Pete’s Pigskin Preview: Sundown Roughnecks
2025: 4-7, made playoffs
SUNDOWN, Texas (KCBD) - Last year, the Sundown Roughnecks finished last season with a 4-7 record, but showed promise in their four victories. Weeks after opening the season with a 52-6 victory over Shamrock, they posted a 49-0 win over Smyer, followed by a 35-7 statement at Plains. In week nine, they knocked off playoff-bound Tahoka in a 16-15 thriller which earned them a trip to the postseason.
2026 will be the 29th year for head coach Brannon Rodgers, who has previously worked at Jacksboro and Crosbyton before coming to Sundown in 2022. He’s excited for the group coming up for this upcoming season.
“Man, we’ve got a good group of young guys that have been having a lot of success playing sub varsities. They’re all finally kind of together on the varsity. We’re excited about this group,” he said. “Our strength is team chemistry. These kids all like each other, they really cheer each other on and they celebrate each other’s successes, so that’s going to translate.”
Coach Rogers hopes his lessons to the players expand far beyond football.
“Our motto is ‘5-2-1’ and it’s the parable of the bags of gold. What are you doing with the talent God gave you? So, it comes from Matthew. It’s one of Jesus’s parables about just using your talents to bless others,” he said.
Key returners include: Jose Aleman, Aiden Brinklow, Brock Bufe, Rylan Carr, Cooper Day, Corey Goodman, Marco Landa, Brayden Longoria, Gordon Mata, Kolt McDaniel, Joseph O’Canas, Oilen Pearson, Ryan Pope, Jermiah Reyes, Andrew Rodriguez, and Roman Trevino.
Pete’s Pigskin Previews are sponsored by Grid Iron Bells.
2026 schedule is listed below. Kickoff times are set for 7 p.m.
- 8/28 @ Dimmitt
- 9/4 Sudan
- 9/11 @ Tulia
- 9/18 @ Forsan
- 9/25 Seagraves
- 10/2 Olton
- 10/9 @ New Home*
- 10/16 BYE
- 10/23 New Deal*
- 10/30 @ Post*
- 11/6 Abernathy*
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.