Ennis, Texas – A significant change in leadership has occurred within the Ennis High School football program. On Tuesday, the Ennis Independent School District announced Don Drake as the new head coach, officially taking over the reins from coaching legend Sam Harrell. This news comes after Harrell decided to retire from coaching in late October due to health issues related to multiple sclerosis.
Harrell had a remarkable career, spending over two decades with the Lions, where he was a key figure in shaping the team into a successful program. He initially left coaching in 2010, shortly after being diagnosed, but he made a comeback in 2018 and continued to lead the Lions. During his time, Harrell led the team to three state championships and was a pioneer for the “spread” offense in Texas high school football.
Replacing Harrell is Don Drake, who has been serving as the Ennis ISD athletic director. Drake joined the Ennis school district in 2019 after coaching for 12 seasons at McKinney Boyd, where he achieved a record of 64-67. His coaching experience includes a challenging start with an 0-10 record in his first season, but he quickly turned the program around, leading them to nine wins in his second season and several playoff appearances in the following years.
Drake faces the challenge of filling Harrell’s large shoes, especially considering Harrell’s impressive track record. Over the years, Harrell’s teams accumulated a 146-46 record and a remarkable 13 consecutive playoff appearances. His legacy includes setting multiple state records, including those set by his son, Graham Harrell, who played under his father and became a high school football star.
The upcoming season will be pivotal for Drake as he works to continue the hills of success left by his predecessor while fostering a strong team environment. The community is hopeful and excited to see what the future holds for the Ennis Lions under a new coach.
