Why toughest district in Texas high school football is located in SA area

SAN ANTONIO – High school football is practically a religion in the state of Texas, and this season, it’s practiced both literally and figuratively in no area better than District 27-6A in the San Antonio area.

It’s a bold statement to make, but the competition and skill level makes District 27-6A the equivalent of the western division of the Southeastern Conference.

The district’s top half is loaded with state heavyweights: Steele, Judson, Smithson Valley and Clemens.

Last season, Judson and Steele advanced to the state semifinals by beating Smithson Valley and Clemens in the regional finals.

Comparable districts this season include 7-6A with DeSoto, Cedar Hill and Duncanville, and District 25-6A with Lake Travis and Westlake. 

However, for a San Antonio area district to be the standard of Texas high school football is an accomplishment.

“It’s a great honor being a part of it in high school,” said Darren Thomas, Judson senior defensive lineman. “Last year, all four of us went deep into the playoffs and we expect that this year as well. So just being able to be a part of this is amazing.”

This season, those four are battling one another again for the district title and playoff positioning, but no one can be overlooked on the eight-team league. 

Wagner began the season 3-0 before hitting district play. One of those wins was against Laredo United South, which has not lost since their game against the Thunderbirds. 

Canyon defeated Wagner, and has lost by a combined 14 points to New Braunfels and Steele. 

East Central has struggled in its first year in this district after making the playoffs last season, and finishing third in District 28-6A. 

New Braunfels is a tough 4-3 squad. Junior quarterback Ryan Redding is second in the district in passing yards. 

Redding is part of a talented group of quarterbacks in the district that include Steele’s Xavier Martin, Clemens’ Frank Harris, Smithson Valley’s Josh Adkins and Judson junior Julon Williams.

Those four have all either verbally committed or received offers to play at the next level. A total of six senior recruits were also named to KSAT 12's Elite 12 list.

The crop of juniors, including Williams, is loaded with heavily recruited players such as Steele's Caden Sterns, Brenden Brady and Juan Henry, Clemens' Tommy Bush and Smithson Valley's Trevon Moehrig-Woodard.

Each quarterback, offense and defensive unit presents their share of challenges for coaches, but those challenges are what makes it such a compelling district to watch.

“If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best,” said Sean McAuliffe, Judson head coach. “We look forward to the opportunities to play people and it tests us as coaches on putting kids in positions to make plays, and showcases the talents of these kids out here.” 

McAuliffe adds that much of the district’s success starts with the overall coaching and support from the communities. 

“The areas are blessed with a good amount of talent and they have communities that have high expectations of their kids playing late into December and competing for championships,” McAuliffe said. “It’s fun coming to work every day knowing you're going to compete against the best of the best and that's what we look forward to doing.” 

Clemens head coach Jared Johnston said District 27-6A features some of the best football he has seen in his coaching career. 

“Everyone in our district can beat anyone on Friday nights so you just really got to take one game at a time, and play your best football,” Johnston said. “Anytime it’s a Friday in our district, you’re expecting a great football game, great atmosphere.”  

The atmosphere rivals that of any other big district across the state. This week’s big district game is between Judson and Clemens. 

The players say game days are unlike anything else.

“The atmosphere is going to be just like the Steele game,” said Paul Hicks, Judson senior offensive lineman. “It’s going to be a lot of hype. They have a great quarterback in Frank Harris and we also have a great quarterback, Julon Williams.” 

“It’s going to be a big crowd just like its been like for the last three years since I’ve been here,” said Zach Didomenico. “It’s going to be a fun atmosphere to play in so I'm just ready for it.” 

While it’s hard to predict where these teams will finish, they all have respect for one another and agree it’s an experience they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“I’m going to look back at this years from now and it’s going to be a great memory,” Thomas said.