Eric Mims Sr. Named Coach of the Week
The Palo Duro High School head coach earned the weekly honor after a dominant performance by his team.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Football
Dave Campbell's Texas Football selected Eric Mims Sr. as the 5A Division Coach of the Week. The recognition follows a decisive 35-7 victory by the Palo Duro Dons over district rival Abilene Cooper.
Why it matters
This award highlights consistent excellence in high school football coaching within the state. Mims Sr. has led the Palo Duro Dons to a strong 5-1 start this season, demonstrating significant program growth.
Palo Duro High School currently holds a 5-1 season record following their 35-7 win over Abilene Cooper. The publication honors one head football coach in each classification on a weekly basis.
The players
Eric Mims Sr.
He is the head football coach at Palo Duro High School in Amarillo.
Dave Campbell's Texas Football
This is a statewide publication that tracks and honors high school football coaches and teams.
Palo Duro Dons
This is the football team representing Palo Duro High School.
Abilene Cooper
This is a high school football program and a district opponent of the Palo Duro Dons.
The details
Palo Duro High School secured the victory during a home game against their district opponent, Abilene Cooper. The decisive win marks a key point in the team's ongoing progress this season.
Timeline
Eric Mims Sr. was named Coach of the Week during the week of October 9, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The recognition validates the current upward trend of the Palo Duro Dons as they remain a factor in the 5A classification standings. This honor positions Mims Sr. among the top coaching prospects in the region for postseason consideration.
The Palo Duro Dons carry a 5-1 record into their next set of district matchups. This win over Abilene Cooper provides the team with critical momentum for their remaining regular season schedule.
The takeaway
Consistent leadership remains a hallmark of successful high school athletic programs throughout the state. Supporters should continue to monitor the team's performance as they push toward potential playoff positioning.
Further reading
For more on local high school gridiron achievements, visit Football.
More information
View current standings and previous award recipients on the Dave Campbell's Texas Football voting portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC4 - Amarillo.
