KILLEEN, Texas — For the first time in more than 20 years, Killeen ISD expanded, opening a new high school campus. This year, the Chaparral Bobcats will try to make an early statement in their first varsity season.
Chaparral will be led by former Salado Head Coach Alan Haire, who turned the Eagles into a consistent Top 25 team in Conference 4A. He told 25 Sports he took the job because he wanted to push himself outside the comfort zone he built in Salado.
"I knew the adversity in it would help me grow," Haire said. "Not only professionally but individually as far as relating to young people. So I felt like it was a great opportunity to expand and see how many kids you can reach in a program like this."
Haire plans to bring his version of the Slot-T offense with him to Chaparral, where he will lead a group consisting of mainly underclassmen, although Chaparral will open with all four grade levels (9-12). Only two players on the roster have varsity game experience.
"You know, it's fun because people don't expect you to be the one to come and step up to the charge and help the cause," Jordan Brazil, a Chaparral junior, said. "I was ready. I'm ready to start something new."
So far, Haire said the team has not set any season goals other than working to "get better every day." The Bobcats will play a full varsity UIL schedule in 2022, playing in a district which includes other Central Texas schools like Waco University and Belton.
"It's gonna take a little time, just like anything," Haire said. "But I'm looking forward to it. Again, being uncomfortable makes you better. Overcoming adversity and seeing what we can generate to move forward and to be better daily. The scoreboard will take care of itself."
2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE:
8/26 vs Killeen 7:00
9/2 at Killeen Shoemaker 7:00
9/9 at Marble Falls 7:30
9/16 vs Bryan Rudder 7:00
9/22 vs Waco University* 7:00
9/30 at Pflugerville* 7:00
10/7 vs Elgin* 7:00
10/13 at Leander Rouse* 7:00
10/21 vs Pflugerville Connally* 7:00
10/28 at Belton* 7:00
11/4 Open
*District Game
Click here for more 2022 season previews.
