After back-to-back winless seasons, the Life High School Waxahachie Mustangs are giving their school and community plenty to cheer about.
Under new Head Coach Larry Colvin and his staff, the Mustangs have opened the season 4–1 and are building momentum in a challenging District 7–4A Division I. With a 1–1 district record, Life Waxahachie currently sits in fourth place as the team prepares for a big Homecoming matchup this Friday.
One of the biggest drivers of the turnaround has been the defense. Dave Campbell's Texas Football recently recognized Life Waxahachie as the No. 4 most improved defense in the state, highlighting the progress players and coaches have made.
The Mustangs are also producing offensively, averaging 34 points per game. Individual athletes continue to climb the school's all-time rankings in tackles, sacks, receptions, and passing touchdowns — adding their names to the program's record books while helping write a new chapter for Mustang football.
That progress extends throughout the Mustang football program. The junior varsity squad is also 4–1, reflecting the growth and development helping build a strong foundation for the future. At the middle school level, both teams are finding some success and wins in the highly competitive Metro League against some of the state's top 5A and 6A programs. Coach Colvin's commitment to building the program reaches all the way to Life School's elementary campuses, where the team visits, opens doors, welcomes students, and shares high-fives to start their day. Those small moments build big connections, getting the youngest Mustangs excited about Life School athletics and dreaming of the day they take the field themselves.
Colvin credited team captains Kaden Smith, Daylan Matthis, Elias Lara, Brandon Freeman, and Gramm Jones for helping establish the expectations behind the turnaround.
"Our captains have played a major role in changing the culture of our program," Colvin said. "They have done a tremendous job leading their teammates, holding them accountable, and setting the standard for how we work every day."
Perhaps the program's proudest accomplishment is taking place in the classroom: 100% of varsity football student-athletes are currently passing all of their classes.
"Our coaching staff and players have worked hard to create an environment where success in the classroom, in the school building, and on the football field all matter," Colvin said. "We are extremely proud of that academic accomplishment and the commitment it represents."
For Scott Thrush, Life School District Athletic Director, the turnaround reflects the perseverance of a group that continued working through back-to-back difficult seasons.
"I couldn't be happier for our seniors, coaching staff, families, and school," Thrush said. "The pride and school spirit this turnaround has brought have been tremendous. Our seniors and returning staff have endured a lot, but they never stopped working and never gave up. Seeing them experience the rewards of that perseverance makes this season especially meaningful, and I'm so proud of and happy for our players and coaches."
The Mustangs will look to cap off an exciting Homecoming week with a key district matchup against Kaufman this Friday at 7 p.m. Fans, families, students, and alumni are invited to pack the stands, wear red, and bring the energy as Life Waxahachie celebrates its school spirit, Mustang traditions, and a football team giving the community every reason to be proud.
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Life School is a tuition-free, public charter school with campuses in Cedar Hill, Dallas (Oak Cliff, Mountain Creek), Lancaster, Red Oak and Waxahachie, TX. Life School develops leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Its mission is accomplished in part through the financial support of donors who provide scholarships to help make students ready to learn, ready to lead and ready for life.
Parents who are interested in enrollment can visit lifeschool.net/learn-about-life. Partners who would like to support Life School financially can give online at lifeschool.net/give.
