Boerne Star sports editor Kerry Barboza talks with Champion High School football coach Blaine Ellis discussing the 2025 season. Here's a summary and timeline:

Summary

Champion Football 2025 Season Recap

The Champion Chargers had an outstanding 2025 season, finishing 9-3 and reaching the third round of playoffs - their best performance since 2019. After starting district play 1-2, the team rallied with a 6-game winning streak, demonstrating exceptional chemistry and buy-in. Key highlights include:

Offensive firepower: QB Julian Navarrete connected with WR Brogan Dempsey for multiple deep touchdowns throughout the season. Dempsey became Champion's all-time leading touchdown scorer

Resilience: Overcame early district losses to Smithson Valley and New Braunfels to secure a playoff spot

Depth: Freshman QB Ryder stepped up when needed, playing both offense and defense

Playoff run: Defeated Southwest (41-14) and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo before falling to New Braunfels in the third round

Coach Ellis credits the team's chemistry, leadership, and "playoff mentality" starting from week 4 as keys to success.

Timeline

[0:00-1:00] Introduction and season overview - 9 wins, first playoff win since 2021

[1:00-3:00] Team chemistry and comparison to 2019 state semifinal team

[3:00-6:00] Coaching changes - OC Kevin Brown and QB coach Josh Adkins departed; Coach Mangold promoted

[6:00-10:00] Early district struggles - Started 2-2, 1-2 in district after losses to Smithson Valley and New Braunfels

[10:00-14:00] Four-game district winning streak - Beat MacArthur, Victoria East, Wagner (clinched playoffs), and Steele

[14:00-16:00] Brogan Dempsey and Julian Navarrete connection - Deep ball success

[16:00-18:00] First round playoff win vs Southwest (41-14)

[18:00-22:00] Second round at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo - Controversial officiating, viral social media moment, but secured the win

[22:00-24:00] Third round loss to New Braunfels on Thanksgiving weekend - Proud of team's second-half rally

[24:00-26:00] Looking ahead - UIL realignment, potential new district opponents, spring football decision pending

[26:00] Wrap-up

Original Air Date: January 10, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

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