“Friday Night Lights” in Texas is a religion. It is an emotional experience encompassing four quarters that bonds a community.  It is a gathering of classmates, friends and family that come together for the common cause.

The Lake Ridge Eagles Varsity football team did more than make MISD history by being the first high school to make it to the state championship; they changed a community. A team that had a record of 0-10 four short years ago has mesmerized the district and city by finishing the season with a 15-1 record.

“It’s about a young football program growing up and out of its shell into greatness,” explained Julian Yates, LRHS junior. “This season ultimately brought a community together.”

Students and fans agree that the outcome of the season does not take away from the thrill of witnessing history.  “That they ultimately lost doesn’t matter. They achieved greatness and did something no other Mansfield football team had ever done,” said Sharon Dressel, freshman parent.  “The final game should not define who the Lake Ridge Eagles football team are and what they have meant to the community.”

“The way these boys played showed how much they learned from all of the coaches, and they represented the school and city well,” said Sabrina Bell, parent of a varsity player.

Mayor David Cook expressed his Eagle pride during an ENN exclusive interview.  “The City of Mansfield could not be happier for the historic run that Coach Kirk Thor and the soarin’ Eagles made in 2015, in just the fourth year of the school’s short history,” Mayor Cook explained.  “I love how the Mansfield Community came together to support Lake Ridge’s success, regardless of which MISD high school that each person cheered for.”

Mayor Cook also wished to congratulate the Lake Ridge community as well.  “Congrats to Coach Thor and his entire coaching staff and all the players, trainers, cheerleaders, band members, drill team members, spirit squad, and all the students, families, and anyone and everyone that was involved in winning the 2015 UIL State Semi-Final Championship for District 5-A,Division 1.”