TEXAS – While COVID-19 has made this high school football season unlike any other, programs like Austin’s Crockett High School have also been dealing with coaching changes. But luckily for the Cougars, the bond between their new coach and this year’s senior class has them optimistic about the future. 

“We know that Crockett has always been an underdog. We’re just trying to prove to everyone that we can play here,” said senior Alan Lopez. “We have players and we’re going to have players here in the future and that we’re a school that’s going to compete.”

Lopez and the Cougars are trying to change perceptions of the program, but it’s going to take a lot of work. Crockett hasn’t posted a winning record since 2008.

A sudden coaching change makes the prospect of ending that streak unlikely this season.

“This group of seniors wants to be known for setting a new tone within the athletic department,” said Crockett interim head coach Darrick Norton. “The goal is to make sure they have input and we are moving forward in a different direction.”

Norton took over at Crockett after John Waugh stepped down in September. Waugh had been the Cougars leader for 23 seasons.

“The day I told my mom that Coach Waugh was leaving, she called Coach Norton and ‘interviewed’ him,” said senior James Hudson Jr. “It was really exciting and amazing to know that he was going to be my head coach my last year.”

The transition was made a little easier because Norton coached this senior class at Bedichek Middle School. Norton was also the Cougars' defensive coordinator last season.

“It felt crazy. It’s like old times come rushing back, basically. It’s a throwback to eighth grade, seventh grade year,” said Lopez. “It helps a lot knowing that someone that loves us and trusts us is back here and he’s going to finish it out with us. He was there in middle school and he’s going to be there when we finish.”

A connection that could be the foundation for success at Crockett.

“If they have ideas, they bring them up,” Norton said. “If there is something that’s not working right or they feel is detrimental to the program from a player’s perspective, then their job is to come tell us and let us know. It’s their house, it’s their program.”

Rebuilding that program doesn’t happen overnight.

Crockett has dropped its first two games by a combined score of 132-8, including a 76-0 loss at Liberty Hill.

“You just feel defeated, you know. They’re a great team, don’t get me wrong, but we didn’t play to our best ability,” said Lopez after the loss to Liberty Hill.

“We’ve just got to be positive. You can’t let the negatives get to you. You’ve got to be a true leader and face adversity,” Lopez added. “We’re against the wall, but I’m going to bring the team back. We’re all going to come together and be better.”