When the University Interscholastic League (UIL) began allowing in-game video technology on Texas high school football sidelines in 2024, it marked a turning point for how teams approach game day. Across the state, programs are experimenting with real-time replay systems to adjust strategy, develop players and stay competitive.

Katy ISD’s Tompkins High School, one of the top programs in the Houston area, has embraced the change. Coaches now integrate in-game film review into their game day routine, something that was impossible just a season ago.

A new layer of insight

Instead of waiting until Saturday morning to break down game film, Tompkins staff can now review key plays seconds after they happen. In the locker room at halftime or in the press box between drives, coaches and players analyze blown coverages, new formations or missed opportunities and adjust before the final whistle. This immediate feedback can influence the outcome of a game in real time.

Keeping things efficient

For coaching staffs with limited personnel, systems that are simple to operate are critical. Tompkins chose a setup that can be run by a single staff member or even a student volunteer. Quick access to footage means adjustments are not delayed, and halftime discussions become more productive.

Experience matters

Reliability under Friday night pressure also matters. Tompkins uses a system called GameStrat, which has been adopted by hundreds of high school and college programs nationwide. The decision was driven by a need for a proven platform that can handle the fast pace of Texas high school football.

“Being able to see the film seconds after each play with GameStrat is a game changer,” said Todd McVey, Tompkins High School head football coach. “It gives us the whole picture in real time and helps us make adjustments more efficiently."

With limited windows for feedback, especially at halftime, having a system that has been tested in chaotic environments helps reduce the chance of technical issues that could cost valuable time.

Looking ahead

As more Texas programs explore in-game video, schools like Tompkins are demonstrating how to integrate technology into coaching without sacrificing the human element. The technology does not replace coaching, but it provides an additional tool to help staff make smarter decisions more quickly. For programs looking to stay competitive in a state known for football, that extra insight can go a long way.

About the author Tunch Akkaya is the CEO and founder of GameStrat, a leading provider of real-time sideline replay technology for football teams. With a background in software engineering and experience playing football throughout university, Akkaya combines technical expertise with firsthand knowledge of the game. Through building GameStrat, he has become an expert in the football technology landscape, understanding the workflows and pain points that coaches face on a daily basis. His deep industry insight and entrepreneurial drive have positioned GameStrat as a game changer in the sports technology sector.