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: Port Neches-Groves Indians

The Rundown

There is no fan base more consumed with their high school football team than Port Neches-Groves. Over 100 seasons, the football team has morphed into the town’s heartbeat, and its rhythm is set to “Cherokee.” They travel as a Purple swarm, invading AT&T Stadium for state championship games just as their fathers and grandfathers set attendance records at Texas Stadium and the Astrodome before. Learn about the history of the team they love – and why.

By The Numbers 

Class – 5A DII
Enrollment – 1,681
Location – Jefferson County, 14 miles southeast of Beaumont

Trophy Case

State Championships – 4 (1953, 1955, 1975, 2023)
State Championship Appearances – 8 (1953, 1954, 1955, 1975, 1977, 1999, 2022, 2023)
District Championships – 30 (most recent: 2025)
Playoff Appearances – 41 (most recent: 2025)

Glory Days 

If the 1970s were one of the defining decades of Port Neches-Groves football history, then the 1975 state championship team was the crowning achievement of that era. The Indians beat blue-blood dynasty Odessa Permian 20-10 at Texas Stadium after the defense forced five turnovers. It was the perfect encapsulation for a year in which PNG’s defense allowed just 7.67 points per game, led by All-State linebacker Wilson Weber and defensive back Randy Johnson. But don’t mistake PNG as one-dimensional that season. The Indians also had two All-State players on offense. Future University of Tennessee tight end Kyle “Aggie” Aguillard struck fear in opponents’ hearts, standing 6-foot-6, 220 pounds. Hybrid running back/wide receiver Mark Buchanan was the back-to-back District MVP, compiling 2,678 yards of total offense in three years as a starter. 

The GOAT

Gordon LeBoeuf has been deemed the “Babe Ruth of PNG Football.” LeBoeuf was a three-time all-state running back from 1953-55, leading the Indians to three straight state championship appearances and titles in 1953 and 1955. As a senior, he led the state with 2,150 rushing yards, finishing his career with 5,110 yards and 49 touchdowns. LeBoeuf played college football for legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at Texas A&M and is written about in the famous 2001 book “Junction Boys.” 

LeBoeuf ran so that Jeff “The Jet” Bergeron could fly. From 1970-72, Bergeron was the star of PNG’s wishbone offense with 3,928 yards and 67 touchdowns. He held PNG’s single-game rushing record for over 50 years after compiling 347 yards against rival Nederland in 1971. An All-American and two-time All-State selection, Bergeron played college football for the University of Houston, Stephen F. Austin, and Lamar. He now serves as the Director of Facilities and Maintenance at PNG ISD. 

The Architect

You could argue that “The Architect” of the football program should either be the coach who started the winning tradition or the most successful coach in school history. I’ll split the baby and answer both.

BE “Gene” McCollum took over at Port Neches-Groves in 1946, implemented the T formation, and immediately produced the only undefeated season in the program’s over 100-year-old history. He then led the Indians to their first state championship victory in 1953, defeating Big Spring 24-13. 

“If a team is going to win a state championship, three things have to happen,” McCollum famously said. “You have to be good. You have to be lucky. And you have to be destined.” 

Or, you have to drive to the game instead of flying. In 1954, PNG reached its second consecutive state championship game. But the team chartered two planes to fly to the game, and lost because they were airsick. No one felt wishy-washy about McCollum’s place in school history when he was promoted to district superintendent after the season, however. McCollum served in that role for 19 more years.

While McCollum is the architect by definition, Doug Ethridge is widely regarded as the most decorated coach in school history (although current head coach Jeff Joseph may have something to say about this when it’s all said and done). From 1974-77, Ethridge’s PNG teams made at least the state semifinals every year, winning a state championship in 1975 and appearing in another in 1977. The 1975 team may have been ranked No.3 nationally, but PNG’s support was second to none. Those teams set numerous Astrodome and Texas Stadium high school attendance records. The 49,953 fans who packed into Texas Stadium for the 1977 state championship game against Plano  still hold a venue record for a high school game. 

Battle Lines

The Mid-County Madness rivalry between Port Neches-Groves and Nederland isn’t just the most iconic high school football rivalry in Texas – it’s arguably the nation’s most iconic. In 2024, Sports Illustrated held a fan vote for the best high school football rivalries in the nation, and Mid-County Madness got 72.59% of the vote. These schools, located five miles apart, have been synonymous with each other since 1925, when PNG beat Nederland 13-7 for the program’s first-ever varsity football win. The Indians lead the all-time series 54-40-7, but Nederland has handed PNG one of its two district losses in the Jeff Joseph era (a 24-21 victory in 2024).

Home Turf

Opened in 1951, Indian Stadium is one of the most historic and most raucous atmospheres in the state. Looking at the dual-deck pressbox, video replay scoreboard, and seven-lane track, you’d never guess this was the site of PNG’s first state championship in 1953. The field was completely overhauled after a $10.2 million bond passed in 2007.

But, truly, there’s nothing I can say about Indian Stadium that opposing head coaches haven’t already said. 

“There isn’t a doubt the best place we’ve ever played has been over at Port Neches. Hell, they fire you up with their fans. I think that’s the highlight of any kid’s career – playing there.” Newton head coach Curtis Barbay once said. 

The Year That Was

Port Neches-Groves made its fourth consecutive regional final appearance and won a third straight district title with a 13-1 record. All-State linebacker and District Defensive MVP Jaxin Winfrey led a swarming defense, while three-year starting quarterback Conner Bailey ended his illustrious, 37-win career with a District Overall MVP nod. Bailey was so superb that it’s a testament to Coach Jeff Joseph and the rest of the team that the Indians still managed to go four rounds deep in the playoffs despite Bailey being injured during the first playoff game. 

Looking Ahead

Former coach Matt Burnett is the winningest head coach in PNG history with a 95-66 mark in 15 seasons. But current head coach Jeff Joseph is hot on his heels with a 53-7 record in four years at the helm. To put that in perspective, he’s over halfway to the winningest coach in program history’s mark in less than a third of the time. 

The Indians definitely have question marks heading into 2026 after losing the core of its offensive line, a three-year starting quarterback, and all three defensive linemen. But with Joseph at the helm and back-to-back 1,600-yard rusher Tyson Henry in the fold, we predict PNG will once again be a playoff contender. 

Xs and Os

Offense – Power Spread
Defense – 3-4

On the Rise 

Wide receiver Jude Gohlke (41 catches, 726 yards, 4 TD) earned First Team All-District accolades as a sophomore last year, but expect the 5-foot-11, 170-pound athlete to take on an even more expanded role in 2026. He will return kicks and could spell teammates on defense or even at quarterback. He’ll be the go-to target for junior quarterback Jake Ashworth, who performed valiantly in the playoff run after three-year starter Connor Bailey was injured in the first round. 

In Their Own Words

“We have an unbelievable amount of support from our community. They love our team and show up to cheer them on every Friday night. We have been playing football for 100 seasons and many of the kids on our team have parents and grandparents who also played here.” - HC Jeff Joseph