Graham High’s Ty Thompson on Facing Brock and Staying Focused

Graham High School’s quarterback, Ty Thompson, joins us ahead of one of the most anticipated games of the season against Brock High School. With both teams boasting high rankings in Texas 4A Division II, excitement and tension are building across Graham as the community prepares to rally behind their team. Here’s what Ty had to say about the upcoming game, team dynamics, and what makes Texas high school football unique.

The Locker Room Vibe Before the Big Game

Facing undefeated Brock, Ty Thompson and his team know the stakes are high. Yet, his approach remains level-headed and focused. “It's exciting,” Ty said. “We’ve all been working hard since last season’s playoff loss. We think we have a good shot at winning this game.” Graham and Brock, two Texas football powerhouses, have a shared history of excellence. This game marks the first time they meet on the field, adding to the excitement.

Despite Brock’s undefeated record and No. 2 state ranking, Ty is confident. “They may be ranked higher, but we’re ranked fifth, and we belong on that field just as much as they do. We’re bringing our best effort and intensity on Friday.”

Bouncing Back from Springtown and Building Team Strength

The journey this season hasn’t been without challenges. A tough loss against Springtown taught Graham a lot about where they could improve. “That game definitely showed us areas we needed to work on,” Ty reflected. “Our defense, which now has six shutouts, gave up more points in that game than we were happy with. It was a wake-up call and highlighted things we could get better at. Since then, we’ve seen improvement across the board.” The loss was a turning point, strengthening the team’s resolve and honing their focus. With every game, the team has built upon what they learned, culminating in an impressive season record.

Staying Focused Week-to-Week

For Graham, the secret to staying competitive is rooted in discipline and focus. Each week, the team’s coach selects a theme word, which serves as a guiding principle. Words like “discipline” remind the team to stay focused on their current opponent without looking too far ahead. “A3” is also a mantra for the team, meaning “all in, all out, all the time.” This has helped the players maintain a steady mindset, regardless of who they’re facing. The culture at Graham places a strong emphasis on focus, which Ty believes is key to staying consistent. “It’s how we avoid getting distracted by bigger games on the horizon,” he said. This approach allowed the team to secure a recent win against Mineral Wells, demonstrating their ability to focus on each game as it comes.

Community Excitement and Texas High School Football Pride

In Graham, Texas high school football isn’t just a game; it’s a community event. Ty noted the strong support they receive. “Everyone’s excited to see how the game turns out. It’s been hyped up for a long time since realignment was announced.” The whole town is eager for the Friday night lights, ready to cheer on the Steers as they face off against Brock. Coming from outside of Texas, I asked Ty how Texas football compared. “The difference here is that everyone rallies around the team,” Ty explained. “The community is there every Friday night. It’s not like that everywhere.” In Texas, even a smaller town like Graham pours out to support their team, creating an atmosphere unlike any other.

What Makes 4A Division II Unique?

Competing in 4A Division II brings its own set of challenges. Ty highlighted the variety within the division, where teams can vary widely in terms of playstyle and skill levels. “Some schools are out in the middle of nowhere, and some are in the city. There’s a big range,” Ty explained. “Some games are close, others not so much. But you can count on every game to be physical, and we treat each one like it’s a tough matchup.”

For Ty and his teammates, this approach has allowed them to navigate a highly competitive schedule without losing sight of their end goal. They take each opponent seriously, preparing rigorously each week and making adjustments as needed.