Football in Texas isn’t a sport — it’s the heartbeat of each small town, big city, and suburb on a Friday evening. The thunder of the crowd, the brightness of stadium lights, and the crunch of cleats on turf are the sounds of fall life in the Lone Star State. So if you’ve ever wondered who really runs Texas under the lights, here’s your all-access pass to the top five high school football programs that dominate the state.
Five Texas High School Football Programs Are Always in a League of Their Own
1. Allen High School—Allen Eagles
You can’t discuss Texas high school football without beginning with Allen. The Dallas-area behemoth boasts five state titles. They did it with a not-to-be-forgotten three-year stretch from 2012 through 2014, during which they racked up 43 consecutive victories. The Eagles also had a state-record 84-game regular-season winning streak from 2012 to 2021. With their $60 million, 18,000-seat Eagle Stadium, Allen isn’t merely winning on the field —they’re doing it in style.
Allen has placed innumerable players at the Division I level and in the NFL, among them being Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Kyler Murray. His current head coach, Lee Wiginton, took over in 2022 from the iconic Terry Gambill and continues to ride high on Allen’s expectations.
“The expectation is high here, and our children accept it,” Wiginton told The Dallas Morning News in a 2023 interview. “They show up to work each day expecting to win — because that’s the culture that’s been established.”
2. Southlake Carroll—Carroll Dragons
Welcome to “Dragon Nation.” Southlake Carroll is another powerhouse from North Texas with eight state championships to its credit. The program was dominant in the early 2000s, taking three consecutive titles from 2004 to 2006. And with that, compiling a 79–1 record over that four-year period. It’s where former NFL MVP Drew Brees once suited up before transferring to Austin Westlake. And that’s where Riley Dodge, son of coaching great Todd Dodge, is now the head coach.
Southlake Carroll ended 2023 at 14–1, falling in the state semifinal to Austin Vandegrift. But year by year, they reload with blue-chip recruits and playoff experience.
“We don’t rebuild — we reload,” Coach Dodge loves to say. That’s not idle chatter — the Dragons are annual powers.
3. Lake Travis High School—Cavaliers
Down in the Austin suburbs, Lake Travis has gone under the radar and formed a contemporary dynasty. Their résumé consists of six state championships and a historic five-peat from 2007 to 2011. Better yet?
The quarterbacks they have sent forth into the world are Garrett Gilbert, Baker Mayfield, and Charlie Brewer, just to start listing.
The Cavaliers are known for their high-flying offenses, precision passing attacks, and crisp execution — all traits that have become their calling card over the past two decades. They made a deep playoff run in 2023, falling to North Shore in the semifinals. And yes, the quarterback pipeline is still rolling—2026 recruit Bear Bryant (yes, that’s his real name) is already getting D1 attention.
4. Highland Park High School—Scots
One word: tradition. Based in Dallas, Highland Park is one of the oldest and most storied programs in Texas high school football. And with six state titles and over 800 all-time victories. The Scots are led by Randy Allen, one of the winningest coaches in Texas history.
Highland Park was in the news in 2024 by making it to the Class 5A Division I state final. That’s where they fell to Smithson Valley in a defensive battle. But Highland Park’s true story is about consistency — every year, they’re disciplined, they’re polished, and they’re ridiculously well-coached.
It’s also the alma mater of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and Hall of Famer Doak Walker, whose memory is celebrated in the Doak Walker Award for the country’s top college running back.
5. Katy High School—Tigers
Katy football is the ultimate in grit. With nine state titles, most recently in 2020, Katy has been a blue-collar, physical football symbol for a long time. They don’t play around — it’s run the ball, defend, and wear teams down.
The Tigers are led by Gary Joseph, who has over 250 career wins and has kept the program among the elite for two decades. In 2023, Katy went 13–2 and reached the state semifinals, proving that even with the growth of the Houston metro area, they’re still the top dog.
What Sets These Programs Apart
What makes those five schools stand out isn’t so much their victories — it’s their culture. These teams are dominant because they’re rooted in their communities. Parents give back, alumni return, and children grow up dreaming of sporting those jerseys. Whether it’s Allen’s gargantuan stadium, Katy’s bulldozing defense, or Southlake’s immaculate passing attack, each school has a niche style and an expectation to succeed.
They also serve a crucial role in developing the future generation of football stars. From walk-on heroes to first-round NFL Draft choices, these schools provide students with the recipe for success on and off the playing field.
In Texas, Friday night football is not just a game — it’s an event. The kind that unites entire communities and shapes local identity. Teams such as Allen, Southlake Carroll, Lake Travis, Highland Park, and Katy are not just schools —they’re institutions.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Legendary Stadiums Every College Football Fan Needs to Experience at Least Once
So, whether you’re under the lights at a 6A playoff game or watching future legends suit up for their first varsity snap, remember this — in Texas, football isn’t just king. It’s the whole kingdom.
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