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Fresh Faces: Colin Williams looks to elevate Del Valle’s game
VYPE’s “Fresh Faces” series introduces new head football coaches in the Austin area.
New Del Valle Head Coach and Athletic Coordinator Colin Williams finds himself in a glass-half-full, glass-half-empty situation.
On the half-empty side, he knows there’s little margin for error when competing for a playoff spot against perennial powers Westlake, Lake Travis, and Dripping Springs. On the half-full side, Williams believes he can replicate the success he enjoyed as Austin LBJ’s offensive coordinator, where his high-powered attack helped the Jaguars finish the 2024 season as the No. 2-ranked 4A Division I squad in the final AP poll.
“My expectations are to compete at a high level, lay the foundation and culture, and give our community something to be proud of going forward,” says Williams, a 37-year-old native of Corpus Christi.
After starring at Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, Williams played college ball at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. His coaching résumé includes stops at Grambling State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and high school programs at Alice, Robert G. Cole, Robstown, and most recently LBJ.
Despite Del Valle’s upgraded facilities and strong community support, Williams inherits a program that hasn’t posted a winning season since Courtney Wash led the Cardinals to a 9-2 record in 2009. Last year, under Todd Patmon, Del Valle finished 3-7 overall and 1-5 in District 26-6A.
As the district’s big three aim to remain dominant, the other contenders—especially Austin High and Bowie, but also Akins—continue to battle Del Valle for the fourth and final playoff spot. Williams believes his team can be the one to break through.
“I was attracted to Del Valle largely because of the community, tradition, and pride the people here have in themselves. It’s inspiring and contagious,” Williams says. “Our players know the goal we’ve set and understand that in order to reach it, we have to fight for and earn what we want. We won’t be given any handouts.”
For Williams and the Cardinals, the glass will be as full—or as empty—as they make it.
Photo Courtesy of Coach Bryan Vardeman, Cedar Ridge High School
Fresh Faces: Bryan Vardeman sees purple at Cedar Ridge
After more than two decades as an assistant coach in the DFW metroplex, new Cedar Ridge Head Coach and Athletic Coordinator Bryan Vardeman leapt at the opportunity to take over the Raiders.
“I had to be one of the first applicants when the Cedar Ridge Head Coaching job opened,” Vardeman declared. “The tradition and success they have had, along with great Admin and community support makes this place very desirable. Cedar Ridge is a Home Run for us, and we are very blessed to be a part of such a great place!”
Born in Lawton, OK, the 44-year-old Vardeman played for the Oklahoma State Cowboys following his high school career at Lawton MacArthur. He seamlessly transitioned to coaching for the next 21 years; 11 of those as a defensive coordinator with stops at Colleyville Heritage, Crandall, Irving MacArthur, LD Bell, Flower Mound Marcus and, most recently, Flower Mound HS.
He’ll bring that defensive mindset with him to Cedar Ridge, where he’ll take over from Sam Robinson, who led the Raiders the past eight seasons. Although Cedar Ridge reached the playoffs four times in that time, the Raiders slipped to 2-8 and 3-7 in the past two seasons. Vardeman will try to return Cedar Ridge to the level of success the purple and black had grown used to.
With Cedar Ridge competing in an overloaded District 25-6A, Vardeman knows his first squad faces stiff competition – but he embraces that challenge.
“The expectations are high for this team,” he states. “’Best’ is standard and anything less is unacceptable. Our players understand this and are dedicated to leaving a legacy that includes Gold Footballs being put on the shelf.”
Now settled in close to family with his wife, Jade, who grew up in the Austin area, along with 6th-grade son Colson and 3rd-grade daughter Emerson, Vardeman is happy to be here and ready to get things started.
“I am looking forward to this Fall and am proud of the work our players have put in since I got here in the Spring. Their work ethic this summer has been amazing, and I can't wait to see them perform this season.
Neither can the purple and black faithful in Raider-land.