Cypress Creek football team has celebrated the 2024-2025 season with new head coach Deveon McKinney.

Excited to build new relationships and traditions, Coach McKinney has also embraced old traditions amongst the football team.

“The biggest thing right now is CHAMPS. [First,] the C stands for confidence. We just want them to be confident in who they are and really push towards being their best individually, physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally,” McKinney said.

According to McKinney, a huge goal of his when it comes to moving to a new school is to focus on building up the team’s strengths. To have a strong team, you have to make them see where they can grow and help others grow.

“Another thing we talk about is the importance of academics. We talk about and push A’s and B’s, not C’s and D’s. Within our grading period right now, the kids are really starting to understand how strongly we feel about academics and providing opportunities from them.” said McKinney.

With Creek’s past football seasons, McKinney is working to rebuild faith among the football team itself, and plans to win many games this year.

“We want the kids to really be able to really believe in the program and feel like they’re valued in the program. Hopefully we are promoting a program that they want to be a part of and take ownership of,” Mckinney said.

For a confident and strong team, Creek is working towards a winning record and high self esteem.

“I feel when Coach McKinney moved me to linebacker, he set me up for success, because that’s a better position for me to be stronger in.” Varsity Sophomore Parker Osborne said.

The Cougars’ current record stands at 0-3, as students look forward to the Homecoming game on October 11 against Cy Ridge.