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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Join host Veronica Rector from the Boerne Star as she welcomes Donna Provencher and Alan Rudolph from the Boerne Community Theater to discuss the exciting 2026 season lineup! Discover behind-the-scenes stories, upcoming shows (from classics like "Barefoot in the Park" and "Miracle on 34th Street" to new works and youth productions), the inclusive spirit of the theater, and how you can get involved—whether on stage, backstage, or as a supporter. Perfect for theater lovers, families, and anyone interested in the vibrant Boerne arts community!

00:00 – Introduction: Meet the host and guests

00:26 – 2026 Season Overview: Mix of classics and new works

00:45 – "The Mousetrap" Recap: Donna’s adventure as director and lead

01:51 – Upcoming Shows:

• "Barefoot in the Park" (Jan 16 – Feb 1)
• "Angel Street/Gaslight" (March) – Origin of the term "gaslighting"

03:35 – "Helen on Wheels" (May): A comedic new play

04:04 – "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (Aug–Sep): Why it’s special

07:00 – Casting Process: Open calls and welcoming environment

08:00 – Community & Volunteers: The family spirit at BCT

09:50 – Teen Troop: Youth productions and their impact

12:00 – Theater’s Value: Social skills, confidence, and life lessons

14:00 – Membership & Tickets: How to get involved and support

15:00 – Co-producers: Supporting the theater behind the scenes

15:40 – Website & Contact: boernetheater.org, box office info

16:00 – Closing Remarks: Thanks and show wrap-up

Original Air Date: January 3, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Kerry Barbosa as he interviews Shane Wilson, principal of Boerne High School and former coach, on Boerne Brew. Shane shares his journey from coaching to administration, the impact of mentors, returning to his hometown, and balancing family with a demanding career. The conversation covers his coaching philosophy, memorable experiences, the transition to school leadership, and reflections on community, family, and future goals.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet host Kerry Barbosa and guest Shane Wilson

00:41 – Shane’s coaching background and transition to administration

01:16 – Missing coaching and Friday night football

02:28 – Early influences and decision to become a coach

03:47 – First coaching job in Uvalde and career beginnings

04:57 – Reflections on the Uvalde tragedy and community ties

05:24 – Coaching multiple sports and moving to Garland

06:42 – Returning home to Pearsall as head coach and athletic director

08:07 – Lessons learned from coaching and community expectations

08:55 – Playing days: positions, teammates, and sports memories

09:45 – Moving to Warren High School and family decisions

10:25 – Coaching at Warren, team success, and transition to administration

10:53 – Starting as assistant principal at Southwest High School

11:24 – Transitioning from coaching to administration: challenges and adjustments

12:26 – Moving to Boerne High School: the hiring story

13:45 – Becoming principal during COVID and the interview process

14:45 – What keeps Shane in Boerne: community, spirit, and expectations

15:45 – Family, softball success, and the importance of support

16:45 – Work-life balance and the demands of being a principal

17:45 – Shane’s daughters, their softball careers, and COVID’s impact on sports

18:30 – Following his daughters’ college journeys

18:55 – What’s next for Shane: doctoral studies and future plans

19:45 – Closing remarks and gratitude

Original Air Date: December 27, 2025, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.