SAN ANTONIO — There's many a fresh face on the high school football scene in New Braunfels, with new head coaches taking the reins at New Braunfels, Canyon and – the new kids on the block – Long Creek.
Asked who was hired first, New Braunfels HS Head coach Brad Molder said he believe it was Adam Harvey over at Long Creek.
"I'm the longest-tenured head coach in New Braunfels," Harvey said, laughing.
Molder (the New Braunfels Unicorns), Sean McAuliffe (the Canyon Cougars) and Harvey (Long Creek) were all hired this offseason to lead their respective programs.
But just because they're new doesn't mean they don't have high expectations of themselves.
"We really don't wanna let anybody down," said Molder. "We put lots of pressure on ourselves to make sure things are done the way they should be."
McAuliffe mentioned the honeymoon period that always come with new coaching opportunities.
"Everybody loves you and we're all undefeated right now," he said. "Everybody loves ya."
All three men have been in the coaching game for many years at this point. They say they understand the work that lies ahead to turn kids into athletes and athletes into great people.
"If we just get up and do right by kids each and every day, it is pretty easy to go to bed at night," one of the coaches said.
"I get two hours of sleep each night this time of year," added Molder.
We joked with Coach Molder that he looks good for somebody not getting any sleep. Coach McAuliffe countered that with his bravery to not wear a hat and show off his bald spot. Coach Molder made him feel better by then taking off his hat to show his.
Coach Harvey then made them all feel bad by taking off his hat and showing his full head of hair.
Molder and McAuliffe will play competitive UIL schedules immediately this season, whereas Long Creek still has time to get things organized as a brand new program.
"We aren't play UIL district ball, playoff-ready ball, for two years," Harvey said. "I have to say that I'm in a really good spot with the pressure piece."
The New Braunfels community has boasted a solid high school football history over the years. The Unicorns have made countless playoff runs. Canyon has found success here and there, and Long Creek will establish their own traditions moving forward.
"Has there been a good tradition, and is there a good tradition of high school football in New Braunfels? Yes, there has been," Molder said. "We're all just looking to take it one step further and put a better mark on it to leave it better than we found it."
"I think the stats will tell you this is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, and maybe even the nation," said McAuliffe. "It is growing with really good people that care about their kids."