McCallum is often left out of the conversation when Texas high school football pundits discus the top programs from the Austin area.
But, should they be?
The Knights have missed the postseason only twice in the last 20 seasons, with only one regular season below .500 in that same time frame. In fact, McCallum (7-4 in 2023) has amassed a 150-78 (.658 WPCT) record since 2004.
Where does that rank them among high school football teams in the Austin area over the last 20 years? Ninth.
“Our district hasn’t always been as good as other (team’s) district, but we have still have some really good players here,” said senior wide receiver Jaiden Booe. “We may not be looked at as a powerhouse, but we’ve got a few good players here and there.”
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It’s only fair to point out that McCallum has held a competitive advantage over teams traditionally in its district, which includes Austin Independent School District rivals Northeast, LBJ, Travis, Crockett, Eastside (formerly Johnston) and Navarro.
However, declining enrollment in Austin ISD high schools has shifted the classification of many of the Knight’s former district foes. LBJ, Eastside, Northeast and Travis all dropped to Class 4A in the University Interscholastic League’s biannual realignment in February.
McCallum’s district home (District 11-5A-II) stayed the same, but continuing the winning tradition is going to be a little tougher than the Knights are used to.
Class 5A powerhouse Liberty Hill, along with surging Bastrop and Pflugerville were added to the district, along with Connally and familiar faces Crockett and Navarro.
“Our district got a lot tougher,” said senior quarterback Luke Dunham. “We stepped up in the offseason knowing we have to be ready. We want to be one of those teams to get to the next level, and to get there you have to play good teams.
“We played Bastrop in 7-on-7, so we’ve seen what they have and I think we’ll be able to compete with them.”
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football picked McCallum to finish fifth in 11-5A-II behind Liberty Hill, Bastrop, Pflugerville and Elgin.
However, the Knights do return several key playmakers, including Dunham. McCallum’s field general is a dual threat and threw for 1, 282 yards while rushing for 1,369 yards and scoring 32 total touchdowns.
Dunham has a big offensive line protecting him and will have some help on offense as long as everyone stays healthy.
Injuries sidelined senior Mitchell Butler the past two seasons, but the now healthy running back has more than 2,000 career rushing yards, Wide receivers Max Sanchez, Jaiden Booe and Cooper Hensley are poised for great seasons as McCallum looks for its 19th playoff appearance since 2004.
McCallum will get the season started on Thursday, Aug. 29 in the annual Taco Shack Bowl against rival Anderson at House Park Stadium.
The series is tied at 10-10 in the last 20 meetings but the Trojans have had a slight advantage in the last five meetings, winning four of them. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Austin Sports Journal Summer Tour
Editor’s note: This is the third installment of the Austin Sports Journal’s summer high school football tour. For the next three weeks, the ASJ is visiting high school football teams all over the Greater Austin Area as they prepare for the 2024 season, which begins Thursday, Aug. 29.
Past stops
Monday, Aug. 5: Anderson, Pflugerville and LBJ
Tuesday, Aug. 6: Weiss
Wednesday, Aug. 7: Hutto