OLFEN, TX — Since starting their varsity football program in 2020, the Olfen Mustangs haven’t been able to break through yet with their first win.
They were closer than ever last season.
Olfen lost three times by 10 points or less, including once on the final play of the game in a 19-16 loss to Lohn.
Those losses, heartbreaking as they were, have shown Olfen it’s capable of winning, and the Mustangs intend to finally bring home a victory to their small community this fall.
Second-year head coach Reese Wilson said an important foundation was laid last year that can already be seen this season.
“This year, I feel like we’re about where we were Week 4 last year,” Wilson said. “They know where things are going. They know where to be. So that part’s better.
“I’m hoping to have a couple wins. And potentially, we have a very high ceiling.”
Olfen’s progress last year was significant. In 2024, the Mustangs scored only 13 points in six games. In 2025, they scored 202 points in 10 games.
Olfen returns four starters on both sides of the ball from last year, including Grant Halsell, who was a first-team all-district safety and second-team spread back.
Halsell has earned bronze medals at the state tennis meet the last two years, so he brings plenty of athleticism to the field.
“He’s real athletic, and he studies, which is very helpful. He knows what he’s looking for, and he’s the guy when everyone’s tired who can remind everyone where to be on the play. The team looks to him for that,” Wilson said.
Avian Bell, Galijha Stambaugh and Bash Nandin are other playmakers on offense that Wilson has high hopes for.
“We’re very athletic, I have to say that. We’ve just got to learn to play football,” Wilson said.
Wide receiver Zander Martinez is one of three freshmen on the team.
Olfen’s offensive line will be led by Jett Albarado and Jacob Teague.
“I would say our line is probably the most improved thing we have,” Wilson said. “Everything kind of stepped up last year, but our line play is significantly better.”
Defensively, Olfen lost its two leading tacklers from last season, which Wilson said will be hard to replace, but he believes the team is continuing to improve on that side of the ball.
Olfen’s season begins at home against Welch Dawson on Friday, Aug. 28. It’s a rematch of a 37-19 loss last year. Wilson said it was a game the Mustangs could have won, but they didn’t realize they were capable of it until it was too late.
Now the belief is there heading into the game.
Other nondistrict games include Mullin (a 2-8 team last year), Moran (0-8), Lohn (3-7) and Brookesmith (4-6), which recovered three late onside kicks to rally for a 54-44 win over Olfen.
Those are all games that could represent a chance for Olfen to win.
The biggest test will come from Three Way, which was 11-2 last year and is ranked No. 16 in the state heading into the season.
If Olfen can build up some confidence in nondistrict, the Mustangs could try and be a surprise factor in District 7-1A Division II with Blackwell, Loraine, Panther Creek and Trent.
The top two teams will advance to the playoffs.
“Blackwell, Panther Creek and Loraine are the top dogs, and then it’s us and Trent. But I’m hoping to upset somebody and see if we can sneak in there,” Wilson said.
Olfen Mustangs
2026 schedule
Aug. 28 Welch Dawson
Sept. 4 at Mullin
Sept. 10 at Moran
Sept. 18 Lohn
Sept. 24 at Three Way
Oct. 2 at Brookesmith
Oct. 9 at Blackwell*
Oct. 16 OPEN
Oct. 23 Trent*
Oct. 30 at Panther Creek*
Nov. 6 Loraine*
*District 7-1A Division II game
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