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: Converse Judson

The Rundown

Converse Judson is the first team Texas high school football fans think of when asked about San Antonio. The Rockets won six state championships over a 20-year span from 1983 to 2002. In that time, they compiled a 236-36-5 record. Converse Judson holds the UIL record for consecutive winning seasons from 1977-2020. While the program hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2020, the Rockets feel a resurgence on the horizon. 

By The Numbers 

Class – 6A
Enrollment – 2,527 students
Location – Bexar County, 14 miles northeast of San Antonio

Trophy Case

State Championships – 6 (1983, 1988 (forfeit), 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002)
State Championship Appearances – 11 (1983, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2007)
District Championships – 27 (most recent: 2020)
Playoff Appearances – 44 (most recent: 2023)

Glory Days 

All teams from Converse Judson’s run in the early 90s are worthy, but we’re picking the 1995 team for its standout offensive performances. Quarterback Guy Anderson ranked second in Class 5A with 2,555 passing yards, while running back Bruce Johnson rushed for over 2,000 yards himself. The duo powered the Rockets to blast past Odessa Permian in the state championship game, 31-28. 

The GOAT

Jerod Douglas was the bell cow of Converse Judson’s back-to-back state championship run in 1992-93. He twice broke the 5A State Championship Game rushing record: 237 yards against Euless Trinity, 245 yards and four touchdowns against Plano. Douglas went on to an illustrious career at Baylor, ranking third on the school’s career rushing yards list. He was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

The Architect

DW Rutledge was so dominant that former UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt wrote a book on him (“Rocket Man”) and Converse Judson named its stadium after him. He compiled a 197-32-5 record over 17 seasons as the head coach, winning four state championships. Rutledge was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2003. 

Battle Lines

Converse Judson vs San Antonio Wagner has one of the coolest rivalry names: The Hammer Bowl. Wagner was created because too many students attended Converse Judson. Now the brother schools, just 14 minutes apart, enjoy a sibling rivalry.

Home Turf

Judson’s DW Rutledge Stadium was erected in 1968 but renamed after the best coach in program history in 2006. The facility underwent a $98.5 million facelift in 2010, which included a three-story pressbox.  

The Year That Was

The Rockets narrowly missed a playoff spot after losing the tiebreaker with four-seed Buda Johnson. Defensive-minded head coach Mark Soto mentored three First Team All-District performers: defensive end Sam Stewart, linebacker Jordan Dukes and defensive back Ayden Ramirez. Ramirez returns in 2025 after posting 54 tackles from his cornerback spot.

Looking Ahead

Converse Judson seeks its first winning season 2020. Head coach Mark Soto believes his team’s efforts in the offseason program will pay dividends in the fall. Running back Kayden Graham (1,094 all-purpose yards, 12 total touchdowns) will have room to operate behind a stout offensive line headlined by right guard Nate Boudy, left tackle Jai’Storm Knight and right tackle Mekhi Moore.

Xs and Os

Offense – Spread
Defense – 3-4

On the Rise 

Jai’Storm Knight may be a sophomore, but at 6’8, 340 pounds, the left tackle is still a man amongst boys. Knight had 26 pancake blocks as a freshman and already has 11 offers, including Auburn, Tennessee, TCU and Texas Tech.

In Their Own Words

“Rocket Pride is alive and well on our team. Do your best, don’t sweat the rest. Winning will take care of itself.” - Mark Soto