In 1997 Bobby Darnell graduated from Fort Bend Clements High School, and 19 years later he’s returning as the new head coach of the struggling program. After failing to win a single game last year and only winning five games over the past five years, the Rangers turned to their former star athlete to right the ship.
This is Darnell’s second stint coaching with the Rangers, having coached there from 2008-2011 as a position coach. He left Clements in 2011 to join Fort Bend Ridge Point to be the offensive coordinator at the newly established school. In Darnell’s time at Ridge Point they made the playoffs four years in a row beginning in 2012, and made it to their furthest point in 2015 when they made the 5A Division 2 state semifinals.
Darnell brings a balanced spread offense with him that is sure to bring some excitement to the school that had just one passing touchdown in 2015. With returning starting quarterback Nick Infante at the helm and Northwestern commit Rashawn Slater leading the offensive line, Darnell will have some experience and talent to work with. Even with the struggle of the past few years, Darnell is very confident and excited to bring his former school back into contention in the historically difficult Fort Bend district.
“I’m fired up about being back at Clements and being apart of the turnaround…we will turn this ship and start competing for district championships!” Darnell said when asked about his feelings about his return to his alma mater and his expectations.
While it may take some time to get back on track, there is certainly a lot of hope and excitement for this new era of Ranger football.
