GAMES
RANKINGS
Lancaster coach Stephen Jackson
ACTION JACKSON: Lancaster under new direction; new vibe
There may not be a program in Texas with more raw talent year in and year out than Lancaster.
Situated along the talent-rich I-20 corridor in the Dallas area, the Tigers once again boast a roster loaded with Division I prospects. Now, the challenge is turning that talent into the program's first UIL state championship.
That responsibility falls to new head coach Stephen Jackson, who arrives after a highly successful tenure at West Mesquite.
Jackson inherits one of the state's most tradition-rich programs and understands both the opportunity and the expectations that come with leading the Tigers. His vision is simple. Jackson wants Lancaster to be disciplined, play fast and have fun while doing it.
More importantly, he wants to teach the game the right way, building fundamentally sound players who can thrive not only on Friday nights but at the next level. He believes assembling the right coaching staff was the first step in creating that championship culture.
"I feel like we've put together a staff that can teach the game the right way," Jackson said. "We want to play disciplined football, play fast and let our kids enjoy the process."
The Tigers certainly have the personnel to make noise in the playoffs again this season.
Quarterback Joseph Hairston headlines an explosive offense and has one of the area's top playmakers to target in wide receiver Keylon Bradley. Up front, offensive lineman Justin Jennings anchors the trenches. The talented junior has already accumulated dozens of Division I scholarship offers and is emerging as one of the premier offensive line prospects in Texas. Defensively, Lancaster has difference-makers at every level. UCF commit Tavarren Wade is a lockdown corner capable of eliminating an opponent's top receiver, while linebackers Amir Adkinson and James Foster III bring physicality and leadership to the heart of the defense.
Despite the demands of leading one of Texas' marquee programs, Jackson still finds time to unwind—and he's doing it much like many of his players.
"I love to play the game," he laughed. "I play a lot of College Football '27." That competitive spirit hasn't left him, and Lancaster is hoping it translates into a new era of championship football.
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.