5A Team of the Week: Waco Lions
Heading into 2026, there was a cloud hanging over the heads of the Waco Lions. They had not won a game since September 13, 2024.
After a week one defeat to Birdville, their losing streak had reached 18 games.
Still, Waco head coach Esrom Martinez remained confident that a breakthrough was coming. However, a road trip to 6A Granbury wouldn’t have been a game most people would’ve picked to end that drought.
Waco had other ideas.
“We had to face adversity for all four quarters,” Martinez said. “There were moments when things didn’t go our way, but our kids didn’t panic, didn’t quit, and didn’t let adversity bother them. They continued to fight and trust each other.”
The result? A gutsy 28-24 win for the Lions. Running back Eric Taylor Jr. scored on a 32-yard run that you’d have to see to believe with seven minutes to go before the Lions defense delivered the stop needed to hold on for the win.
“To see these kids snap an 18-game losing streak, it means a lot to our players, our staff, our school, and our community,” Martinez said. “These kids have continued to show up, work, and believe in the process even when things were difficult. This win is a reminder that when you stay together, keep working, and trust the process, good things can happen.”
The Waco backfield was just about unstoppable in Granbury. Lion quarterback Jordan Alverez threw for 281 yards and three scores, while Taylor added another 175 yards on the ground. In the receiving corps, Zaydrian Johnson was the standout with eight catches for 185 yards and two scores.
Defensively, the Lions were led by a trio of junior linebackers. Lane Jones had 15 tackles, Tyson Freeman had 14, and Michael Leonard finished with 13.
Waco has not won more than two games in a season since 2017, but Martinez is confident this group is heading in the right direction after what he saw from them this offseason.
“That’s where you build your foundation and prepare for moments like that,” Martinez said. “You don’t win games overnight. You win them through the work, discipline, and commitment you put in long before Friday nights.”
Next up, Waco will take on another 6A opponent when Bryan comes to town this Friday.
Previous 5A Teams of the Week
Week One: Bryan Adams
