Brownwood Lions: A Lasting Legacy

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Texas high school football is more than just a game — it's a way of life. Dave Campbell's Texas Football is spotlighting a different program from across the Lone Star State, diving into their history, traditions, and legends. From powerhouse programs to hidden gems, Texas High School Football Spotlight is your deep dive into what makes each team unique. Whether it's unforgettable seasons, iconic players, or fierce rivalries, this series celebrates the schools, communities, and stories that define Texas high school football.

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT: BROWNWOOD LIONS

THE RUNDOWN

Founded in 1907, Brownwood High School has long been a cornerstone of Texas high school football history. The Lions rose to prominence in the 1950s-1980s, marked by remarkable consistency and championship-level success, highlighted by 32 consecutive winning seasons from 1958-1989. That era helped shape Brownwood’s identity as a perennial contender, setting a standard the program continues to chase as it hunts to return to the state’s championship stage.

 

BY THE NUMBERS

Class - 4A Division I

Enrollment - 943

Location - Brownwood, Texas — about 75 miles Southeast of Abilene

 

TROPHY CASE

State Championships - 7

State Championships by Appearance - 8

District Championships - 26 (most recent: 2023) 

Playoff Appearances - 52 (most recent: 2024) 

 

GLORY DAYS

Brownwood’s glory days came in the '60s and '70s, when the Lions reached eight state title games and won seven championships. 

 

THE GOAT

Larry Elkins helped launch Brownwood into statewide fame, leading the Lions to their first state title in 1960. At Baylor, he became a two-time consensus All-American and set a then-NCAA record with 70 catches in 1963. Elkins was drafted ahead of legends like Joe Namath, Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers and later earned spots in both the Baylor Athletic Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

THE ARCHITECT

The 1965 Lions, coached by the legendary Gordon Wood, delivered a perfect 14-0 season, outscoring opponents 305-43 and allowing just over three points per game. Their dominance earned them a spot on the UIL’s Top 100 Teams list during its 100-year anniversary celebration in 2020.

 

BATTLE LINES

Brownwood’s clash with Stephenville in "The Battle of 377" stands as one of Texas high school football’s fiercest and most storied rivalries. Since first meeting in 1937, the two programs have combined for 13 state championships—seven for Brownwood and six for Stephenville. In 2025, the Lions and Yellowjackets will add another chapter as they battle for 4-4A Division I supremacy

 

HOME TURF

Gordon Wood Stadium - Named after the legendary coach, is home to Lions football, soccer, and track, as well as Howard Payne football. The venue seats over 7,800 and features artificial turf (installed in 2014), a new video scoreboard, updated restrooms and locker rooms, concessions and an eight-lane track — making it one of the premier hosting sites in West Texas. 

THE YEAR THAT WAS

The Lions battled their way back to the postseason, finishing 6-5 with a third-place showing in district play. They advanced to the second round of the playoffs, gaining valuable experience that should pay off in 2025.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

New head coach Jeryl Brixey has been part of some of the state’s top coaching staffs (Euless Trinity, Galena Park North Shore, Lewisville), including Katy’s 2020 state championship team. Before that, he served as the head coach at Comanche. Senior QB Judson Coalson (6'4, 180) headlines the attack and looks to build on his chemistry with WR Carson Noe (6'2, 175). A strong stable of running backs gives Brixey the tools for a balanced scheme.

X'S AND O'S

Offense - Multiple I-Based

Defense - Odd-Stack

 

ON THE RISE

While the defense only returns three starters, one of the up and comers is 2028 DE Christian Gray (6'1, 215), who's speed off the edge, aggressiveness and motor should excite Lions fans about his potential in the defense over the next three seasons. 

IN THEIR OWN WORDS 

"It is an unbelievable opportunity and honor to get to coach in Brownwood.  It is a community that is passionate about anything the Lions do, and particularly passionate about football.  Expectations year in and year out are incredibly high, and that culture is a big part of what makes this such a great place to be." - Head Coach Jeryl Brixey

 

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