The resurgence of Houston Christian as a heavy-hitter on the gridiron is becoming more and more apparent as the postseason approaches.
With their recent 31-3 win over Cistercian, the Mustangs moved to 7-2 (5-0 in district). In doing so, they also clinched a spot in the SPC-3A championship.
Just how have they accomplished this feat?
“It’s been a six year growth of culture for the program,” said head coach AJ Eisenman. “We’ve got an amazing group of seniors who have led the way for this group, so it’s been about them maturing through the process. We talk a lot about playing for souls and not just the goal, so we’re about significantly more than just football. From that standpoint, we’ve been winning for a while and it’s finally translating onto the field.”
Eisenman took the reins of the program a year ago, following his tenure as the team’s defensive coordinator dating back to 2018.
"Coach Eisenman and his staff have worked hard to build community," said Houston Christian AD Terry Pirtle. "This has proven big dividends this season, and the results are showing!"
“I have had the fortune of being here from the ground up, so it was a very easy transition for our kids when I stepped in,” Eisenman said. “Like I said, we’ve been winning here for a long time, in the culture way. So, carrying over that continuity with the right mix of kids has allowed us to start seeing more success.”
That “right mix” would include senior QB Bret Kilchrist, who’s been connecting with fellow contributors Jack Henning (Sr. WR), Anderson Jones (Jr. WR), and Kade Gulledge (So. RB) on the offensive side, while senior DB Jordan Elie-Stuart (Air Force-commit), Dylan Hill (Sr. DB), and team captain Adam Sheppard (Sr. LB) have anchored the stingy Mustangs defense.
Bret Kilchrist
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Jack Henning
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Anderson Jones
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Kade Gulledge
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Jordan Elie-Stuart
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Adam Sheppard
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Houston Christian has yet to win a state title, however they are finally on the cusp.
“It would be great for the school,” Eisenman said. “That would shine a light on what we’ve been doing here, and more importantly the way we’ve been doing it. When you put first things first, and build these young men up to be strong men of God, it shows in the result.”
“That’s what is the most reassuring thing – when you can look parents in the eyes and let them know that we’re going to care more about your kid’s character than what happens on the football field. If we can do that, it’ll produce a winner.”
The rapid development of Houston Christian’s football program is palpable, given that not too long ago there were only 18 players on the roster, whereas now there are 80 and counting.
“That’s what has been the most amazing thing,” said Eisenman. “The world tells you to keep your faith kind of private, but the more we’ve leaned into our faith, the more we’ve actually grown and the better we’ve gotten.”
On November 4th, the Mustangs will have their shot at making history for their school. Stay tuned for the finale.