.png)
If you’ve ever stood in the humidity of a Friday night at Bulldog Stadium, you know it's not just about a game. It is about the community. Nederland, Texas, takes its high school football seriously—like, “don't schedule a wedding in October” seriously.
The nederland tx football schedule isn't just a list of dates. It's the pulse of the town. For the 2025-2026 cycle, things have been a bit of a rollercoaster under Head Coach Scott Rich. Rich, who came over from the powerhouse Katy program, is still molding this team into his vision of "class and character." But let's be real: transition years in Texas 5A-2 football are brutal.
Breaking Down the Schedule and the District Grind
The Bulldogs compete in District 8-5A Division II. This isn't a "soft" district. You’ve got heavy hitters like Port Neches-Groves (more on them later), Montgomery, and Huntsville constantly breathing down your neck.
Looking back at the most recent fall slate, the Bulldogs started with some fire. They opened with a solid 6-3 win over Lumberton on August 29. Then they ground out a 14-6 victory against West Orange-Stark at home. For a minute there, people were thinking, "Hey, maybe the Katy magic is working early."
Then came Silsbee.
👉 See also: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
Silsbee handed them a 27-13 loss on September 12, and things got complicated. After a bye week to lick their wounds, they blew the doors off Splendora with a 56-6 win. But that high was short-lived. The back half of the schedule turned into a gauntlet of heartbreak.
- October 3: A 61-59 shootout loss to Dayton during Homecoming. Talk about a gut punch. Losing a game where you put up nearly 60 points is enough to make any defensive coordinator lose sleep.
- October 10: A tough 34-25 loss to New Caney West Fork.
- October 17: A 39-22 defeat at the hands of Montgomery Lake Creek.
The Mid-County Madness: PN-G vs. Nederland
You cannot talk about the nederland tx football schedule without circling the one date that defines the season. Mid-County Madness.
On October 24, 2025, the Bulldogs hosted Port Neches-Groves. The atmosphere was electric—over 5,000 people packed into the stands. But on the field, it was a different story. PN-G walloped the Bulldogs 49-17.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially since PN-G leads the all-time series 47-31-7. For Bulldog fans, the schedule is basically "The PNG Game" and nine other events. Coach Rich has made it clear he wants to build a dynasty, but to do that, you eventually have to get past the Indians.
✨ Don't miss: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Recent Results at a Glance
Honestly, the end of the 2025 season was rough. Here’s how the final weeks looked:
- Huntsville (Oct 31): Loss, 35-21.
- Montgomery (Nov 7): Senior Night ended with a 45-27 loss.
The Bulldogs finished the 2025 regular season with a 3-7 overall record (1-6 in district). It wasn't the "Katy-style" explosion fans hoped for, but there are layers to this.
Who is Stepping Up?
The roster for the 2025-26 season showed some young promise. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Lane had to grow up fast under center. You also have guys like Alfred "Poppa" Williams (Class of '26) and Andreaus Taylor playing iron-man football on both sides of the ball.
The offensive line, led by seniors like John Bieber and Aaron Mojica, fought hard, but the depth just wasn't there to sustain the late-season injuries.
🔗 Read more: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
What to Expect for the 2026 Outlook
So, what does this mean for the upcoming nederland tx football schedule?
The UIL realignment usually shakes things up, but Nederland is likely to remain in a dogfight of a district. Coach Scott Rich enters his third year in 2026, which is typically when a new coach's system truly takes root. The "grit" he talks about needs to translate into finishing those close games—like that Dayton disaster.
Key Dates to Watch
While the official 2026 dates usually drop in the spring, you can bet your boots on the structure:
- Late August: Expect a local rivalry scrimmage (likely West Brook or similar).
- Early September: Non-district tests against Beaumont-area teams.
- Late October: The inevitable showdown with PN-G.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to follow the Bulldogs through the next cycle, don't just wait for the newspaper.
- Check the UIL Realignment: Keep an eye out in February 2026. This will tell us if Nederland stays in District 8 or gets moved to a different region, which completely changes the travel schedule.
- Download the App: Use MaxPreps or the Nederland ISD athletics page. They are usually the first to post the freshman and JV schedules, which are often played on Thursday nights before the varsity "main event."
- Get Your Season Tickets Early: For Mid-County Madness years where the game is at PN-G, tickets are like gold. If the game is at Bulldog Stadium, season ticket holders get first dibs.
The 2025 season was a rebuilding year, no doubt. But in Nederland, the expectations never lower. They just wait for the next Friday night to prove the doubters wrong.
Next Steps for You: Check the official Nederland ISD athletic portal in late spring for the finalized 2026 varsity kickoff times. If you are planning to travel for away games in Huntsville or Montgomery, start looking at hotel availability early, as those small-town stadiums fill up fast on game weekends.