After losing their second game in the playoffs to Allen high school, head football coach Kendrick Holloway gathered the varsity football team in the locker room for one last speech. He reminded his players that they played a great season, and while this game didn’t go how they wanted, they still made history.
The team finished the regular season 6-4, their first winning season since 2010, placing them in the top four teams in the district. It was their first playoff appearance since 2020, and first playoff win since 1992.
“[This team] will forever go down in the history books,” Holloway said. “Not only at Richardson High School, but in the state of Texas.”
Junior wide receiver Dameon Crowe said it wasn’t just a good run in the playoffs but a mindset change throughout the season.
“We changed the culture here, so I feel good about that,” Crowe said.
Holloway said the game against Allen in McKinney ISD Stadium had a great vibe and great atmosphere. It was one of the reasons why the team wanted to make playoffs.
“It was a great opportunity for our kids to go play at a big time stadium,” Holloway said.
He said the team’s energy was great from the kickoff.
“They had a never quit mentality,” Holloway said. “I was able to see that on the sideline.”
Sophomore Jayden Sunsin said they knew Allen was going to be a tough opponent, but they still wanted to win or at least score some points to have a close game.
Crowe said during the game they had a few “busted” plays that got intercepted by Allen. He also said they could’ve executed the offense better.
After the game Holloway told the team to keep their heads up when they walk out because they accomplished so much this season.
“Even though the season [end] didn’t go how we wanted to, this 2024 team and program will be always remembered,” Holloway said.
Holloway said while the loss was tough, the team put made their best effort and played a major role in helping each other get to this point in the playoffs.
He said one thing they wanted to do is to get stronger in the weight room to prepare for tough games they were going to face in the season and district.
“We got faster as a program, but also focused on the mental toughness part as well,” Holloway said.
He always tells his team anything they do, they have to put their heart into it especially during games.
“We want to be a mentally, physically tough football focus,” Holloway said. “That’s what we aim for.”
He said their four pillars are putting your heart into your work, being encouraging, holding someone accountable and being tough. He believes reminding them of the pillars helped the performance of the team because they can tailor it back to “this is who we are” and their identity as a program.
“We say it so much and so often, our kids are fully bought in and committed to it,” Holloway said.
Holloway said the coaching staff took a break over Thanksgiving and got back to the drawing board to see how they can improve.
Sunsin said after this season, the coaches and players are more experienced and have laid the foundation for the next season.
“Next year we’re going to play tougher, stronger, bigger and smarter,” Sunsin said.
