(at top): HEADED TO STATE COMPETITON IN APRIL are members of the Wortham Bulldog BBQ Teams. Members include (Front Row) Maddie Henderson, Peyton Hoag, JoJo Contreras; (Back Row) Jessica Wilkins – Ag Teacher) Mason Rhodes, Tanner Wilkins, Jeffery Fleming, Ryan Ramirez and Billy Dusenberry – Ag Teacher).
Wortham High School continues to prove that small schools can achieve big things. This past weekend, both WHS competition BBQ teams, Holy Smokers and Special Forces, turned in the strongest performance in program history at the 2025 Lancaster Regional, earning State Qualification and bringing home an impressive list of awards across every category.
The results mark the highest placements Wortham has ever achieved, including 1st and 3rd place brisket, Reserve Champion Team, and 3rd Overall Team. In addition, every WHS competitor earned a scholarship voucher worth either $1,500 or $2,000, demonstrating the tremendous payoff of hard work, discipline, and culinary excellence.
“Good BBQ Pays Well,” became the motto of the day, and our students proved it true.
–A Breakdown of Wortham’s Winning Weekend
Dessert: 2nd – Special Forces, 3rd – Holy Smokers
Beans: 2nd – Special Forces, 4th – Holy Smokers
Chicken: 2nd – Holy Smokers, 8th – Special Forces
Ribs: 6th – Special Forces, 7th – Holy Smokers
Brisket – the championship category: 1st – Special Forces, 3rd – Holy Smokers
Overall Team Scores: Reserve Champion – Special Forces, 3rd Overall – Holy Smokers
–Looking Ahead to State
With both teams qualifying, WHS will send a full slate of competitors to the Texas High School State BBQ Championship in April, where they will compete against the best young pitmasters from across the state.
Principal David Hayes praised the teams’ success, noting the dedication behind each award.
“These students represent everything we value… hard work, professionalism, teamwork, and pride in their craft. Wortham may be a small rural school, but our opportunities are big, and our kids continue to rise to every challenge.”
Wortham High School celebrates these outstanding young pitmasters and looks forward to cheering them on as they compete for a state title this spring.
