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A STAR IN BORN: Coats takes over coveted Atascocita football program
Kyle Coats keeps a Dallas Cowboys star tucked inside an envelope in his desk — a small reminder of a childhood dream that’s followed him everywhere. It’s been with him at the University of Texas at Austin, at DeSoto High School, and most recently at College Park High School.
For Coats, that symbol represents the long-term goal he’s chased since childhood: one day becoming head coach of the Cowboys. Atascocita is simply the next step in that journey.
“Yep, that star will always stay with me,” Coats laughed. “I might be 65 when I accomplish that goal, or I may never get there — but you have to keep pushing toward big goals.”
He leaves College Park better than he found it. The Cavaliers are coming off a district championship and a third-round playoff run — the deepest in program history.
“I love College Park — the players, the community, the people,” he said. “I don’t want those kids to think they did anything wrong. This is a decision for my family and my career. They’ve been incredible.
“I pick them to win district next year with what they have coming back. My message is simple: I never took a snap at College Park. Those guys believed in each other and won those games. I just had the honor of steering the ship.”
Now Coats steps into arguably the toughest district in Texas, featuring powers like North Shore Mustangs, Summer Creek Bulldogs, CE King Panthers, Humble Wildcats, Crosby Cougars, and Channelview Falcons.
“I love putting myself and the people around me in challenging situations,” he said. “Atascocita is a special place. We’re going to get boots on the ground quickly and start building. We’ll be visible in the community and engaged — just like we were at College Park.
“I love playing the big dogs every week and seeing if we can make a run. We want to be considered one of the best programs in the state every time we step on the field.
“When I was at Texas, winning a national championship was preached every day. At DeSoto, if you didn’t win or reach state, the season felt incomplete. That’s the mindset we’re bringing here. It’s high praise — but also high expectations. Pressure is a privilege.”
As Coats settles into his new office at Atascocita, there will be boxes to unpack and groundwork to lay. He’ll bring his trademark energy, confidence, and competitive edge.
And somewhere nearby — in an envelope that’s traveled his entire coaching journey — that star will still be there, quietly reminding him why he started.
The Kyle Coats era at Atascocita begins now.
Lutheran South's Marcus Cantu
ON DECK: Cantu’s Next Chapter with LSA and Beyond
Marcus Cantu is one of the elite shortstops in Texas — if not the country.
So when the Lutheran South Academy diamond king flipped his commitment from the University of Texas to Coastal Carolina… heads turned.
Why?
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The Chanticleers were fresh off a run to the College World Series Finals, finishing No. 2 nationally in 2025 after falling to eventual champion LSU. Texas, meanwhile, finished No. 18. For Cantu, the decision came down to development and opportunity.
“Coastal Carolina really develops their players, and that was a huge selling point,” he said. “I’ll have an opportunity to get on the field as a freshman at one of the top programs in the country. That’s all you can ask.”
Winning has always followed Cantu.
He started at quarterback for the Pioneers as a freshman, leading them to the playoffs while racking up more than 1,500 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns. But his journey hasn’t been smooth. Injuries sidelined him during parts of his freshman and sophomore seasons before he returned fully healthy as a junior — and hungrier than ever.
“Going through that was very difficult,” he said. “That’s what made last year so special — winning state with that group of guys. We were so close and had such great chemistry. That was the difference.
“What I love about LSA is that state is the standard. The older guys help the younger guys prepare for varsity, and it’s a seamless transition.”
When he’s not taking hacks in the cage, the left-handed slugger can usually be found at Chipotle.
“If I had an NIL deal, I’d want it there,” he laughed. “I eat there all the time — the same thing every time… a bowl with double rice, double chicken, lettuce, salsa and cheese.”
And if he could share a meal with anyone in history?
“It would be Jesus,” he said. “Just sitting there talking and asking all the questions I could think of would be pretty special.”
Talent may open doors, but Cantu’s perspective and perseverance suggest his biggest moments are still ahead — and he’s stepping into them with confidence.