Countdown to Kickoff: Groom Tigers

GROOM, Texas (KFDA) - The entire population of Groom, TX, is less than 8 percent of the enrollment number of the largest high school in the state.

But when the Friday night lights come on, the passion is all the same.

“It’s a pride thing,” head coach Tory Peet said. “You wanna be a Tiger. The little kids wanna be Tigers. You have to live up to that expectation every year.”

In district play, the Tigers only have two losing seasons in their last 17. Their success is formed through their bond.

“Stick together,” junior quarterback Davis Babcock said. “I think that’s a big thing that Coach Peet talks about. Stick together and stay as one on the field.”

Peet is entering his fourth season as head coach, leading kids both on and off the field.

“It’s easy to talk to him,” senior center Clay Oliveira said. “In the classroom, he’s taught me a whole bunch. He teaches me more out here on the field, too. Family first. If there’s family problems at home, take care of that first before football.”

Coaching is a 24/7 gig, but Coach Peet loves every second of it.

“I’m a math teacher that coaches,” Peet said. “I love the coaching part of it, let me tell you. They keep me young. You get to see a kid different in the classroom as you see out on the football field or the basketball court. You get to know him better and it’s special to see.”

No matter who’s on his roster, there’s one thing you can count on. Come Friday night, the Tigers will be ready.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be the head coach at Groom, Texas,” Peet said. “We may not be the best team. Heck, we hadn’t been the biggest team ever. A few years ago, we were little bitty, but I can tell you, we’re gonna hit you hard, we’re gonna play hard. We’re gonna give you everything we’ve got. That’s what it is to be a Tiger. We don’t worry about the scoreboard. We wanna do things the right way. We wanna play hard, and the scoreboard will take care of itself.”

Groom football schedule

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