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Houston Christian's Bret Kilchrist
Photo provided by Bret Kilchrist (Twitter: @_bretkilchrist)
CROWNS OVER TROPHIES: Kilchrist revisits historic season with HCHS
“It started when I was really little at my grandmother’s funeral,” said Kilchrist. “My mom had given me a little toy and I threw it towards the altar. Despite the setting, everybody in the church was laughing. After that, my parents said ‘he’s going to play quarterback’.
“We’ve always been a big football family. I’d be up at 7 am watching football highlights. I eventually just kind of grew into it, from flag football, to high school, and to where I am now.”
After transferring from Klein over the past offseason, Klichrist helped to turn the Houston Christian program into a major-player in the SPC, as the team’s QB1.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It was harder than I expected,” he said. “Coming in, there wasn’t as much of a ‘winning-culture’ initially, but I knew that we had plenty of athleticism on the roster. The hardest thing was getting everyone on the same page in order for each of us to succeed.”
Succeed, they did.
Under the direction of coach AJ Eisenman, the Mustangs went on an unprecedented run in the Fall to reach the SPC-3A Championship for the first time in program history, and finished the season with an overall record of 8-3.
Despite narrowly falling 30-27 to Trinity Valley in the title game, the achievement itself should not go unnoticed.
So, what was different about this particular squad?
2023-24 Houston Christian FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It was just a collective moment where everybody realized we could actually make it,” Kilchrist said. “With a few additions to the program, everyone’s confidence just began to improve. The teams before weren’t too far off, but I think the overall mentality of this group really strengthened as the season progressed.”
Kilchrist, in particular, finished his senior season with some hefty numbers (3,122 total yards, 31 total TDs, 72.4 completion percentage), which has garnered him the opportunity to play collegiate football.
He will soon join teammate Jordan Elie-Stuart as another college-commit, as he holds offers from numerous programs such as Southwestern, McMurry, Calvin and Langston University.
Photo provided by Bret Kilchrist (Twitter: @_bretkilchrist)
Despite only playing for Houston Christian one season, the impact that the team had on him was just as great as the impact he had on it.
“I made a lot of great memories over this past year, my favorite of which was before the State game. We went into a meeting room in the hotel and we listened to a song called ‘Gratitude’, and it talks about who you do it for – we have to bow down to God. It brought the team together and you could just feel the energy. I’ll never forget it.”
That mentality is exactly what could compel the Mustangs moving forward, as they’ll undoubtedly be looking for another statement season next Fall.
For now, however, Kilchrist still has another big decision to make in the coming months.
Houston Christian's Bret Kilchrist
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
MOVE-IN MAGIC: Brotherhood compels Kilchrist to deliver HCHS revival
While he remains modest to his contribution, the most evident difference-maker has been none other than the newest Houston Christian signal-caller, senior Bret Kilchrist.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I wouldn’t really say that I’m the big piece that’s made the team successful,” said Kilchrist. “This whole team, I saw potential in them when I was thinking about transferring here. They really took me in and built me up.”
“I feel like the difference from last year is that they were missing some key components that were added to the team this season. What’s helped me to excel has been my work ethic and the help from my coaches who gave me the opportunity. It’s just been so glorifying.”
The left-handed QB transferred to HCHS after spending the majority of his high school career at Klein High.
“I’ve played private school football my whole life since about fourth grade, so I had previously thought that I could use a change of pace, which is why I moved into public school,” he said. “After a while, I missed the atmosphere of a Christian-centered community.”
“We really didn’t have as much of a brotherhood there, so coach (AJ) Eisenman brought me in and talked to me about that particular aspect that Houston Christian consists of. That’s what I needed, because when you’re out there fighting with your brothers it makes all the difference.”
2023-24 Houston Christian High School FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It would seem that decision has paid dividends, for both Kilchrist and his team.
Kilchrist has already thrown for nearly 1,500 passing yards with 13 scores through the air, while adding 6 more scores on the ground and averaging over 70 rushing yards per game.
It’s clear that his dual-threat performance has elevated the prowess of his entire team, to the point where the Mustangs currently maintain a record of 5-1 (3-0 in district) – the best start for the team in nearly a decade.
So, what will be the point of emphasis to keep this hot-streak going as the remainder of the district schedule plays out, and with the postseason looming?
“We’ll need to be disciplined,” Kilchrist said. “That’s going to be the No. 1 thing we need to focus on as the season progresses. You know, getting to practice, putting in the work. People have their eyes on us, but we need to keep our heads down and have the mindset that we’re 0-0 and maintain that grit as we move forward in the SPC.”
Stay tuned, as Kilchrist and co. are on the path towards claiming the first SPC Football championship in Houston Christian history.