By Caroline Cooper 
Austin Sports Journal 

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School made a bold move this season – transitioning from six-man to 11-man football in the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC). 

The Spartans are playing an independent schedule this year as they prepare to join other sports in the SPC, a league made up of private schools in Texas and Oklahoma. 

St. Stephen’s (6-1) plays its final game of the season Thursday at home against the CTSA Outlaws. So far, the transition from six-man to 11-man has been a resounding success.  

The Spartans opened the year 5-0 and held their own against a strong TAPPS opponent, TMI Episcopal, before suffering their only loss of the season.  

While there won’t be playoffs this season due to the transition, the foundation has clearly been set for long-term success. 

“The biggest change has been position specialization along with position coaching,” head coach Jay Patterson said. “Six-man requires each position to diversify and learn two or three additional skill sets. For example, a six-man quarterback also has to be a fullback and running back. With an 11-man strategy, players can focus on one position, which also requires more coaches to teach those positions.” 

Finding their footing 

For seniors Basil Baldwin, Will Waters and Keyen Gupta, the change has reshaped not just how the team plays, but how football is viewed on campus. 

After a decade of six-man football, the players say the move to 11-man has brought more defined roles and a deeper understanding of the game. 

“The biggest change is easily one-dimensional roles,” Baldwin said. “In six-man, everyone did everything. Now, each player has a more defined role.” 

Waters added that the team feels more cohesive because of that specialization. 

“Eleven-man is a much more complicated game,” he said. “Obviously, there are more people on the field, so there are more jobs that need to get done.” 

Gupta noted that practices have become more organized and focused. 

“We have more structured practice schedules and lifts,” he said. “Practices are divided by position groups, so we can get a deeper understanding of football and the roles we play.” 

A new era of school spirit 

The move has sparked a surge in school pride across campus, players say. With a larger roster that is now around 60 players, the team has become a hub of student connection and community spirit. 

“At a small school like ours, with graduating classes of about 100 students, having a big football team helps freshmen and new students integrate more smoothly into high school life,” Waters said. 

The players say the difference in the atmosphere has been noticeable. 

“When we played six-man, the student body didn’t really bat an eye,” Gupta said. “Now, the stadium is packed every Friday. It’s become an actual event.” 

Baldwin agreed. “Teachers talk to me about games, and the stands are the fullest I’ve ever seen them,” he said. 

All three seniors say the increased support from classmates, teachers and fans has created an environment they’re proud to be part of. 

Building for the future 

Despite their strong 6-1 record in their inaugural 11-man season, the Spartans won’t compete in the playoffs due to their open schedule. But Gupta said this season is about much more than postseason goals. 

“This year is a statement year, showing we can perform well so our addition to the SPC is felt and respected,” he said. 

Baldwin echoed that sentiment. 

“We decided to switch to 11-man because setting up the program for the future was more important than chasing a championship in a six-man conference,” he said. “Playing a season of 11-man football meant more to us seniors than winning a six-man tournament.” 

Waters added, “It’s a historic time to be part of St. Stephen’s. We want this transition to be remembered as a successful, smooth move into 11-man and SPC football.” 

Patterson said the decision not to play in the postseason this year has been beneficial for the program’s long-term growth. 

“Not playing in the playoffs gives us time to focus, plan and continue to build a cohesive culture that will generate more participation,” he said. “Many of our players are new to 11-man football, and this independent schedule allows us to test how well the team can execute new plays and learn new concepts.”