Aledo Bearcats Season Preview: Will Aledo Make Another Run?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chasing Championship No. 13</h2>   The Aledo Bearcats are no strangers to high expectations and they're embracing them again in 2025. After falling just short of their ultimate goal in 2024, the Bearcats return loaded with talent, leadership, and a hunger to finish the job. With 12 state championships, Aledo's championship pedigree is unquestioned. But in Bearcat country, the mission is always simple: win it all.   This year's squad features a mix of battle-tested veterans, emerging stars, and college-bound playmakers across every unit. Let's take a closer look at the names and strengths that make Aledo one of the top contenders in the state heading into the fall.    It all starts up front, and Aledo has a true anchor in [player_tooltip player_id='1188514' first='Payton' last='Williams']. A three-year starter, Williams is as reliable and dominant as they come on the offensive line. His game is built on his power at the point of attack and his ability to climb to the second level with ease, he's the kind of lineman who makes life easier for quarterbacks and running backs alike. Standing over 6'4” and pushing 300 pounds, William plays with a mean streak and the football IQ that UTSA coveted when they landed his commitment.     If there's a wide receiver in Texas more polished than [player_tooltip player_id='803114' first='Kaydon' last='Finley'], you'd be hard-pressed to find him. Committed to Notre Dame, Finley combines elite route running with a massive catch radius and natural hands. He knows how to separate, how to make the tough catch in traffic, and how to contribute as a physical blocker in the run game. He's a true WR1 and one of the best in the country and can expect big numbers from him this season.     At 6'2”, 190 pounds, Kamron McCoy Hall is the prototype safety in today's game. He has the size and toughness to play in the box and the range to cover sideline to sideline. Hall's instincts are elite, and he rarely misses tackles in space. He'll be counted on to quarterback the secondary and erase big plays before they start.     Remember the name [player_tooltip player_id='471559' first='Tymon' last='Meeks']. As a sophomore, Meeks was nearly unblockable, racking up 64 tackles, 6 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. He's got a devastating first step, plays with excellent pad level, and shows rare strength for his age. At 6'0”, 265 pounds, he's stout against the run and explosive enough to disrupt the passing game. Offers from Miami, Colorado, UTSA, UNLV, and Sam Houston State confirm what the tape already shows, Meeks is a future Power 5 force.     In the heart of the defense, [player_tooltip player_id='1727745' first='Chase' last='Wilburn'] brings an all-around skillset that's impossible to ignore. He's fast, instinctive, and hits with authority. Wilburn recorded 72 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 2 interceptions (including a pick-six) in 2024. He plays with disciplined eyes, breaks down well in space, and has the speed to cover tight ends and running backs. Still under the radar, Wilburn has early offers from Towson and Indiana State, but don't be surprised if more come rolling in by midseason.     Swanson is another veteran presence in the Bearcats' secondary. Committed to Army, he's a sure tackler with top-end speed and field awareness. Swanson plays with poise and confidence, rarely getting beat over the top. His leadership and ability to stay locked in coverage will be vital against some of the high-octane offenses Aledo faces in 5A.     Cyphers is a Swiss Army knife for the Bearcats, capable of rushing the passer off the edge or dropping into coverage. His 55 tackles and 9 sacks in 2024 prove he can finish plays in the backfield, and his ability to move laterally and play in space makes him a scheme-versatile weapon. Expect him to take another leap in his senior year.     Aledo's run game will once again be in great hands with [player_tooltip player_id='1646194' first='Kaden' last='Winkfield'] carrying the rock. Winkfield ran for 888 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024 while adding 991 all-purpose yards. His running style is a perfect mix of patience, power, and explosiveness. He sees the hole, presses it, makes one decisive cut, and gets north quickly. With another year of experience and a strong offensive line in front of him, Winkfield is primed to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards and become one of the most productive backs in the region.