Who is your "dark horse" band for 2025?

[J-Mike16]

1 hour ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

Wait, you said “knocked out.”  They still advanced to state right? Am I mixing things up because I swear I saw them in SA. They had the big flowers, didn’t they?

Gatesville made State last year. They placed 8th or 9th in Finals.

[cheeto2401]

On 8/8/2025 at 8:39 PM, GarbagePatchKid said:

Wait, you said “knocked out.”  They still advanced to state right? Am I mixing things up because I swear I saw them in SA. They had the big flowers, didn’t they?

i meant knocked out as in they went down a spot, they did advance and make finals! sorry for the confusion lol

[cheeto2401]

On 8/8/2025 at 9:48 PM, J-Mike16 said:

Gatesville made State last year. They placed 8th or 9th in Finals.

8th!

[Lemonpanda2328]

On 8/8/2025 at 8:39 PM, GarbagePatchKid said:

Wait, you said “knocked out.”  They still advanced to state right? Am I mixing things up because I swear I saw them in SA. They had the big flowers, didn’t they?

We still made state, we just got knocked down a spot because of Aubrey -Gatesville kid

[dfwhorn]

On 8/7/2025 at 12:25 PM, GarbagePatchKid said:

I really don’t know. I think Gatesville has the potential to be top 3 at area b. I also thought West Plains played beautifully at the SMBC. IIRC their ensemble sounds were easily top 4-5. I don’t really get the panther creek hype. I’m sure they will do well again but I think their shows have been exceptionally boring. I do like Celina, but I know a lot of people don’t. They play some hard music and have stunning choreography. From what I’ve been told, they have a very young program because of the explosive growth out there. It might hurt things for them, but I was told the same thing last year. Someone said last year over half their high school band consisted of freshmen, which (if true) makes their win an amazing accomplishment. It’s going to be cut throat once again this year, I fear. 
 

I would like to see Community do better but I don’t think it’s their year. It looks like the new director is a good change but I don’t know if they can pull it all off in one year before moving up. There’s a chance China Spring will drop a bit too with a new director. 
 

I don’t think the door is wide open for all new medalists at state; there are just some cracks here and there. It’s been wild in 4a the past three years with Canton and Wills Point not making state, NL struggling and rebuilding, plus the insane rise of Celina and Panther Creek,

If its any year for community to do well, this year will have to be the year. This year is probably their last year in 4A as they will more than likely join 5A next year in maybe B or C

[imarchedcrown]

ROCKHILLLL

[Tubalord11]

Saw a clip of McNeil and they are full gunning this season, love it. TW’s and Cinco were also great. Don’t remember the last time TWs were so small, anyone know what’s up with that? 

[bassboneman]

4 hours ago, Tubalord11 said:

Saw a clip of McNeil and they are full gunning this season, love it. TW’s and Cinco were also great. Don’t remember the last time TWs were so small, anyone know what’s up with that? 

Share the videos? 

[SharksAreCool]

I went to see Ceader Park at their foot ball game and maaaaannnn they still got it. It’s honestly a really cool show and concept, really made me feel like I’m in a forest.

[JustaTuba]

On 7/20/2025 at 2:04 PM, glyde said:

4a: Panther Creek or Gatesville, 5a: Wakeland, 6a:Bridgeland or Cedar Ridge

i dont think wakeland or panther creek count as dark horses 😭

[SharksAreCool]

Can I put in a word for Pasadena Memorial. They are looking absolutely great this year. If you haven’t seen them I would they are looking great.

[wtxbd02]

Someone like McNeil last year is a great example for a topic like this.  Such a pleasant surprise and exceeded probably anyone's expectations.  

[imarchedcrown]

ima say it again. watch out for rockhill. don't be surprised when they make state and beat hebron

[SharksAreCool]

25 minutes ago, imarchedcrown said:

ima say it again. watch out for rockhill. don't be surprised when they make state and beat hebron

To be fair it’s not just Hebron they have to get through. It’s also FlowerMound, Marcus, Prosper, Braswell, McKinney(s), Wylie(s), and then Hebron. I’m not doubting RockHills chances to make state, but considering their blood bath of an area it might be hard to beat Hebron.

[Gpk1968]

3 minutes ago, SharksAreCool said:

To be fair it’s not just Hebron they have to get through. It’s also FlowerMound, Marcus, Prosper, Braswell, McKinney(s), Wylie(s), and then Hebron. I’m not doubting RockHills chances to make state, but considering their blood bath of an area it might be hard to beat Hebron.

I don’t even like to make predictions for 5A area b. I just watch the bloodbath and cheer for whoever emerges haha 

[OGFISD99]

31 minutes ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

I don’t even like to make predictions for 5A area b. I just watch the bloodbath and cheer for whoever emerges haha 

The colony and Little Elm... 

[utee94]

I don't know if I'd predict them as a dark horse, but last year I thoroughly enjoyed Lake Belton's show, and am hopeful to see a lot of them this year as well.  I think they just barely missed out on Finals at State, and I really thought they'd get through.  I look forward to seeing more from them in 2025.

[proudRICHLANDbandmom]

Birdville high school 

[OGFISD99]

4 hours ago, sigmahornist12 said:

Birdville high school 

Another dark horse after last night is Emerson high school...... 

[criscubes]

Said it before, Krum is coming for their state spot. Since 2022, they've been heading straight towards state show after showe and slowly closing the gap. I can 100% see them advance this year if any of the state qualifiers make a small slip at area.

[gregorydf01]

I was able to watch A&M Consolidated live at the Vista Ridge Marching Festival and was very impressed!  They took first in Prelims, but 4th in Finals.  They have Reed Akenson involved in developing the show this year.  For those of you who don't know Reed, his first full year as Vista Ridge's Marching Director was when they won 6A State in 2018.   I see signs of his impact with the A&M Consolidated show this year and expect them to make a big jump.   I know based on history there will be many doubters but I really believe they will be a contender this year for 5A Finals at State.   Also should do well at BOA San Antonio but I would not expect finals.   

[ChristopherRoden]

On 6/4/2025 at 10:41 AM, ChristopherRoden said:

My two picks are 7L and MG Johnson. Clear upward trajectories over the past few years and very intriguing shows for this upcoming season. 

I also second Braswell! Other than those... I could see Midlothian, Clear Lake, and Liberty making some noise this fall!

Coming back to this... 7L took a caption at BOA, MGJ beat some folks they never have before, Midlo won a regional, clear lake made boa finals for the first time ( i think? ) 

[glyde]

MG&J have really picked up the heat recently and shown that they will podium wherever they go, big dark horse in my book. Love thier show and that closer is so good

[cheeto2401]

On 10/13/2025 at 4:36 PM, gregorydf01 said:

I was able to watch A&M Consolidated live at the Vista Ridge Marching Festival and was very impressed!  They took first in Prelims, but 4th in Finals.  They have Reed Akenson involved in developing the show this year.  For those of you who don't know Reed, his first full year as Vista Ridge's Marching Director was when they won 6A State in 2018.   I see signs of his impact with the A&M Consolidated show this year and expect them to make a big jump.   I know based on history there will be many doubters but I really believe they will be a contender this year for 5A Finals at State.   Also should do well at BOA San Antonio but I would not expect finals.   

Reid Atkinson works with a lot of bands, all of which do so well! Reid has experience with Carolina Crown (im like 35% sure) so im not suprised bands do so well with him!

[ti-84]

fossil ridge!! (totally not biased at all) But the win at golden triangle definitely earns them a spot on this forum!