For the first time in nine years, the Hempstead High School Bobcats varsity football team is headed to the playoffs, and Hempstead ISD is calling on the whole community to show up in kelly green and cheer them on.
The Bobcats will face the Franklin Lions in the playoffs on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. at 815 Murray Avenue in Rockdale, Texas. Tickets can be purchased online. Credit and debit cards are required for tickets. Cash will not be accepted at the gate.
Families, students, alumni, business owners, elected officials, faith leaders, and neighbors are encouraged to help us celebrate the Bobcats with a community sendoff.
Hempstead High School will host a team send-off on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Community members wishing to be part of the sendoff should line 9th St.
Sendoff Information:
Date: Thursday, November 12
Community Lineup: 9th St. Hempstead, TX | 2:30 PM
Bobcats Rollout: 3:00 PM
The bus will begin at the campus bus ramp in front of the HHS Competition Gym/Bobcat Den and travel down 9th Street toward the courthouse, turn left in front of the courthouse, and head out to Rockdale.
The community is encouraged to decorate their business windows, yards, and marquees in kelly green and white to show their support for the Bobcats. Bobcat fans should wear their Bobcat kelly green on Thursday, November 12, and make the trip to Rockdale, TX, to fill the stands and cheer on the Bobcats.