Coaches Show Teams Still Winning!

Lone Star Gridiron Teams Shine Bright in Texas High School Football Playoffs

As the turkey gets prepped and families gather for Thanksgiving, three of the teams featured on Lone Star Gridiron's weekly coaches shows have something even more exciting on their plates: a trip to the Area round of the Texas high school football playoffs. The Wimberley Texans (4A D2), the Lufkin Panthers (5A D1), and the Calallen Wildcats (4A D1) are among the last 16 teams standing in their respective classifications—a monumental achievement given the staggering number of public schools competing in the UIL (University Interscholastic League).

Coach Todd Quick

Coach Charlie Reeve

Coach Doug Warren

To put this into perspective, Texas is home to over 1,200 UIL schools playing football. These teams put in countless hours of sweat, strategy, and sacrifice each with the goal of playing for a state title. The Texans, Panthers, and Wildcats now sit just three victories away from the holy grail of Texas high school football: a state championship game at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

There’s no denying that Texas high school football is the gold standard of the sport. Ask any coach in the country (high school, college or pro) and they will all readily admit the Lone Star State does it better. The lights shine brighter here, the stakes feel higher, and the roar of the crowd can be heard for miles on Friday nights. To still be in the hunt this deep into the season is nothing short of remarkable and speaks to the relentless dedication of the coaches, players, and communities behind these programs.

Wimberley, known for its gritty defense and explosive offense, has danced this far before and knows the path to success under the leadership of Coach Doug Warren. Lufkin, a powerhouse with deep roots in Texas football lore, has reignited its fire under Coach Todd Quick. Meanwhile, Calallen, under the new Coach Charlie Reeve, continues to build on its dynasty, proving once again why it’s a perennial contender. Each of these teams is representing their communities and their schools with pride and passion, showing that the road to greatness is paved with grit, discipline, and a little bit of magic.

Thanksgiving Week Football: A Texas Tradition

Playing football during Thanksgiving week is a badge of honor that few teams earn, and it’s a moment these players will remember for the rest of their lives. The memories forged in these games will last long after the final whistle, and for some, it’s the culmination of a dream they’ve chased since they first picked up a football. More importantly, as we learn from talking with the coaches each week, the real lessons are the life lessons learned along the way.

Now, we’d never take credit for the success of these incredible teams—after all, it’s the hard work of the coaches and players that has carried them this far. But we can’t help but wonder if being part of a Lone Star Gridiron weekly coaches show adds just a tiny sprinkle of extra motivation. Coincidence? Maybe. But we’ll let the stats speak for themselves—three teams still alive, still thriving, and still fighting for a title. We’ll just leave it at that.

Proud to Be Along for the Ride

At Lone Star Gridiron, we’re honored to showcase the stories of these remarkable teams and the leaders who guide them. The Texans, Panthers, and Wildcats are shining examples of why Texas high school football is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. We wish them the best of luck as they chase their dreams of playing under the bright lights at AT&T Stadium.

Next Game for Each 

Lufkin 11-1 vs Angleton 11-1

Wimberley 10-2 vs Cuero 9-3

Calallen 10-2 vs Bay City 11-1

Here’s to an unforgettable playoff run and to the spirit of Texas football that inspires us all. Whether you’re a fan of Wimberley, Lufkin, Calallen, or just the game itself, this Thanksgiving, we can all be thankful for the Friday nights and the "greatest sport in the greatest state."

NOTE: Starting this spring, Lone Star Gridiron will expand its weekly coaches shows to feature other sports, including baseball, softball, soccer, and more. These shows are a great way to celebrate your team’s achievements, highlight your athletes, and share your program’s story with the community. Plus, it’s an opportunity to support your booster club in the process. Interested coaches can reach out to with an email. Email Us