John Henry definitely deserves mention. He was Whataburger POTY in 1989. Now, that's some great company.
That said, let me tell you a little more about John. John was primarily known for his prowess as a running back in Lorena's T-Veer offense, but he was equally vicious as the leader and Sam Linebacker on Lorena's defense from 1987 to 1989. In fact, his impact on the 1987 team came more from his defensive dominance than his offensive input (he shared tailback duties with Derek Clark that season). The video of Henry is amazing at linebacker. He could read plays exceptionally well and would be in the backfield before the QB could even hand off the football.
Henry also had an incredible work ethic. He led summer and off-season workouts at Lorena's weight room. He was the first on the practice field at Lorena and the last one off. Henry always led conditioning drills and was the team leader on those Lorena High School teams in the late 1980's. He was always the first to finish conditioning drills and he even did tires with the rest of us after practice even when he wasn't obligated to do so.
I have so much respect for that man because of what he did on the field, in the classroom and outside the school. He was cool to you no matter what, much like his wonderful parents - and still is.
No one will ever truly appreciate what John was able to capture at Lorena. They forget that prior to 1986, the Leopards hadn't had a winning season or playoff birth since 1968. They forget that when John Crawford arrived at Lorena, Evans Field didn't have a blade of grass on it and Lorena didn't have a practice field. Until John was a Junior at Lorena, Lorena didn't even have a track facility. The kids used to run around a baron pasture near the old football stadium that the coaches used to line with chalk.
John Henry deserves to be in the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame for a whole bunch of good reasons. He is a terrific story, and Lorena would not own a State Championship football trophy it is wasn't for Henry. He excelled at everything he did at Lorena, including almost taking the basketball and baseball teams to State while he was at Lorena, as well.
He will always be a legend at Lorena and an inspiration in my heart, and I just wish so many people could know John the way I know him.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."