There are nine new members in the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in Waco. The Class of 2019 was inducted Saturday night.
Heading the list of inductees is Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Ken Houston, who is featured in my book High School Football in Texas: Amazing Football Stories From the Greatest Players of Texas. Houston played at Lufkin Dunbar High School in the mid-60’s.
Related: Buy the Book High School Football in Texas: Amazing Football Stories From the Greatest Players of Texas
Every year, the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame inducts one player from each decade along with two Eddie Joseph Coaching Award inductees and a special contributor.
Inducted from the 2000’s is current Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson, who is also featured in my book. During his senior season at Palestine High School in 2003, the future Oklahoma Sooner rushed for 2,960 yards with an average of 11.7 yards per carry. He scored 32 touchdowns.
Other inductees:
1990’s: Jason Bragg, Stephenville HS – member of the school’s 4A championship teams in 1993 and 1994. Bragg was a versatile player, lining-up at cornerback, outside linebacker and safety on defense. On offense, he played wide receiver and running back, plus he even took some snaps at quarterback. As a senior, USA TODAY named him as the Texas Player of the Year.
1980’s: Willie Everett, Daingerfield HS – he was an all-state offensive lineman on Daingerfield’s three state championship teams in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
When it was announced that Everett would be inducted into “The Hall”, he said the following to DaingerfieldAthletics.com:
“I never thought that I would be the first and only individual from the 1983 Daingerfield Historic Team to be nominated for the High School Hall of Fame. That was a historic moment in time. The 1983 Daingerfield Tiger Football Team brought an entire community together. I’m honored that I was part of it. When I look back on it, that experience changed my entire life.”
From Daingerfield Athletics
1970’s: Putt Coate, Coahoma HS – he played on both sides of the ball for this small town team. He made all-state as a fullback in 1975. He finished his career with over 3,300 yards rushing.
1950’s and before: Ken Casner, Waco HS – he was an all-state player, who went on to be an All-American defensive lineman at Baylor. He also became head football coach at Waco High. Casner passed away in 2009.
The Eddie Joseph Coaching Award winners were T.J. Mills of Sealy, and Scott Phillips of Groveton, Waxahachie and Plano East. TV executive Jon Heidtke was inducted as the Dave Campbell Contributor to the Game.
Mills is one of two Texas high school football coaches to win four straight state championships. He also coached at Houston Westbury, Odessa Permian and La Porte. His overall record was 195-71.
