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Willie Gaston of North Shore
THE ARCHITECTS: History being made as minorities lead all Class 6A state final super-programs
As Texas High School football takes center stage this weekend at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, history is being made.
All four head coaches in the Class 6A title games are Black… Duncanville’s Reginald Samples, North Shore’s Willie Gaston, DeSoto’s Claude Mathis and Summer Creek’s Kenny Harrison.
Last season, Claude Mathis was the first Black head coach to win a state title at the highest classification of Texas High School football. A few hours later, Samples became the second as the Panthers knocked off North Shore.
Willie Gaston, who played QB for North Shore over 20 years ago before starring for the University of Houston, was elevated from his offensive coordinator position last spring after coach Jon Kay took a college position at Rice University. The first-year head coach has carried on the success of his predecessors as the Mustangs are in their fifth Class 6A DI state title game in six years. He will face Duncanville and coach Reginald Samples, the winningest black head coach in Texas high school football history with over 340 wins.
“It’s a special moment,” Gaston said. “There is a lot of people pumped up for this. There was a stereotype that minority guys couldn’t coach over the years. This weekend just shows you the growth of minority coaches and how good we have become.”
This week, the Houston TD Club awarded Gaston and Summer Creek coach Kenny Harrison as their 2023 co-Coaches of the Year. It is only the third time in the club’s history to have awarded co-coaches. Gaston and Harrison have led their teams to the top of the Texas high school football mountain this weekend… the coveted state game.
No team in the 105-year history of Humble ISD has ever reached a state final… until now. Harrison and his Summer Creek Bulldogs face DeSoto in the Class 6A DII championship. The history is not lost on Harrison, who grew up playing for Port Arthur Jefferson and SMU.
“It means a lot that all four of us have this opportunity,” he said. “We’re all quality coaches who have built tremendous programs. I’ve followed them for a long time and their successes. I’m excited to be a part of this for black coaches but even, more importantly, excited about the opportunity to win a state championship.”
Mathis, who was a star RB at Texas State, smashed through the ceiling last season, beating Austin Vandegrift 42-17 to win the Class 6A DII title in 2022. He’s back…
“This is just wonderful… this is history,” he said. “The only bad thing is that someone has to lose. We have come a long way in this profession of coaching and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
While all four are playing to win and fit for championship rings, history is at hand as these four are breaking Texas-sized barriers.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Anna Coyotes WR, Jacob Emmers, catches up with VYPE DFW ahead of State Finals
Three-star senior wide receiver Jacob Emmers boasts 18 offers to play at the next level from the likes of Arkansas State, California, North Texas, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Purdue, Tulane, Utah State, and more. With a bright future ahead, Emmers looks toward helping lead Anna to victory on Friday as the team heads into their first-ever state finals match. VYPE DFW got the chance to talk to Emmers regarding his season and the state finals in an exclusive interview!
Despite missing the first four games of the season due to an injury, Emmers has recorded 11 touchdowns and 708 receiving yards on 50 catches in 11 games. Posting big moments through the playoffs already, Emmers is prepared to do whatever it takes to continue helping Anna make history on Friday afternoon as the Coyotes face off against Tyler Chapel Hill in the UIL Class 4A Division 1 State Title game. A playmaker who is continually prepared to go above and beyond, Emmers has stepped up when necessary and can be expected to do the same on Friday. Emmers caught up with VYPE DFW regarding his season:
After being injured at the start of the season, what has it meant to be able to step onto the field and be an impact on a history-making season with Anna?
"It has meant a lot to be back on the field with my teammates. It was tough watching my teammates play without me."
What is your mindset as you head into the state finals this week?
"I'm focused on my preparation so I can perform at a high level on game day."
What would you say has been the secret to your success with Anna?
"Going hard in the weight room and at practice every day."
What would you say has been the secret to Anna's success this season?
"Coach Parr keeping us motivated and focused all year on our goal to win state."
What has the community's support meant to you and the team this season?
"The community of Anna has been great! They show up and show out at every game."
Do you have any expectations going into the state finals?
"The only expectation I have is to win!"
What's one thing the fans should pay attention to?
"Fans should pay attention to our great defense and explosive offense."
What's one thing about your season that has made you the most proud?
"That I came back from injury being able to perform at a high level."
Who do you look up to and why?
"I look up to my dad because he taught me the value of hard work and how to be a good person in life."
What are you looking for in a college program at the end of your high school career?
"I'm looking for a coach and program that can push me and help me succeed at the next level. I'm looking for a good, family feel."
As Emmers prepares to suit up on Friday, fans can expect this athlete to remain focused on finishing strong. Having had high goals all season long, Emmers has continued to shine in an Anna jersey while combining with his teammates to make a huge impact on and off the field. Be sure you catch the game on Friday. Kick-off is slated for 11 a.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.