BROWNFIELD — Friday's scoreboard went in favor of the Brownfield football team for the first time since 2023, but Lawrence Johnson has seen plenty of victories from the Cubs. That's what the second-year Brownfield coach attributes to the 36-26 decision over Morton, which snapped a 23-game losing streak. Before the team could win on the field, Johnson said, the attitude and culture had to change. The Cubs showed they're certainly are on their way. "It's been different. Everybody's starting to have that winning spirit again," center Emilio Hopkins said, "rather than just, 'Oh, Brownfield's gonna lose again.' It's just a bunch of joy and excitement, rather than doubt."
Brownfield coach Lawrence Johnson built trust early Brownfield went 0-11 last season in the first year under Johnson, who took the job after one season as the first head coach at Wichita Falls Legacy. Johnson said his plan at Brownfield mirrored his approach from opening Legacy's program. It all started with trust. "The big thing that I wanted to do is just establish a relationship with kids, build a rapport," Johnson said. "… Now the buy-in is starting to come because the trust has been established." Players back up that sentiment. "After a year straight of losing, bringing someone else in, it kind of feels like it's gonna be the same thing," athlete Braydon Luther said. "But Coach Johnson's really just changed the mood and the mindset and the energy on this team, and he's done a really good job with it." It's part of why Johnson said Friday wasn't the first time he's achieved with the Cubs. "The thing about it is, coaches want to rush success," Johnson said. "But success takes time. The wins off the scoreboard are just equally important."
Brownfield football players stuck it out Still, it was rough going through consecutive winless seasons, which ironically included consecutive playoff berths out of Brownfield's four-team district. Numbers dwindled as the losing took its toll. The ones who stayed reaped the reward Friday in comeback fashion. The Cubs trailed Morton 26-22 entering the fourth quarter, before Luther scored back-to-back touchdowns in a four-minute span to seal it. It was an especially long time coming for junior quarterback Ben Estrada. Friday marked his first football win since seventh grade. "I wanted to be the person to bring change to Brownfield's program," Estrada said. "That's what kept me motivated to keep coming every day with my head down and staying true to myself and bring that work ethic along." The rough patch built a bond among those who endured it, too. "We've shared a lot of moments together, good and bad," Johnson said. "And now it's time to turn that page and rewrite a new chapter." Johnson maintains a 24-hour rule for celebrating wins — even those that end years-long losing skids. Players and coaches are glad to put the streak to rest, but they have bigger goals in mind. A playoff spot isn't guaranteed anymore. The Cubs believe Friday was a sign things are moving in the right direction. "We actually have a reason to want to play Friday night and a reason to be excited to play," Luther said. "We're undefeated right now, and we want to continue that and keep that streak going."
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Culture shift on display as Brownfield football ends losing streak