There’s a different feeling at Jordan this year.

While the Warriors may not have a chance to get in the playoffs this year, as the school is currently without a district until next year’s realignment, it will be the first year for the Jordan to have a varsity program and the excitement is showing.

“It’s been great around here,” said Jordan head coach Mike Rabe. “They’ve bought into what we are selling, and they have created a piece of their own culture here. The kids have taken ownership of us creating a hard-working culture. They push the narrative in the locker room and out at practice; it’s just fun to watch. We gave them tools to work with, and for them to grab it and take off has been exciting.”

Jordan, which will have freshman through junior students this year and is the newest high school in Katy ISD, planned on competing against varsity competition last year, but with COVID-19 changing team schedules, Rabe’s plan was forced back a year. Jordan had a JV schedule last season and this year will be the introduction of varsity.

“It’s huge to be able to play against other varsity teams this year,” Rabe said. “We’re excited about it. It gives us film on the opponent. It gives us the whole breakdown of how to game plan –  lets us have a weekend operation. It’s just really good for our kids to get this experience and have them know what to expect once we have a district next year.”

Rabe said players are taking accountability and leadership has grown from the players going into their second years.

“We’ve got a great junior class right now and just to watch those guys’ growth from the beginning of last year to where they are now has been exciting,” he said. “They do things right and it’s the whole group of them that does it the right way. It’s just been outstanding from them and as a coach it’s been so fun to watch.”

Juniors who have stood out and taken up leadership roles include Nicholas Hollinger and Ryan Miller as well as the entire offensive and defensive line, which are filled with juniors.

Collin Willis and Deuce Barrington will battle for the starting spot at quarterback this season, and Rabe has been impressed out of what he has seen from the two.

“Seeing those two guys compete against each other for that starting spot has been great,” Rabe said. “Day in, day out, through the spring and summer they’ve given it everything and it’s been really fun to watch. They’re both great players.”

Jordan will play at Waco La Vega in its season opener on Aug. 27 before facing Danbury at Rhodes Stadium on Sept. 3. The team can’t wait to finally get things going.

“I’m really excited, I’m proud of the work they’ve put in and I can’t wait to get some games under the lights and do some of that traveling that’s unique,” Rabe said. “I want to see how they go out there and perform and see what we’re good at and what we need to fix. It’s going to be rewarding to see them go out in those type of situations and compete.”