Head football coach Chris Ross was named the Harris Rating System 5A coach of the year. This award is given by Harris Ratings Weekly, which follows Texas high school football during the season.

“They say that this is an individual award, but it’s not,” Ross said. “To me, this is an award that I accept on behalf of our staff, our team, and the program in our community.”

Despite this being his first year coaching at the high school, Ross led the team to the fourth round of playoffs.

“This is just recognizing excellence in each piece of what goes into receiving this type of award,” Ross said. “It is a celebration of what these guys just accomplished. It’s not my efforts, but the efforts of many.”

Players reflect on the impact that Ross had on them as individuals and as a team during the season.

“Ever since Coach Ross got to our school, his leadership and attitude towards the school and students were very noticeable,” senior football player Chief Collins said. “I think that his leadership and coaching abilities are reflected on all of our assistant coaches, and it shows how good of a leader and coach he is.”

This award not only highlights Ross as a coach, but also the things that he has helped the team accomplish in his time as head coach.

“I think Coach Ross definitely deserves this award for what he has done in such a short time,” senior football player Drew Summers said. “His work ethic, attention to detail, and leadership are unmatched, which has really helped build a culture here at Lovejoy.”