BY BRIAN GOSSET
There’s a long history for the Criss family and Wyatt football.
Willie Criss became head coach for the Chaparrals in 1984 and led the team to a runner-up finish in district play and an 8-2-1 record. After missing the playoffs the previous three seasons, Criss guided the Chaps back to the postseason in his first year with the program.
But soon after, there were a few bumps in the road – and several mediocre years.
Wyatt made the playoffs in 1989, 1991 and 1992. Criss led the Chaps to back-to-back playoff berths for the first time since 1969 and 1970. Then in 1994, the program turned on another level.
The Chaparrals were outright district champs in 1994 and 1995 – the only time in program history. They won titles in 1969 and 1970, but the 1970 title was shared. The playoff berth in 1994 began a run of eight in a row.
But after the 1996 season, Willie Criss stepped away and gave way to one of his sons, Anthony to take over. Anthony Criss only spent three years as Wyatt head coach, but had two district runner-ups in 1997 and 1999 and an outright title in 1998.
During 1998, Wyatt won 10 games – the first and only time it hit that mark in program history – one that dates back over 50 years. After four years with head coach Lewis Hayes, Willie returned to the top from 2004 to 2006. Then he made way for his other son Zachary to take over head coaching duties.
Zach tried his hardest to bring a fourth district title to the Criss family, coming close multiple times. He finally did this season – snapping a 27-year drought. Wyatt beat FW South Hills 68-35 on Nov. 7 to wrap up the regular season 8-2 overall and 7-1 in 4-5A D1 – clinching a co-championship with FW Arlington Heights.
QB Kentrell Steward went 10 of 13 for 290 yards and five touchdowns, and rushed for 100 yards on nine carries. Dale Brown added 65 yards on the ground with one touchdown and Markavion Toombs scored on a 55-yard run. Four different receivers caught a touchdown from Steward with Allen Bayne leading with two.
Wyatt will face Richland in the bi-district round at 7 pm Friday from Clark Stadium in Fort Worth.
