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Discover which high school sport is the most popular in Texas and learn about the benefits of participating in team sports.
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Football
In Texas, high school football is a way of life. It is the most popular sport in the state, with more schools fielding teams than any other sport. Football Fridays in Texas are special, with high school stadiums across the state filled to capacity with fans cheering on their team.
Texas high school football traces its roots back to the early days of the sport in the late 19th century. The first high school football game in Texas was played in 1892 between Houston Academy and West End Park, both located in Houston. The game was played on Thanksgiving Day and ended in a tie.
Today, there are nearly 1,400 high schools playing 11-man football in Texas, with another 200 schools playing 6-man or 8-man football. Each year, more than 700,000 students participate in high school football in Texas.
Basketball
Basketball is the biggest high school sport in Texas. More than 1,200 schools offer basketball programs for boys and girls at the high school level. Participation numbers continue to grow every year, and there is immense interest in the sport at all levels.
Basketball is a popular sport because it is accessible to everyone. It doesn’t require a lot of equipment or expensive gear, and it can be played indoors or outdoors. Additionally, the rules are simple and easy to understand, making it a great sport for people of all ages.
There is a strong competitive culture surrounding basketball in Texas. High school teams regularly compete for state championships, and there are also many AAU and club teams that compete in various tournaments throughout the year. The competition is fierce, but it only makes the experience more enjoyable for players and fans alike.
Soccer
Soccer is the biggest high school sport in Texas, with nearly 49,000 students participating in the sport in 2017-18, according to the Texas High School Soccer Coaches Association. Football is a close second, with almost 47,000 students participating in the sport.
Baseball
Baseball is the biggest high school sport in Texas. It is also the most popular college sport, with the University of Texas Longhorns leading the way.
