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VIRAL VIDEO: Klein Forest wins first district contest since 2017, Coach Wilson shaves head in celebration
HOUSTON - In the midst of a four-game losing streak heading into last week, Klein Forest coach Johnathan Wilson knew he had to do something to get the team morale back on track.
So, the coach made a bet with his team - beat Tomball Memorial and you get to shave my head.
"I wanted to come up with something to get our team back motivated," Wilson said. "We made the bet Tuesday after the practice with the entire team."
A few days later, Klein Forest defeated the Wildcats 54-43, notching their first district victory in four years. Prior to Thursday's win, the Golden Eagles hadn't registered a district win since beating Spring Woods, 63-0, on October 5, 2017.
"This win was huge for our program," Wilson said. "All the hard work we've put in this offseason has finally paid off."
With the win, it was time for Wilson to pay up on his end of the bet.
So, Wilson sat in a chair with his entire team around him, while offensive lineman Matthew Johnson got his clippers revved up. Johnson, who according to Wilson cuts hair on the side for family and friends, took the shears and went right down the middle of Wilson's head shaving off his hair with Wilson smiling and laughing the entire time.
"The last time I shaved my head was pledging for my fraternity in college," Wilson said.
A bet is a bet! First district win in TEN YEARS!!! #BaldHead #EagleUp pic.twitter.com/j1XiD5u0Fp
— KLEIN FOREST FOOTBALL (@KFGOLDENEAGLES) October 22, 2021
While Wilson was getting his head shaved, some players were taking video of the moment. The initial shave of his head was posted to Twitter on Friday.
On Monday, the video had more than 36,000 views.
"This is a moment that our coaches and players will cherish forever," Wilson said. "It's crazy to think that 36,000 people watched that video. But I am so happy I could share that experience with so many. Maybe we motivated a couple coaches to make the same bet with their team next week."
SOARING EAGLES: Klein Forest off to 3-0 start for first time since 2011
HOUSTON - Johnathan Wilson knows what it feels like when Klein Forest is flying high.
He lived it. Heck, he was an all-state selection his senior season in 2006 when Klein Forest went 9-3. That came in the midst of a seven-year run that saw the Golden Eagles win nine or more games in five of those and double digits in two, including posting the program's lone undefeated regular season in 2002.
But when Wilson walked back into the halls of Klein Forest prior to last year, that palpable buzz and energy around a school that naturally comes when the football team is consistently winning on Friday nights was gone.
It was a thing of history.
In fact, between 2012 and 2019, Klein Forest won a total of 11 wins over a seven-season run. Heading into this season, which includes Klein Forest going 1-7 in Wilson's first year, the Golden Eagles were 3-31 in their previous 34 games.
Well, 2021 just seems to be a different year.
On Thursday, Klein Forest steamrolled Alief Elsik 56-0 to improve to 3-0 on the season, which gives them their best start to a year since 2011 and most wins for a year since 2016.
"We had a great offseason and summer. All of our coaches did a great job of getting our kids to buy in and believe that they could be successful," Wilson said. "There is a bunch of energy in the locker room right now. Music gets our guys going, they get up to play for each other and leave it all on the field. Our guys believe in what we are doing right now and it shows."
Offensively, it is guys like QB Aydan Howard, RB Kendrick Bradley, WR Jelani Watkins, Cory Lane and WR Parker Jenkins that have helped guide the unit.
It is a group that has now posted 132 points through three games, an impressive average of 44 points per game. If they Golden Eagles keep up that average, they are on pace to score more than 400 points in the regular season, which would be a first since 2009 (444 points).
On the defensive side of the ball, DL Brad Spence, LB Christian Morris, CB Tyris Cooper, DL Ti'Vrell Hollings, DL Stephen Holley and LB Kaleb Porchia have been the guys to slam the door on opposing offenses. So far through three games, the unit has only allowed 12 points.
Yes, 12, which is an average of four points per game. Last year, the Golden Eagles gave up 340 points and the two seasons prior surrendered more than 400 points. They haven't held foes under 200 points since doing it in 2008 (175).
So, after going through three coaching changes since 2012, trudging through multiple one-win seasons - even going 0-10 in 2019 - the Golden Eagles buzz seems to back.
And the second-year head coach, Klein Forest alum can feel it again in the halls.
"This is a huge confidence builder for our entire program," Wilson said. "Every level believes they can win right now and you can see it in their play.
"There is a lot buzz and excitement right now in the building about Klein Forest Football. Our school spirit is really helping us continue to compete week in and week out. We have a very support faculty, administration, and student body. We have to keep the good energy going."