History is being made as all four head coaches in the upcoming Texas High School football Class 6A title games are African American, breaking barriers in the sport. Willie Gaston, elevated to head coach at North Shore, faces Duncanville's Reginald Samples, while DeSoto's Claude Mathis and Summer Creek’s Kenny Harrison also lead their teams to the state final.

Why It Matters

This momentous occasion challenges the stereotype that minority coaches couldn't excel, showcasing the growth and talent of minority coaches in Texas High School football.

By the Numbers
  • Claude Mathis was the first black head coach to win a state title at the highest classification of Texas High School football last season.
  • Reginald Samples is the winningest black head coach in Texas high school football history with over 340 wins.
State of Play
  • Willie Gaston and Kenny Harrison were awarded as the 2023 co-Coaches of the Year by the Houston TD Club, a rare honor in the club’s history.
  • This marks the first time in the 105-year history of Humble ISD that a team has reached a state final.
What's Next

As these coaches and their teams strive for victory, their historic presence highlights the progress and success of minority coaches in Texas High School football, setting the stage for a potential shift in the landscape of the sport.

Bottom Line

This unprecedented event not only marks a historic moment in Texas High School football but also signifies a significant shift in the landscape of coaching, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the exceptional talent and leadership of minority coaches.