As the playoffs looms closer, the ‘Dawgs football team has been centered around a new, pivotal player: junior captain Jackson Lang. With a season marked with lots of success, Lang has emerged as an important leader on and off the field. The star defensive end was selected as the lone junior captain this season.

Senior linebacker and corner, Dustin Fahrenthold has been teammates with Lang for two years. Fahrenthold has attested to the growth of Lang through his success in areas that may not be seen on Friday nights.

“Jackson is an absolute leader in practice,” Fahrenthold said. “He goes 100 percent in every drill and rep. This motivates and pushes all the guys to go harder and be better. I think this goes overlooked in a lot of ways when it comes to the success of the team.”

Despite starting the season 4-0, the ‘Dawgs have dropped three of the last four games in a grueling stretch of games against some of the toughest teams in Texas football. Nevertheless, Fahrenthold remains optimistic about the team’s chances as the season’s final game approaches.

“I think we can definitely turn it back around,” Fahrenthold said. “It was a tough stretch for us, but I still think we are playing really well at the right time. We have lots of leaders on this team, like Jackson, who brings us together like family no matter if we win or lose.”

Lang’s football journey began in 7th grade, where he was a standout in the weight room and on the field. He began playing both on offense as a tight end, and on defense, as a defensive lineman, before focusing solely on defensive end in high school.

“The biggest thing I have done throughout my football career is to make sure I show everyone how much I care,” Lang said. “Just doing whatever the coaches say and not goofing off has allowed me to continuously get better.”

The ‘Dawgs have found some new profound motivation this year. After losing in heartbreaking fashion last year to Austin High 31-27 on a last second touchdown by the Maroons, the ‘Dawgs are looking to bounce back and get their revenge this year, with Austin High being the last game of the year with plenty of playoff implications. 

“We definitely need to make the playoffs,” Lang said. “We have Austin High as our last game of the year before the playoffs and we want that game to be special. If we win that game we should be in a really good position to make a run in the playoffs, which is what we have set out to do since the beginning of the season.”

June 15 of this previous summer marked the beginning of college recruitment for the class of 2026. Lang has been extremely vocal and productive during this time period, going to several big name, high-profile football camps at local schools such as Texas State, Texas Christian University and Texas A&M. 

“The college recruitment process has been difficult but also fun in a lot of ways,” Lang said. “I have done my best to email and get in contact with coaches from all over the country, I think camps have also helped me a lot in terms of just meeting coaches, that experience is super valuable.”

Senior outside linebacker Wyatt Barnes is currently playing his third year on varsity, he is second on the team in tackles and has been a key contributor for the defense along with Lang. Barnes has been playing football since elementary school.

“I really like the role that Jackson plays,” Barnes said. “A lot of football kids are really loud, and express their passion that way but Jackson doesn’t really do that. He puts in tons of effort and works really hard which is underrated, but doesn’t go unnoticed by most of the guys.”

Barnes has been under the helm of head coach Jeff Ables who has been coaching at Bowie for over 30 years. Barnes describes Ables coaching style as strict and firm while also being fair and by the book.

“He expects a lot from his varsity players, especially in the classrooms,” Barnes said. “The coaching staff gets disappointed if something goes wrong whether it be grades or even just absences. This definitely helps us all do better in the classroom. We all take leadership and accountability and strive to be the stable pillars in the classroom.”

Ables is wrapping up his 23rd year being the head coach for the ‘Dawgs. During his tenure, the ‘Dawgs have been playoff bound nearly every season, including the last four seasons in a row dating back to the 2019-2020 season. The team is looking to add to that streak this year.

“I really enjoy the position I am in,” Ables said. “I get to work with new kids and coaches every year and also play a part in helping other coaches in other sports. I think this team is somewhat special compared to teams I have coached in the past. They are a really group of guys who give a ton of effort, and seem to be on the quiet side, they don’t talk a lot, but they do everything they are supposed to, which makes them very coach-able.”

The team’s next and final focus is when they play against Austin High on Friday, November 1 at Hyde Park. The game is regarded as a true “win and you’re in” scenario, unlike the previous ten games, this one holds the most significance.

“We gotta win this next ball game against Austin High,” Ables said. “If we win, then we are in the playoffs, and from there anything can happen. Our whole staff believes in Jackson and his leadership. He leads by example and sets a tone on how our guys should perform. He’s always consistent on and off the field and he will continue to be a leader for the rest of the season and the rest of his career as well.”