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THE RISE: Director Damion Hopkins & new HC Clarence McKinney aligned on future of Channelview
The Channelview Falcons are building momentum, and the future of the athletic department has never looked brighter.
Under the leadership of athletic director Damion Hopkins, Channelview is making a statement that it intends to compete across every sport. The biggest move came this offseason when the Falcons landed one of the most respected football minds in Texas, hiring Clarence McKinney as the program's next head coach.
The timing made the hire even more impressive.
Longtime head coach Averion Hurts announced his retirement late in the hiring cycle, leaving Hopkins with little time to find the right successor. Rather than settling, Channelview landed a coach whose résumé speaks for itself.
McKinney returns to the high school ranks after serving as the head coach at Texas Southern University and spending time as an assistant at Texas A&M, Houston and Arizona. Before his college career, he built powerhouse teams at Jack Yates High School, making him one of the most respected coaches in Texas football.
For Hopkins, bringing McKinney to Channelview wasn't just about hiring a football coach—it was about finding a leader capable of changing the trajectory of the entire program.
McKinney brings decades of experience, a reputation for developing talent and a proven ability to build winning cultures. His return to the sidelines has energized the Falcon community, creating excitement for what lies ahead.
Together, Hopkins and McKinney share a vision centered on accountability, discipline and giving student-athletes every opportunity to succeed both on and off the field. Their partnership represents a new chapter for Channelview athletics, one built on high expectations and a belief that the Falcons can compete with anyone.
VYPE's Matt Malatesta and Alex Hinson sat down with both Hopkins and McKinney to discuss the vision for Channelview athletics, the excitement surrounding the football program and why they believe the Falcons are only beginning their ascent.
JACK YATES HIGH: The Pride is Back on Scott Street; Third Ward
Jack Yates is back.
Under the leadership of Coach James Lewis, the Lions are building on an impressive 11-1 season that included an undefeated run through district play. But as spring football unfolds, one word is driving this team: Finish.
Last year, Yates saw its playoff run end early after running out of steam in the second round. This season, the mission is clear — go further.
The program is also seeing strong alignment from top to bottom, led by principal Stephanie Square, a proud Yates alum and former four-sport athlete. That unity is helping restore a powerful sense of pride throughout the school.
With former Lions returning to pour into the next generation and give back to the Third Ward, the energy around Yates is undeniable.
VYPE stopped by for a Spring Tour visit — and the message is loud and clear: the Lions are hungry for more.
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