In the heart of Frisco, Texas, Lone Star High School football isn’t just a sport—it’s the pulse of a community. At Ford Center at The Star, where the stands erupt with Ranger pride, the Lone Star Rangers embody the raw passion of Texas high school football. This isn’t just a team; it’s a legacy of grit, glory, and unrelenting ambition in the fiercely competitive 5A Division I landscape. In this 1,600-word deep dive, we’ll unravel Lone Star’s storied history, dissect their 2024 season, spotlight the athletes fueling the fire, and reveal what makes this program a beacon in the Lone Star State. Ready to see why the Rangers are Texas football royalty? Let’s hit the field.
What Makes Lone Star Football Legendary?
Texas high school football is a religion, and Lone Star High School is one of its holiest shrines. Nestled at 2600 Ottawa Lane in Frisco, part of the Frisco Independent School District, the Rangers have built a reputation for explosive offenses, bone-crushing defenses, and a fanbase that paints the town red and silver. Since opening its doors in 2010, Lone Star has risen from a fledgling program to a perennial playoff contender, challenging the giants of Texas 5A football.
What sets them apart? It’s a cocktail of coaching brilliance, raw talent, and a community that lives for Friday nights. With a 2016 state semifinal run and a roster stacked with college-bound stars, Lone Star doesn’t just play—they dominate. Their games are a spectacle, blending precision, heart, and the electric energy of Frisco’s football-crazed culture.
Lone Star High School Football: The Essentials
Here’s the rundown on what defines the Lone Star Rangers:
Aspect |
Details |
---|---|
Location |
Frisco, TX, at 2600 Ottawa Lane |
School Size |
2,200+ students in Frisco ISD |
State Championships |
None yet, but reached 5A D1 semifinals in 2016 |
Recent Ranking |
No. 38 in Texas (MaxPreps, 2024 season) |
Notable Players |
Davian Groce (RB), Jaylan Ford (LB, NFL), Ashton Jeanty (RB, NFL) |
Head Coach |
Jeff Rayburn, a Frisco native with a knack for building winning cultures |
Rivalries |
Wakeland, Frisco, Centennial |
2024 Record |
11-3, lost 41-28 to Highland Park in 5A D1 quarterfinals on Dec 6, 2024 |
This snapshot is just the start—let’s dive deeper into the Rangers’ saga.
A Legacy Forged in Frisco: Lone Star’s History
Lone Star High School opened in 2010 as an annex for Wakeland High School, but by 2011, it had its own identity—and a hunger to compete. Named after the 1996 neo-western film Lone Star, the Rangers adopted a mascot that embodies Texas’ independent spirit. Under early coaches like Jeff Rayburn, who took the helm in 2014, the program quickly found its footing in the brutal 5A classification.
The pinnacle came in 2016, when Lone Star stormed to the 5A Division I state semifinals, falling just short of the title game. That run cemented their status as a program to watch. Since then, they’ve been a playoff fixture, producing NFL talents like Jaylan Ford (New Orleans Saints) and Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders), both class of 2020. Lone Star’s ability to churn out elite players while staying true to its Frisco roots is what keeps them in the conversation.
Key Moments in Lone Star History
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2010: The Rangers play their first season, laying the foundation for a new program.
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2016: A 14-2 season and 5A D1 semifinal appearance put Lone Star on the map.
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2020: Alums Jaylan Ford and Ashton Jeanty begin their rise to NFL stardom, showcasing Lone Star’s talent pipeline.
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2024: An 11-3 season reinforces their status as a Texas powerhouse.
How Did Lone Star Fare in 2024?
The 2024 season was a masterclass in resilience for the Rangers. Finishing 11-3, they went 7-1 in District 5-5A D1, with their only regular-season loss coming against Frisco Wakeland (31-28). In the playoffs, Lone Star powered through early rounds, defeating Red Oak (34-28) and Midlothian (39-35), before falling 41-28 to Highland Park in the quarterfinals on December 6, 2024. Their No. 38 state ranking reflects a season of dominance, even if the ultimate prize eluded them.
2024 Season Match Scores
Here’s every snap from Lone Star’s 2024 campaign:
Date |
Opponent |
Score |
Result |
---|---|---|---|
Aug 30, 2024 |
Prosper Walnut Grove |
42-14 |
Win |
Sep 6, 2024 |
McKinney North |
35-21 |
Win |
Sep 13, 2024 |
Frisco Wakeland |
28-31 |
Loss |
Sep 20, 2024 |
Frisco Heritage |
49-10 |
Win |
Sep 27, 2024 |
Frisco Emerson |
38-17 |
Win |
Oct 4, 2024 |
Frisco Centennial |
45-14 |
Win |
Oct 11, 2024 |
Sherman |
56-7 |
Win |
Oct 18, 2024 |
Frisco |
31-24 |
Win |
Oct 25, 2024 |
Denison |
42-10 |
Win |
Nov 1, 2024 |
Frisco Reedy |
35-21 |
Win |
Nov 15, 2024 |
Mesquite Horn (Playoffs) |
49-28 |
Win |
Nov 22, 2024 |
Red Oak (Playoffs) |
34-28 |
Win |
Nov 29, 2024 |
Midlothian (Playoffs) |
39-35 |
Win |
Dec 6, 2024 |
Highland Park (Playoffs) |
28-41 |
Loss |
Standout Games of 2024
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Oct 11 vs. Sherman: A 56-7 rout showcased Lone Star’s offensive firepower.
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Nov 29 vs. Midlothian: A 39-35 thriller proved the Rangers’ clutch gene.
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Dec 6 vs. Highland Park: Despite the loss, Lone Star fought to the end, trailing by just six points late in the third quarter.
Who Are the Rangers’ Rising Stars?
Lone Star’s roster is a hotbed of talent, with players who light up highlight reels and draw college recruiters to Frisco.
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Davian Groce – Running Back (Class of 2025)
2024 Stats: 1,800+ rushing yards, 20+ TDs, named a top-15 player in Texas by On3.
Impact: A shifty, powerful back with offers from Texas, Oklahoma, and USC. -
Caden Lanham – Linebacker (Class of 2025)
2024 Stats: 100+ tackles, 5 sacks, a defensive anchor.
Future: Committed to SMU, he’s the heart of Lone Star’s defense. -
Kellen Mossakowski – Quarterback (Class of 2025)
2024 Stats: 2,500+ passing yards, 30+ TDs, clutch in playoff wins.
Legacy: His dual-threat style keeps defenses guessing.
These athletes, backed by a relentless offensive line and a swarming secondary, make Lone Star a nightmare for opponents.
What’s Lone Star’s Practice Regimen?
Success starts in the grind. Here’s a glimpse into the Rangers’ weekly routine:
Day |
Activity |
Time |
---|---|---|
Monday |
Film study, conditioning |
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
Tuesday |
Full pads, offensive drills |
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday |
Full pads, defensive schemes |
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday |
Walkthrough, special teams |
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Friday |
Game day – pre-game prep |
Varies |
Summer |
Weight training, 7-on-7 tournaments |
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
This UIL-compliant schedule hones skills and builds team chemistry.
How Does Lone Star Build Champions?
Lone Star’s formula for success is a blend of strategy, sweat, and spirit.
Coaching Mastery
Jeff Rayburn, a Frisco native, brings a player-first philosophy. His staff emphasizes fundamentals while empowering leaders like Davian Groce to set the tone. Rayburn’s track record—consistently reaching the playoffs—speaks for itself.
Training That Breeds Toughness
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Offseason: Strength camps and speed drills start in June, turning athletes into machines.
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In-Season: Daily practices focus on precision, from route-running to blitz packages.
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Film Study: Hours dissecting opponents give Lone Star a tactical edge.
Community Passion
Ford Center at The Star, shared with the Dallas Cowboys, hosts 8,000+ fans per game. Tailgates, booster clubs, and youth clinics keep Frisco buzzing with Ranger pride.
Who Are Lone Star’s Fiercest Rivals?
Rivalries fuel Lone Star’s fire, turning games into citywide events.
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Lone Star vs. Frisco Wakeland
2024 Result: 31-28 loss, a heartbreaker in district play.
Why It Matters: The battle for Frisco supremacy is personal, with playoff implications. -
Lone Star vs. Frisco Centennial
2024 Result: 45-14 win, a statement of dominance.
Edge: Lone Star’s speed overwhelms Centennial’s defense.
How Can Fans Keep Up?
Stay locked in with the Rangers:
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Live Streams: Watch on NFHS Network or Frisco ISD’s YouTube.
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Scores: MaxPreps or Dave Campbell’s Texas Football for real-time updates.
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Social: Follow @LoneStarRangers on X for highlights and hype.
Tips for Aspiring Rangers
Dream of wearing the red and silver? Here’s your game plan:
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Start Early: Play for middle schools like Staley or Pearson.
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Stay Eligible: Keep a 2.0 GPA per UIL rules.
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Show Out: Attend Lone Star’s summer camps to catch coaches’ eyes.
Why Lone Star Football Matters
Lone Star isn’t just a team—it’s Frisco’s heartbeat. Their rise from a new school to a 5A contender inspires kids, unites families, and keeps Texas football’s legacy alive. Every play carries the weight of a community’s dreams.
Fun Fact
The 2016 semifinal team outscored playoff foes 189-63 before falling to Highland Park—proof of their explosive potential.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The 2024 season ended one step shy of glory, but Lone Star High School football’s story is far from over. With stars like Davian Groce, a mastermind in Jeff Rayburn, and a city that bleeds red and silver, the Rangers are built for greatness. They’re not just chasing wins—they’re forging a dynasty. Want to witness their next chapter? Grab a ticket, join the roar at Ford Center, and ride with the Rangers. Go Lone Star!