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 in-depth look at 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: The Canadian Wildcats

The Rundown

Canadian struggled during the school’s first 70 years of playing football. The Wildcats won three district championships, including consecutive titles in 1950 and 1951. Those were the two best years in the first 70 seasons at Canadian. Fortunes changed in 1985 when Eddie Richardson arrived. Paul Wilson, David Flowers, and Ron Williams would set the stage for one of the most historic runs in Texas high school football history. The Wildcats have made the playoffs in 33 of the last 39 years while becoming the undeniable powerhouse in the panhandle.

By The Numbers

Class – 3A Division II

Enrollment – 293

Location – Nestled in the center of the Canadian River Valley, 100 miles Northeast of Amarillo.

Trophy Case

State Championships – 5

State Championship Appearances – 7

District Championships – 29 (most recent: 2024)

Playoff Appearances – 37 (most recent: 2024)

Glory Days

Canadian faithful have been living in the “Glory Days” since the turn of the century, amassing 10 wins in 19 of the last 23 years, 16 district titles, eight undefeated regular seasons, 13 state semifinal appearances (including seven straight from 2014 to 2020), seven state title game appearances, and five state championships (2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2020).

The GOAT

It’s difficult to name anyone but Billy Cross the GOAT of Canadian football, considering he was immortalized with a statue outside Wildcat Stadium in 2012. The “Canadian Comet” left West Texas A&M with the school record in rushing yards before embarking on a three-year stint with the NFL's Chicago Cardinals from 1951-1953. Named “Little Billy” Cross on his 1953 Bowman card, the 5-foot-6 legend returned to Canadian, where he would serve as an educator from 1968 until retiring in 1989. 

The Architect

Kyle Lynch deserves credit for building the Wildcats into a state champion. However, Lynch was surpassed by one of his proteges when he shifted into an administrative role at Canadian. Chris Koetting took the Wildcats' program to new heights during his 13 seasons at the helm. Koetting was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2024 after leading Canadian to a 165-24 overall record, reaching the playoffs in each of his 13 seasons, including 10 district titles (eight consecutive from 2013 to 2020) and three state championships. In 2023, the field at Wildcat Stadium was named after Koetting, who retired in 2022 with the 22nd most playoff wins for a coach in Texas high school football history.

Battle Lines

Canadian and Perryton have met 73 times on the gridiron since 1923. Natural rivals separated by a mere 46 miles on U.S. Route 83, the programs met in 36 consecutive seasons from 1982 through 2018. Perryton owns the overall advantage in the series at 40-31-2, but the Wildcats have won 9 of the previous 11 contests. Canadian has dominated the Rangers in their last three meetings - winning by an average of 38 points.

Home Turf

Wildcat Stadium was built in 1975 and underwent an upgrade to a state-of-the-art field turf and all-weather track in 2007. Named Chris Koetting Field in 2023, the stadium has seen unprecedented success since 1985.

The Year That Was

The Andy Cavalier-led Wildcats finished with the program’s 12th 10-win season in the last 13 years and a third consecutive district crown. Canadian rolled through the first two playoff rounds before edging out Idalou and falling prey to Wall, 49-3, in the state quarterfinals.

Looking Ahead

Canadian once again enters as one of the favorites to win Region I, but depth will be a concern for a team that lost 10 lettermen from last year. Still, the Wildcats have a talented roster led by 6-foot-6 Riggs Pennington, who is a difference-maker at both tight end and defensive end.

Xs and Os

Offense – Spread

Defense – 4-2-5

On the Rise

Slayden Dickinson burst onto the scene last year, leading the Wildcats with 1,629 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing. Cavalier expects Dickinson to be better in 2025.

In Their Own Words

“There is a long line of ancestors in our school system and community that worked hard to create what we have today. Canadian is a great place to raise a family – a small town filled with hard-working people who hold high expectations and care for one another. Year in and year out, we have young men who understand the standard of excellence here and set the example for future Wildcats.” – Canadian head coach Andy Cavalier.