@kinkaid_headofschool

Beep! The clock sounded, and the players rushed to the field. The Kinkaid Falcons had soared to a new height, defeating the Episcopal Knights.

 The Falcons were led by star defensive lineman and tight end Jackson Staley, whose performance was just a glimpse of the dominant season he had already put together.

In the 2024-25 season, Staley had 91 tackles, 35 tackles for a loss, and 17 sacks as a defensive edge. 

“It was a great season. I am proud of the team for working together and getting us another ring,” he said. 

Beyond his on-field performance, Staley motivated his teammates and pushed them to improve throughout the season.

With the season over, Staley was selected to the 2024-25 All-SPC team and later named the Houston Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Year. 

“He was a great teammate during every game, always coaching the defensive line on what to do. I’m glad he got what he deserved,” senior Cooper Chambers said.

Recently, Staley was named the 2024 All-VYPE Private School Defensive Player of the Year, beating out Second Baptist’s Bryce Butler and St. Thomas’ Obinna Umeh. 

“After seeing all of his hard work during the offseason, I knew he was bound to win it,” Coach Brandon Layhew said.

Now, Staley is looking forward to playing in college, where he can continue to work hard and push others with him. 

However, neither college football nor the accolades would have been possible without the lessons he had learned before. Following a tough 2023-24 season loss against Episcopal, Staley set a goal to win the championship during his senior year. 

“I didn’t want to lose like that again. I felt bad for the seniors who left without another ring,” Staley said. 

Determined to win the Southwest Preparatory Conference title, Staley trained rigorously in the offseason. He trained at greco-roman, a style of wrestling that forbids holds below the waist and emphasizes upper-body throws, locks, and takedowns to control and pin an opponent. After months of training, he said he improved his footwork and wrist control while consistently hitting the gym.

And when the moment arrived, he delivered. Under the bright lights, with the championship on the line, Staley’s hard work paid off as Kinkaid clinched the title. 

Now, Jackson is ready for the next challenge of college football, where he’ll push himself to even greater heights.