After best season since 1971, Crowley Eagles strive to play in December
The Crowley football team is trying to build on its best season since 1971.
The Eagles went 8-5 last year and notched a pair of playoff wins before a 44-7 loss to Denton Guyer in the Class 6A Division II regional semifinals.
Crowley head coach Carlos Lynn, who is entering his third season leading the Eagles and 18th overall as a head coach, characterized his team as loaded on defense and explosive on offense.
“We are trying to take another step this season and play in December,” Lynn said.
Crowley will begin its season against Birdville on Friday at Crowley ISD Stadium.
Senior defensive end Jayden Terry and senior linebacker Tyler Hooper have impressed the coaching staff up front, Lynn said. The secondary, headlined by senior cornerback Brandon Ford and senior defensive back Jaleal Allen, patrols the back end of a swarming defense.
“The defense will lead the way all season,” Lynn said. “Very strong front seven and secondary.”
Terry recorded 80 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks last season, while Hooper notched 57 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss. Ford, an Oklahoma State pledge who is rated the No. 6 defensive back in the area by the Star-Telegram and the No. 129 statewide prospect by 247Sports in its 2026 rankings, is a lockdown corner.
“Ford has the ability to to play the opponent’s best receiver and make the game difficult for them,” Lynn said.
Ford registered 15 pass breakups and two interceptions last season to go along with 35 tackles, earning first-team all-District 3-6A honors.
Allen, a Houston Christian commit, had 45 tackles, 10 passes defensed and two interceptions. A pair of talented juniors — four-star wide receiver Antayvious Ellis and running back Kenyen Cotton — power an explosive offense.
Ellis is a nightmare for opposing defenses. The No. 40 state recruit in the class of 2027 by 247Sports has offers from Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio State. He posted over 800 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore.
“Ellis is a very good leader, and a dynamic playmaker,” Lynn said. Lynn said he likes Cotton’s versatility and called him an every-down back who can do it all. He totaled 1,126 rushing yards (7.9 per carry) a year ago and scored eight touchdowns. The ground game is further enhanced by the presence of speedy sophomore Joseph Banks, who averaged 7.7 yards per carry in just five games last season. Banks gives the Eagles another gear and has the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
Starting quarterback not determined
Crowley does have a question at quarterback.
Four-year starting signal-caller Caleb Williams has moved on, and the key for Crowley‘s offensive success this season may hinge on its quarterback. Lynn has not yet settled on a starter, though senior Zamyrion Burton is getting early looks.
“Looking for someone who can move the offense and protect the football,” Lynn said.
Though young and inexperienced, Lynn likes what he sees from his offensive line. Alexander Herrera, a 6-foot-7 290-pound junior, leads that unit.
Building on last year
Crowley began last season with a blowout win over Birdville, then a hard-fought loss to perennial powerhouse Galena Park North Shore. A pair of disappointing losses to Dallas Skyline and Tyler Legacy left the Eagles with a 1-3 record entering district play.
Crowley then reeled off five straight wins before a 65-21 loss to league rival North Crowley, which went on to an undefeated 6A Division I state championship.
“A tough non-district hopefully translates to a tough team that is battle-tested in district,” Lynn said. “We are a process-driven program. We build as the season moves forward.”
Lynn said he relishes the challenge of taking on North Crowley.
“We are closing the gap, and we will see how much this year,” he said.