After spending the past couple of alignments on the lower end of the Class 2A Division I enrollment spectrum, the Stamford Bulldogs will enjoy a role reversal in 2026.

But a move to Division II won’t lighten the schedule any for coach Wayne Hutchinson’s squad, which was placed in District 7-2A DII with perennial power Albany and a historically strong Goldthwaite program that’s expecting one of its best teams in years.

The Bulldogs will tackle that challenge with a good group of returners after bringing 18 lettermen back from last year’s 7-5 outfit, including seven starters on both sides of the ball, But Hutchinson knows his team is, indeed, in for a challenge as it looks to build on a legacy of success that includes a state championship game appearance as recently as two years ago.