A MESSAGE FROM RUSS:
In Texas, high school football is ingrained in our culture, and we’re excited for another season of Friday night lights (Thursdays and Saturdays too!). For San Antonio Sports, Aug. 25 kicks off the countdown for our All-Star Football Game presented by H-E-B as well.
While the season concludes with this game that showcases the area’s top football talent on January 7, it begins with Whataburger Watch which recognizes top performers on social media. We’ll announce the team rosters in mid-October and recognize players in weekly jersey presentations aired on the FOX29 Maximum Sports hosted by Chuck Miketinac and WOAI’s Sports Sunday with Don Harris through December. Players are also recognized in CW35 Thursday Night Lights game broadcasts.
We’re proud of the game which historically has 40 to 50 players going on to play at the next level. Fifty-one (51) who were in the 2022 All-Star Game signed to play college football, including four committed to play for 2021 NCAA DIII National Champion, Mary Hardin-Baylor. Fourteen (14) are going to NCAA DI schools.
Several have gone on to play professionally. Keep an eye out on these four former players who are hoping to make NFL teams this fall: Spencer Burford (2018), Jack Gibbens (2017), Dennis Houston (2017) and Jalen Battles (2018).
Our coaches for the 2023 game —Brennan’s Stephen Basore and Steele’s David Saenz— have a combined win-loss record of 157-47. They will play against each other in the first game of the season on August 27, and in their final game of the season as coaches of the all-star game which will air on CW35 at 5 p.m. on Jan. 7.
I might be biased, but Friday night lights burn brighter in Texas. We’re ready for kickoff!