When Pasadena Memorial High School opened its doors, new traditions took shape. In only its fourth year at the varsity level, the Mavericks wrote their way into the history books by advancing to the Regional semifinals.

The Mavs faced the Katy Tigers, the nation’s fourth ranked team, for their most anticipated game of the year at Rice Stadium on Saturday, and although the Mavs lost 30-14—they did it with pride.

“You get out what you put in, and we were winners before the game ever started,” said Mavs coach John Snelson. “We’ve won more games this season than ever before, we won our first-ever playoff game, we practiced on Thanksgiving Day for the first time, we played in December for the first time—and we did together and for each other.”

Maverick linebacker Joe Garcia said, “It feels great to have accomplished what we did. We left our hearts on that field and made a statement for Pasadena ISD football.”

This game marked the fifth time ever that a Pasadena ISD football team reached the third round of the state playoffs. Going into the game, the Mavs brought a 9-2-1 record to the field, and Snelson said he had a couple of thoughts prior to the game.

“Either we were going to play a perfect game and we would have a chance to win at the end or we weren’t going to play well and it was going to get ugly,” said Snelson. “I didn’t want that to happen to our kids, and it didn’t. I couldn’t be prouder of the effort those kids brought to the field.”

But Snelson said too many mistakes were made to win against a quality program such as Katy’s.

“Better ball security, closer coverage in the secondary and few different game time decisions might have turned it around for us,” Snelson said. “Overcoming the Katy mystique and the quality depth they had was our biggest challenge. But regardless of whether we achieved that or not, these boys earned their spot in that stadium, and they are deserving of everything they have experienced this year.”

The Mavericks played their first 5A varsity football game in September 2004, and this year, the Maverick football program recorded 10 wins and only two losses, averaging 37 points a game and only giving up an average of 13 points a game.

Brandon Farris, Maverick defensive back and kick returner, said he couldn’t be more proud of what his team achieved at Rice Stadium.

“It feels good to be a part of a winning team and what three and a half years of hard work earned us,” Farris said. “Knowing we played hard all four quarters and how good of a season we had made us winners, and it means a lot to have had such a long, successful season and know we did it for and with our brothers.”

Maverick linebacker Bryan Lambert said being a part of this game was the greatest feeling of accomplishment he has ever felt.

“We left knowing we made a great first impression,” Lambert said. “Many of the people at the game had never even heard of Pasadena Memorial and had never seen us play. It gives me a lot of confidence as an individual to have been a part of this.”

The Mavericks football players and coach aren’t the only ones who felt good about the team’s achievements. The school, district and community have backed the team since the start of the season. Pasadena’s Mayor Jack Douglass even proclaimed Nov. 27, 2007 as Pasadena Memorial High School Maverick Football Team Day in the city of Pasadena, honoring some of the players at a city council meeting.

In the written proclamation, Douglass stated, “The success of this program is built upon outstanding leadership, character and strong work ethic principles …. On behalf of the City, the Council and the citizens of Pasadena, I congratulate the Memorial High Mavericks on their outstanding accomplishments, passion and performance. Go Mavericks!”

Marquees districtwide donning words of support and hundreds of faces in the stands showed support for the team, and Memorial’s principal Billye Smith said the Mavericks thank the community and the Pasadena ISD family.

“It was wonderful to see our community come together in a fantastic show of support,” Smith said. “Your support was felt and heard on the field on Saturday, and we are very appreciative. You made us proud, and you are champions with us.”

Smith said the team has set a standard of excellence for future Memorial High School football teams to master.

“We couldn’t be more proud of this team and what they have given to our school,” Smith said. “Win, lose or draw—these guys played their hearts out all year. They represented our school and this district in a manner that was beyond reproach. They are champions by anyone’s definition. We have a lot more heart than we have size or speed, but in the end, it was heart that separated this team from others.”

While this game found a place in the history books of high school varsity football, the game the Mavericks played and their coaches directed also made a milestone in the history of the school, the district and within the hearts of each of its players.

“Our coaches have given of themselves in ways that many are unwilling or unable to do,” Smith said. “They opened their hearts to these boys and nurtured their minds, bodies and souls. The team learned a lot about life on the football field this year, and they have memories they will cherish for a lifetime. Lasting friendships were forged, respect was earned, given and shared, tears of joy, excitement and sorrow were shed and boys became men.”