This One’s For Them
There’s nothing quite like high school football in Texas.
But even more so—there’s nothing quite like playing high school football in Texas… in December.
That’s a whole different feeling. A whole different heartbeat. A whole different level of magic in the air.
And I’ll stand on this:
High school football has an unmatched, unexplainable, God-given way of bringing a community together.
It’s honestly incredible when you think about it. You walk through town and people—people who might not even know each other—are suddenly best friends for 30 seconds because of Friday night. And next thing you know, you’re sitting at your daughter’s ARD meeting, trying to talk about goals and accommodations, and somehow you’re all re-living last week’s game. Throughout the town…
You hear:
“Man, last week’s refs were terrible.”
“That kid is a heck of an athlete.”
“Are y’all ready for Friday?”
“We’re going all the way.”
There’s always something to bond over. Something to laugh about. Something to hope for together.
And when we travel?
Football somehow brings all walks of life into the same set of bleachers, united for one thing: our boys.
Last week, during that nail-biter of a game, I caught myself scanning the stands. Sometimes I wish we could just freeze moments like that—really zoom in and see the whole picture:
Parents holding their breath as they watch their sons learning what it truly means to be part of a team - eyes locked in on the ball - having to make quick, composed decisions
Grandparents clapping with proud, tear-filled eyes
Aunts, uncles, cousins, and whole family trees rooting for one kid
Former players coming back to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the next generation
Friends who don’t miss a game
Community members who simply love this town and these boys
And something we don’t talk about nearly enough… the parents of the coaches
Because let me tell you—coaches’ parents get just as nervous as the parents of the players.
They’re watching their son walk out his calling, lead young men, carry the weight of a town, and pour out every ounce of themselves into this sport. They’re proud, yes—but they’re praying under their breath the entire game too. Watching their grown son do exactly what he was created to do is its own emotional rollercoaster, and they ride every moment of it.
And then… let’s not forget the wives.
Oh, the wives.
Dang, I love our wives.
It’s been nearly a decade since I’ve had a tight group like this. Women who show up. Women who support each other. Women who cheer for every kid like he came from their own house. Women who carry the weight of seven-day work weeks, late nights, early mornings, long drives, last-minute changes, and still show up smiling and ready to do it all again.
And I’ll be honest—
I’m a little superstitious.
Okay, maybe a lot.
I had my hands folded a certain way… legs tucked just right… feet planted like it mattered… saying more Hail Marys than I can even remember.
But I’d do it all again this Friday.
Because this is the Elite 8.
And getting here?
It’s no small feat.
So many pieces have to fall into place—discipline, grit, perseverance, health, heart, teamwork, leadership, and a whole lot of favor from above.
No matter what happens next, these boys are winners. These coaches are winners.
And our fans? Our community? Our families?
Winners. Every single one.
This run hasn’t just been about football—
It’s been about legacy.
Family.
Community.
Faith.
And the kind of memories these kids will tell their own kids about someday.
So this one…
This one’s for them.
For the kids who leave it all on the field.
For the coaches who pour every ounce of themselves into these boys.
For the wives who carry the unseen load and cheer the loudest.
For the parents of coaches who watch their sons walk out a true calling.
For the families who rearrange life for this season.
For the community that stands behind them every single down.
A Prayer for Our Boys This Friday
Lord, we lift up our players, our coaches, and every family traveling with us this week. We pray for safety, protection, and strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Cover every player with Your hand. Give them clear minds, steady hearts, and the confidence that comes from knowing You go before them. We pray for sportsmanship, unity, and a spirit of excellence. Win or lose, may they honor You in how they play, how they lead, and how they carry themselves. We pray for our coaches—give them wisdom and peace. For the parents watching, comfort their nerves. For the wives and families, wrap them in Your covering. And let this game be a moment they remember forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
Here’s to Friday.
Here’s to December football in Texas.
Here’s to the boys, the coaches, the wives, the parents, family members, and the entire community.
Let’s go win the moment.
This one’s for them.
