CLAUDE, Texas (KFDA) – The Claude Mustangs are looking to build on an 8-3 season and a trip to the playoffs, continuing an upward trend after winning six games the year before.
Head coach Brantlee Lemons said the program returns a strong core of players and has seen participation numbers rise.
“We’ve got several returning starters. We’re missing several from last year, but the core group of our kids are back, and our numbers are up,” Lemons said. “We’ve got 26 that are out here most every day.”
Building on last year’s foundation
Lemons said the focus through the preseason has been developing what the program installed a year ago rather than starting over.
“Just building off of what we ended with last year and just being able to not take that step back and having to relearn some of the basics that we installed last year,” Lemons said. “Just expand on what we left off with and excel from there.”
Community support
Lemons said the Claude community has been a driving force behind the program.
“Our fans, they were great last year. We had several travel and just really support us throughout the year,” Lemons said. “The community is a really big support of us and I think that’s what makes this community great.”
Senior lineman
Senior lineman Brady Shelton said this year’s team feels more motivated than in years past.
“I feel like we’re more motivated. Willing to work more,” Shelton said. “Putting the work in on and off the field, in the weight room, in the classroom. Just continuing to improve.”
Shelton said representing Claude carries special meaning.
“It feels great to represent Claude,” Shelton said. “Just being able to show the support that we get from everyone around the town — from our teachers, our coaches, and just our teammates and everything.”
2026 Claude football Schedule
*denotes District game
OpponentDateTime@ Motley CountyAug. 287 p.m.@ MiamiSept. 47:30 p.m.vs. Hermleigh (at Jayton)Sept. 107 p.m.vs. GroomSept. 187 p.m.vs. HappySept. 257 p.m.@ NazarethOct. 27:30 p.m.@ Booker *Oct. 97 p.m.vs. Wildorado *Oct. 167 p.m.@ Boys Ranch *Oct. 237 p.m.vs. White Deer *Nov. 67 p.m.
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