That was followed by a 9-3 mark in 1989. The dominance didn't begin until 1990, when the Yellow Jackets reached the state semifinals and finished 13-2. The first big step for Stephenville was winning the 1990 district championship, according to Briles. It was a huge accomplishment for the program, because it had been 38 years since the Yellow Jackets had captured a district crown. Once you start winning, it feeds off itself,'' Briles said.
People start believing in what's happening.
It makes it easier to stay motivated as an athlete and as a coach. To do that, you pretty much have to have belief in what you're doing. Maintaining such a high level of play over the course of a decade took more than the initial belief, of course. Briles and the coaching staff installed an inventive, wide open offense that can strike fear into the heart of the state's best defensive units. And the Yellow Jackets have certainly been blessed with their share of talent.