Despite all the attention junior running back Jordan Simmons received for his three-touchdown playoff game, the real driving force behind Jack Yates’ historic 50–24 win came from the players nobody notices until it’s too late.
In the trenches where games are quietly won and reputations are violently shaped, the Lions’ offensive line demonstrated its strength snap after snap, opening lanes so wide that Simmons barely needed to make a cut to break free. While the scoreboard told one story, the tape revealed another: this was domination driven by unsung giants.
After going 11–0 on the season and earning the title 4A-1 Region III District 11 champions, the Jack Yates Lions entered the playoffs as the top seed.
Excitement was high, but so were the whispers about the weaker competition they faced during the season. The Lions didn’t let that stop them; they came out explosive and never looked back, winning 50–24. This marked the Lions’ first playoff win in 14 years and their first playoff game with 50 or more points since 1985.
While fans focused on the young, electric running back Jordan Simmons, the gritty work was being done on the line of scrimmage.
“The way those guys played as one unit was incredible,” said Yates head football coach Jason Lewis. “On that last touchdown, our left guard, Steven Franks, was really hurting. The call was 16 Power Read, which meant he’d have to pull, but our right guard, Rogers ‘Big Deuce’ Williams, saw what kind of shape he was in. Without saying a word, they switched spots and Big Deuce pulled for him. All week, we talked about unity and having each other’s backs. In that moment, I didn’t have to tell them a thing; they took care of their brother and made the play happen.”
Playing on the offensive line often goes unnoticed, but they are crucial to any team.
“Our offensive line brings that dog mentality,” said Lewis. “They’re aggressive, they’re mean, and that attitude carries over to the rest of the team. Every day we start practice with a goal-line period. Best of five plays wins. That drill gets intense, from the players to the coaches, but it sets the tone for the whole practice. It pushes us to compete and play with real intensity.”
And while the historic final score showed a big-play offense, the true groundwork was laid long before Simmons ever reached open space.
Jack Yates offensive line coach Ledarien Strauss recognizes this group’s differences but has seen them become a unified team.
“They are fun, hardworking, and extremely competitive. Their ability to process information, while learning and applying it in game situations, makes them unique.”
Ledarien Strauss
“They are fun, hardworking, and extremely competitive,” said Strauss. “Their ability to process information, while learning and applying it in game situations, makes them unique.”
The offensive line consists of four seniors, along with a junior and a sophomore who also see meaningful minutes this season. Because of this, they are well-acquainted and can adjust calls and communication during drives seamlessly. During summer workouts, Strauss began to see the potential for this team to dominate.
“During summer workouts, we had lineman competitions, and their competitiveness, dominance, and determination to win showed me that this group had the potential to be special,” said Strauss.
While offensive lineman captain Tristian Gadison believes fans usually don’t see blocking assignments, Williams agrees but adds that it’s the communication around those assignments that fans never notice.
“The biggest part of my job that fans never notice is being the voice of the O-line,” said Williams. “I can tell when the opposing team is trying to set up stunts or blitzes, so my ability to communicate usually goes unnoticed.”
Needville started strong on their first drive, but once the Lions settled in, Needville didn’t have an answer for Yates’ offensive firepower.
“I felt they were slowing down and getting frustrated around the third period,” said Gadison.
That chemistry didn’t just appear on film; it changed the entire game plan for the Lions’ top offensive weapon.
With a frustrated Needville team and a hungry Jack Yates offense led by a strong offensive line, the Lions attack was difficult to stop. Blocks sealed the edge, created gaps, and allowed junior running back Jordan Simmons to display his speed as he found the holes in route to four touchdowns.
“The offensive line played hard; they gave it their all. I just needed to see a hole and show them why I was back there,” said Simmons. “I’m very confident in my offensive line. We practice hard every day, and I trust them to open up holes for me.”
Gadison also reflected on the win, knowing his work helped spring a four-touchdown performance, ultimately leading the team to victory.
“It feels amazing to beat them in the first round after we lost to them my sophomore season 49–14,” said Gadison.
The offensive line wasn’t just a run-blocking unit; they controlled every aspect of the game. The Lions ran 62 plays and got 21 first downs. Their quarterback protection kept the offense unpredictable, and their physicality slowly wore Needville down. And although Needville was defensively strong, they eventually became overwhelmed.
“It was impressive how we managed to finish blocks and reach the second level,” said Strauss. “Winning and re-establishing a new line of scrimmage are very important, especially in the playoffs. We have a talented group of skill players, and we know that. If we can create creases and open space for them, they can go all the way. With that in mind, we emphasize to our boys that it starts up front.”
While this performance was impressive in its own right, its true significance extends far beyond a single playoff win. A strong offensive line is the key to consistent success. Younger players now have a model to follow, and alumni, along with the community, continue to show growing support.
“All the success our offense is having is because of our offensive line,” said Lewis. “They make play calling easy and allow our skill players to be successful. When we can dictate the flow of the game upfront, it makes it harder on our opponent because they know what’s coming but can’t stop it.”
In a program with a history as rich as Jack Yates has, moments like this don’t just win games; they also restore pride.
This victory means a great deal to both the Yates community and its alumni, as it symbolizes pride, renewal, and proof that the program’s tradition is alive and thriving again. For the community, especially those still living in Third Ward and who have supported Yates through years of highs and lows, the win brings renewed excitement and unity. It gives current students something to rally around and shows younger kids that Yates is still a place where excellence can be achieved.
