Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns Gear Up for a Historic Showdown

The Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns are riding high this season with an impressive 8-1 record and a shot at clinching their first district championship in over two decades. I had the chance to talk with Head Coach Mark Waggoner as he prepares his team for their final regular-season game against West Orange-Stark—a formidable opponent and a traditional powerhouse in Texas high school football. Coach Wagner shared insights into what this season means for his team, the leadership of his standout quarterback, and how the community is rallying behind the Longhorns.

A Season of Dreams

The Longhorns have seen strong seasons in the past few years, but this year feels different. “It would make this season special to clinch our first district title in 4A,” Coach Waggoner said, noting how the community is filled

with excitement. “When you’ve got two great teams facing off for a title at the end of the year, everyone’s pumped. It’s a fun time to be at Hamshire-Fannett.” The team’s chance to go down in history brings a level of anticipation not often felt. “This is a historic moment for us,” Waggoner continued. “The last time we won district was in 1997, back in 3A. Moving up to 4A made things tougher, but we’ve built our program year by year. The kids know how important this game is, and they’re ready.”

Leadership of Quarterback Ty Bryson

Key to Hampshire-Fannett’s success this season is quarterback Ty Bryson. With a standout performance last week—462 yards and six touchdowns—Ty has become a cornerstone of the team. “Ty’s leadership has meant everything,” Waggoner praised. “He’s in his third year as our quarterback, and he knows our offense inside and out. The players trust him because he knows every position.” Describing Ty’s poise and talent, Waggoner even compared him to some of the greats he’s coached in the past, noting that despite Ty’s modest height, “he plays like he’s 6’5” out there.” Ty’s dedication and composure have been invaluable assets, and Coach Waggoner recognizes the difference it makes. “He loves to practice, has a great arm, and impressive hand-eye coordination,” Waggoner added. “Ty’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve had.”

Facing West Orange-Stark: Preparing for a Legendary Opponent

With West Orange-Stark’s rich history as one of the most successful programs in Texas high school football, Hamshire-Fannett faces a true test this week. “You don’t have to tell the kids about West Orange-Stark; everyone knows their record,” Waggoner said. But the Longhorns have had success against West Orange-Stark in recent years, which has bolstered their confidence. “We’ve been on the winning side of this matchup the last two years, so the kids know they can play with them.” West Orange-Stark’s dual-threat quarterback, Marcus Turner Jr., presents a unique challenge, though. “He’s very hard to tackle and has improved a lot as a passer,” Coach Waggoner said. Preparing for Turner means focusing on containment and seizing any rare mistakes. “We’ve played some mobile quarterbacks this season, but Turner is different. We’ve just got to keep him in the pocket and capitalize if he makes a misstep.”

Staying Focused on the Championship, Not the Playoffs

With playoff talk already in the air, Coach Waggoner is keeping his team’s eyes squarely on the district title first. “This district championship is at the top of their goal sheet,” he shared. The Longhorns are fully aware of the significance of this game, and they aren’t looking past it. “They know this moment is historic, and they haven’t overlooked the game at all,” Waggoner emphasized.

Rallying Community Support

Southeast Texas is known for its passion for high school football, and Hamshire-Fannett’s recent success has fueled that excitement. “Friday nights are packed, and the energy is something these kids love,” Waggoner said. The Longhorns’ communications director, Mike Gonzales, has been instrumental in promoting the team and getting the word out. “The more we can promote high school football in this area, the more it drives that Friday night atmosphere.” With the district championship on the line, Hamshire-Fannett is ready to make history. We’re thrilled to follow Coach Waggoner, Ty Bryson, and the Longhorns this Friday night as they chase a title that could mark a historic point for the program.