Gridiron Greatness
Texas Traditions and Pigskin Passion
It's a known fact: high school football in Texas is an institution. Woven into the fabric of Texas culture for over a century, high school football is a tapestry of community pride, athletic excellence, and time-honored rituals. Explore the top 10 historic traditions that make Texas high school football a must-see cultural phenomenon for any heritage enthusiast.
Friday Nights
Dating back to the early 20th century, the phrase "Friday Night Lights" encapsulates the essence of Texas high school football. As the sun sets, an electric atmosphere jolts the community alive after a week of hard work and preparation by students, teachers, coaches, parents, and of course, the players. On Saturdays, college football may be king, and Sundays are for the pros; but Friday nights, it's the hometown kids that get to shine. Take in the atmosphere at the historic R. R. Jones Stadium in El Paso, which opened in 1916 and is known as "The Lady on the Hill."
Homecoming
Homecoming games, a tradition since the early 1900s, feature parades, pep rallies, and the crowning of royalty. But Texas' spin on the classic is all about the mums. Check out our spotlight of the traveling exhibit, "Mumentous: Football, Glue Guns, Moms, and a Super-Sized Tradition Born Deep in the Heart of Texas."
School Spirit
From live animals to students dressed as fictional characters, football mascots have been rallying fans for as long as the sport has been around. But bulldogs and wildcats aren't the only things that can get a crowd on its feet. Visit San Saba's Rogan Field, which was built atop a Civil War-era graveyard in 1935. Legend has it that not all the bodies were exhumed in the process, so every home game a sign goes up at the stadium that reads, "Welcome to the Graveyard."
The Halftime Show
Since the 1920s, elaborate halftime shows performed by marching bands have been an integral part of the game experience. The Sweetwater High School Mustang Band, has performed at the historic Mustang Bowl built since 1939, offers a prime example of not only this enduring tradition, but the hard work and dedication that goes into a halftime show production. Stop by the Mustang Bowl in Sweetwater on a Friday night and enjoy the show.
12th Man tradition
Made popular by Texas A&M University but embraced by many high schools since the 1920s, the "12th Man" tradition emphasizes the importance of fan support. This concept embodies the spirit of Texas football where communities stand ready to support their team. For those unfamiliar 11 players take the field in a football game. The 12th man tradition symbolizes the support of the fellow student body and community that all fans stand at the ready should their name be called to step onto the field for their team.
Pep Pep Pep it UP
Dating back to the early days of Texas high school football, pep rallies boost team morale and excite the community. Depending on which community you visit this may be held the night before the game or the day prior to kickoff. Many high schools have traditions like urning the J at the Tomato Bowl in Jacksonville. These events feature speeches from coaches, performances by the band, and appearances by cheerleaders, drill team and other student organizations.
Cannon or Victory Bell
Many Texas high schools have a victory bell that is rung after each win, a tradition that dates back to the mid-20th century. Listen for this celebratory sound at historic stadiums across the state. Cameron Yoe and Rockdale are cross river rivals and have been for decades. They play an annual game called the "Battle of the Bell." The winning team gets to repaint the bell and the trailer it is fastened to with the winning school's colors. But before that, the bell is driven around town, ringing for all to hear, "We were victorious!".
Rivalries
Intense rivalries between neighboring schools have been a staple of Texas high school football since its inception. These games often draw large crowds and are marked by passionate fan support, making them memorable events in the local community. It is not just the teams on the field in rivalry games. It is competition in every aspect from fans to cheerleaders to competing bands and drill teams. Cuero vs. Yoakum is known as the "Dewitt County Rivalry". The school have been playing since 1911 and have over 110 total meetings since 1911. Cuero leads the series 71-33-6
State Championship Traditions
The UIL State Championships, which began in the 1920s, are the pinnacle of Texas high school football. The annual pilgrimage to AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the championship games is a modern continuation of this historic tradition. Over the course of four days 12 separate division championship games are played. If you have never attended the Texas State Championships it is a Texas experience you won’t want to miss. Entire communities make the journey to support their coaches, players, band, cheerleaders and drill team. Every team and community enter the stadium with a high hope and a dream to become champions.
Legendary Players
Texas high school football has produced numerous legendary players who have gone on to achieve great success in college and the NFL. Celebrating these players and their contributions to the sport is a significant tradition, with many schools honoring their alumni achievements. Earl Campbell (Tyler High School), Eric Dickerson (Sealy High School), Dat Nguyen (Rockport-Fulton High School) and the late Cedric Benson (Lee High School) among many others went on to become excellent collegiate and professional football players in the NFL.