Gridiron Glory

MaxPreps Student Section

For some high schools, a playoff spot may be wished for and only sometimes achieved. But to the many athletes at Calallen (Corpus Christi, Texas) High School, making the playoffs is nothing less than expected.

As student athletes enter Wildcat Territory, they become a part of the winning tradition that has been made visible by 26 consecutive years of playoff appearances for the Calallen football team.

In 1984, Coach Phil Danaher became the athletic director and head football coach at Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. The previously unsuccessful football program held a record of 170-202-19. The Wildcats had not made the playoffs for 29 years.

Since he took over the football program, the Wildcats have amassed a record of 299-55-2 overall, including making the playoffs each year for the past 26 years, the second longest streak in Texas' history

The Wildcats have thrived under Coach Danaher's leadership and continue to dominate District 31-4A. With 11 trips to the regional finals, 9 to the semi finals and the state championship game, Danaher's impact at Calallen speaks for itself. The school renamed its high school football field at the beginning of last season to commemorate his successful career.

In 2005, Calallen beat top ranked Brenham High School in the State Semi Finals, advancing the Wildcats to their deepest playoff run, all the way to Round Rock ISD Stadium for the State Championship game against Hebron High School.

"Playing at the state game was a dream come true. The team played well together, and gave everything they had every round of the playoffs," Danaher said. During this drive to the state championship, Coach Danaher picked up his 300th win. At that time, he was one of only four coaches in Texas history to win 300 high school games.

Coach Danaher attributes the winning football tradition at Calallen High School to be the result of several factors, among them stability throughout his coaching staff and Calallen pride that sets high expectations and support from both the fans and the student body.

"No group of seniors wants to be the first to miss the playoffs," Coach Danaher stated.

Last season, Coach Danaher and the Calallen Wildcats battled through an early loss and countless injuries to a 13-2 season. Also, a state semi-final playoff berth, defeated by LaMarque High School at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas. The first win of the Wildcat's 2011 season will be the head coach's 300th win at Calallen High School, making 368 total career wins. Danaher's coaching record makes him third in all time career wins in the state of Texas, and second among active coaches.

Often called a religion rather than a sport, football stadiums illuminate towns across Texas every Friday night. The stadiums seats are flooded with fans dressed in their school colors. The band plays the school song as the players burst through entrance to the stadium. Making their way to the end zone to gather and give thanks for another night of football. When the season is completed, the seniors' lockers are cleaned out, new athletes step up to fill old shoes, and the slate is wiped clean.

On the first day of football practice, none of the scores carry forward. The 2011 team will start fresh: 0 wins and 0 losses. The hard work and dedication the athletes put forth will all be worth it, as head coach Phil Danaher strives to continue Calallen High School's winning tradition.