Victoria West Clinches State Playoff Berth
The Warriors secured a UIL Texas Football State Championship Playoffs spot despite a 54-48 overtime loss to Richmond Tomas.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
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The Victoria West Warriors clinched a berth in the UIL Texas Football State Championship Playoffs after a 54-48 overtime loss to Richmond Tomas on Oct. 30. The Warriors had trailed 48-42 in the final two minutes before Aiden DeLeon connected with Kage Hradek for a game-tying touchdown with seven seconds left.
Why it matters
Victoria West's playoff berth extends its postseason run after a competitive finish in a close district race. The Warriors are likely to enter the bi-district round as the No. 4 seed, facing a 5-4 Bastrop team that leads District 12-5A DII.
Emilio Moreno rushed for 122 yards and one score on 14 carries, while Aiden DeLeon threw for 190 yards in the Warriors' overtime loss to Richmond Tomas. Victoria West enters the playoffs at 6-4 overall and 3-3 in district play, with the bi-district date and site still undetermined.
The players
Victoria West Warriors
A high school football program representing Victoria West High School in Victoria, Texas, competing in UIL Texas football.
Bastrop Bears
A high school football program from Bastrop, Texas, currently leading District 12-5A DII and a likely bi-district playoff opponent.
The details
Victoria West overcame a 48-42 deficit in the final two minutes, with DeLeon hitting Hradek for the tying score with seven seconds remaining, but missed the extra point that sent the game to overtime. Richmond Tomas reached the end zone on a third-and-15 from about the 30-yard line in overtime to win the Oct. 30 game.
Timeline
Oct. 30: Victoria West lost 54-48 in overtime to Richmond Tomas.
Week 11: Victoria West has its bye week before the playoffs begin.
Date to be determined: The UIL Texas Football State Championship Playoffs begin.
Season Trajectory
Under the UIL Texas Football State Championship Playoffs bracket structure, a projected No. 4 seed places Victoria West in the bi-district round against a district leader. The Warriors' close loss to Richmond Tomas leaves them entering the postseason on the strength of a late comeback rather than a clean record.
Victoria West's projected No. 4 seed means the Warriors will likely open the bi-district round on the road against Bastrop, who owns the district lead at 4-0. Fans tracking the matchup should watch for the official bracket release to confirm the date and venue.
The takeaway
Victoria West's comeback against Richmond Tomas shows a team capable of late-game resilience, a trait that matters in single-elimination playoff play. Tracking the bracket once it is released will clarify the Warriors' path.
What happens next
The Warriors' bye week arrives in Week 11, and the bi-district matchup against Bastrop will follow once the date, time, and location are set.
Further reading
For more on Texas high school competition, explore Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Victoria Advocate.
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