AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In its four years of existence, LASA (Liberal Arts and Sciences) High School football has fought through a lot. Low numbers on the roster particularly have disadvantaged the program.
"We can play with a lot of teams," said LASA junior Kieran McDonald. "But as the game goes on, we start to not be able to put fresh guys in. Our best guys were in and they're starting to get tired."
Despite coming off their first winning season in the program's brief history last year, LASA made a tough decision in early 2024. The Raptors will play an independent schedule this season with the hope of returning to UIL play in two seasons.
In a message from LASA's principal Stacia Crescenzi to the school's community, she explained the situation and why the move was made.
Because the culture of most LASA athletics is that we welcome everyone regardless of experience, it is common for many new members of our team to have never played organized football prior to high school. We don't mind this. In fact, we like this welcoming atmosphere. However, it does raise safety concerns to a higher level when we are scheduled to play certain teams outside of AISD.
The team brought in Gary Howard to lead the program. He comes from Northbrook High School in the Houston area and relishes the challenge of building LASA's program.
"That has basically been my niche over the last 13 years as a coach is a program builder," said Howard. "So I was excited about the chance to take this challenge on and see if I can build something good with these guys."
When LASA goes back to an UIL-affiliated schedule is up to Howard and how he views the state of the program. It's a numbers game.
"They've told me that they're going to base it on how I feel," Howard said. "My goal is to make sure we have enough numbers where we can go ahead and get back into UIL and compete."
Current players believe the move will lead to more wins and more interest in the program, and they're recruiting like crazy.
"I brought in like four of our guys," said LASA sophomore Parker Hill. "Every class, it's 'Why don't you play football? Man, you're big, why don't you play football?' Just trying to gas them up and get them onto the team."
Howard loves to see it.
"Whenever I see somebody that looks like they can play some football in the hallway, I'm on them too," said Howard. "I'm telling these guys every day to talk to your friends. Find out if they're interested. If they are, get them out here. Let's talk to them."
LASA's new schedule means a lot more travel. With the ability to play a lot more teams as they have increased flexibility, the Raptors will head to the metroplex, south of San Antonio and to Houston for multiple games.
While increased travel might be negative for many teams, LASA's mentality is far from it.
"You tell me," said Hill. "You get to go on a bus with your dogs [and] drive down to Houston. Play an away game at a nicer stadium on a big, nice bus. That sounds like fun to me."