Last season, Cypress Lakes football reached a milestone that had eluded the program for 16 varsity seasons.
A 38-17 victory over Cypress Springs secured the Spartans’ first playoff berth in more than a decade and a half, marking a defining moment for head coach Tyrone Carter’s program and instilling a new level of belief. Now, despite returning just 12 lettermen and seven starters, the Spartans enter 2026 with a different challenge: Proving last year’s breakthrough was the foundation for sustained success rather than a one-time achievement.
“Ending a 16-year playoff drought completely changed the mindset of our football program,” said Carter. “There was always the challenge of overcoming the belief that making the playoffs was out of reach because it hadn’t happened in so long. Once we broke through, our players realized that success wasn’t something that happened to programs; it was something we had earned through character, academics, work ethic, and WAWG (We all we got) pillars that we live by.”
For Cypress Lakes, the goal is no longer just to make the playoffs. It has now become a competition for district championships and deep postseason runs.
“Our players gained greater confidence because they had proof that the standard we set produced results,” said Carter. “Breaking that drought wasn’t the finish line; it set a new standard. Our focus now is on sustaining that success year after year by continuing to develop great players, strong leaders, and a championship mindset.”
Carter believes the 2026 football team will play with physicality, discipline, and toughness, and he instills the belief that the program isn’t starting over but moving forward with more experienced players leading the way.
“The younger players have the opportunity to step into bigger roles, and the older players can provide leadership and the experience we need,” said Carter.
On offense, Davion Griffin, Paul Bryant, and Braylen Dugar have all emerged as leaders for Cypress Lakes.
“They show up every day with a mindset to compete and improve, and they refuse to let the offense have a bad day of practice,” said Carter. “Their relentless effort to get better and hold each other accountable is helping push the offense forward.”
Defensively, Anthony Bradley, Daryll Shelton, and Davion Griffin have emerged as leaders for Cypress Lakes.
“This group brings energy, passion, and relentless effort to improve every day,” said Carter. “They make those around them better and will not settle for anything less than the best for their teammates.”
The Spartans may have graduated their starting quarterback, but several experienced playmakers return to help lead a new-look offense.
“Our offense will keep rolling,” said Carter. “Darius Watson has played quarterback and wide receiver in this offense since his sophomore year. He understands what we are trying to do and how we want to attack defenses when we have the ball.”
Watson will have experienced targets around him, including Davion Griffin and Arquaris Crowder at wide receiver.
“Both Davion Griffin and Arquaris Crowder at the wide receiver position bring experience, playmaking ability, and trust within the offense,” said Carter. “These two will provide stability, whether it’s winning one-on-one matchups, making tough catches in critical moments, or helping the quarterback settle in by being a reliable target. Their leadership will be key to the entire offense.”
That experience has already helped Watson settle into his role, with Griffin working with him during practice to improve their timing.
“During practice, we communicate the coverages we see on defense and the route combinations the defensive backs play,” said Griffin.
While the offense develops around a new signal caller, the Spartans believe their defense can provide stability starting in Week 1.
“I believe this will be the fastest, most aggressive defense you have ever seen at Cypress Lakes,” said Carter.
The 2026 roster features several experienced defensive players, including senior defensive end Isidro Jimenez, who recorded 15 tackles and eight tackles for loss last season; senior defensive tackle Daryll Shelton; senior cornerback Cameron Dumes; junior defensive back Davion Griffin; and junior linebacker Ja’merce Johnson.
Johnson enters the season as one of the defense’s most accomplished returning players. A two-time MVP, Johnson was a unanimous All-District first-team selection at linebacker and named the 2025 All-District Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Last season, he accounted for 54 total tackles, including 34 solo tackles, 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three quarterback hurries.
“This defense can be the backbone of our team this year,” said Carter. “We understand that you have to stop the run in our district, get off the field on 3rd down, and create turnovers. This is who we are, what we do, and how we live.”
“Last season helped me grow, not just as a player but as a leader,” said Johnson. “The experience of making plays and being accountable on that defense, with all the seniors around me, taught me the importance of communication, consistency, and leading by example. I’m ready to apply what I learned to help lead this defense and bring out the best in everyone around me.”
Senior cornerback Cameron Dumes is confident that this secondary can be among 6A Region II District 16’s best.
“This secondary is hungry and eager to show what we can do,” said Dumes. “I’m the only 3-year letterman, so we all know we have big shoes to fill after last year’s No. 1 passing defense in the district. We want to prove we can carry that standard forward.”
Replacing experience is never easy, but Carter believes the culture established during last year’s playoff run has changed how this team approaches the season.
“The younger players have the opportunity to step into bigger roles, and the older players can provide leadership and the experience we need,” said Tyrone Carter.
“The next step for Cypress Lakes football after ending the playoff drought is to change expectations for the future Spartans and leave a legacy for years to come,” said Carter. “We want to sustain success and continue to build a program our athletes, school, and community can be proud to be part of. We are trying to build a program where making the playoffs is the expectation, not the exception.”
Ultimately, success will be defined by how much Cypress Lakes grows as a team and how much they establish a team culture of leaving a legacy and playing for each other.
“If we can play for each other, embrace adversity, and continue to develop throughout the year, we will be able to play in December and look back on 2026 as a successful year,” said Carter.
Last season, Cypress Lakes secured a playoff-clinching victory. However, in the Cypress Lakes locker room, making history is no longer the goal. The Spartans believe they’ve set a new standard, and now the challenge is proving they can meet it year after year.
