The North Crowley football team enters the field during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Bob Booth
Special to the Star-Telegram
Students, parents, faculty members, politicians and fans celebrated North Crowley’s state championship on Saturday with a parade and a pep rally.
North Crowley football players pass by fans during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
The Panthers claimed a championship for Fort Worth, which is something that hadn’t been done since North Crowley’s last title in 2003 and the first time in 76 years that the state’s largest division championship has been won by a high school based in Fort Worth.
Head coach Ray Gates was named the Star-Telegram Coach of the Year and was also named the Max Preps National Coach of the Year.
Crowley ISD Superintendent Dr. Michael McFarland, right, congratulates and announces head coach Ray Gates as the MaxPreps National coach of the year during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Earlier this month, the Fort Worth City Council recognized the Class the Panthers less than a month after the team’s perfect season.
The team has a record of 42-2 since Gates took over in 2022. Nettles commended Gates for shaping his players into leaders off the field as well.
The North Crowley Silver Stars perform during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
North Crowley celebrated during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
The North Crowley band performa in front of the stadium during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Panther fans bundled up for the 42 degree weather at the start of the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Even the North Crowley Panther mascot had to bundle up for the cold temperatures during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
North Crowley head coach Ray Gates talks about what it means for everyone to show up and opportunities in life during the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Students, citizens and fans attended the UIL 6A D1 Championship Parade at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium in North Crowley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.
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