Dating all the way back to the 1970s, Parkway West football has seen its fair share of ups and downs on its chase to a state championship. With their closest attempt ending in a state quarterfinal loss in 2016, the Longhorns entered a period of struggle as they tried to find their footing. Fortunately, thanks to a class of more than 30 seniors and large support from the underclassmen, the program is on a road to success as they prepare for an anticipated deep playoff run.

To kick off the season, the Longhorns travelled to Seckman High School on Aug. 29. Seckman had not lost a regular-season game in three years. While also being on Seckman’s home turf, the Longhorns were not the favorite team by many critics, like popular high school sports journalist GSV. On GSV’s Instagram page, the Longhorns were voted to lose to Seckmen. Determined to prove everyone wrong, West had a statement performance against Seckman, leading to a single-point win.

“Our goal is to play the best football we can. After [beating Seckman], I told [the team] that if this is the best thing that happens to us all year, then we haven’t done a good job,” varsity football head coach and physical education teacher Jeff Duncan said. “It’s always been about playing our best football, even past week 10. If we can do that, we’ll be a tough matchup for anybody.”

With an extremely successful regular season record of 7-2 and a win in the first round of the MSHAA district tournament over Parkway Central High School, the team is motivated and confident for a deep playoff run. This is especially impactful for the senior leaders on the team, as their last year of high school football soon comes to a close.

“With the experience these guys have had over the past four years, their leadership and all of their playing experience have really helped the team come together and build up to this level,” varsity assistant coach and History teacher Melvin Trotier said. “With this leadership, [the team’s] expectations are to win and go further than we have in the past.”

From the coaches and underclassmen to the parents and fans, the effects of the senior leadership on the team have been apparent, even behind the scenes. Experience is valuable in any locker room and is a trait that many coaches look for in their veterans.

“[Coach Duncan] has always preached that we are only as good as our seniors. [The seniors] always lead, give us a sense to look up to them and learn from their experience and skill,” sophomore Jack Peterson said. “They’re always there for us, especially in drills. They’re always up in the front of the line, so you’re always going to copy what they do and try to be as good as the example that they set.”

The guarantee of success now and in the future is important to the program. The traditions and mentality that are passed down from every graduating class are now the responsibility of the 2026 class. A strong foundation and a tightly knit group are going to be the key to success in this group. 

“As a senior, it’s important to lead by example. This is important when bringing the team together as a whole, which makes us have a more successful game,” senior Leyton Usry said. “Eventually, those freshmen are going to be playing on varsity when they’re older. It’s important to bring everyone closer now, so we can play as a family, and as one.”

The Longhorns will take on Northpoint at home on Friday Nov. 7 at 6 PM for round 2 of district playoffs. A win or go home matchup, the pressure of success starts to set in now more than ever for this group of young men.