville* | 7:30 p.m. |
District 5-4A Game