ESPN’s “SportsCenter” brought its 50 States in 50 Days tour to Fort Worth, showcasing a scrimmage between North Crowley and Euless Trinity as part of a broadcast highlighting Texas high school football.
Early in the show, North Crowley head coach Ray Gates credited Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott for “unbelievable support.” He said Prescott has played a major role in the Panthers’ success through the PLAY Academy, the Prescott Leadership Academy of Youth.
“We’re actually going to the rodeo on Saturday,” Gates said. “(Prescott) has rented out an entire suite for our student-athletes. We partner with a local police department that mentors our kids. We go across the metroplex with Dak in different events — giving back and being really appreciative. He has poured a lot into our program and our kids. And that also is another piece of our success at Crowley ISD.”
The broadcast opened at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards before revisiting the legendary 1994 Class 5A Division II state championship game between Plano East and John Tyler, which is considered one of the greatest Texas high school football games ever played.
It then shifted to Crowley ISD Stadium, where Gates reflected on last season’s Class 6A Division I state title run and his ongoing connection with Allen Wilson, the John Tyler coach from that 1994 classic.
“When coach Wilson comes to your office, it doesn’t matter what your schedule is — you might as well just throw it away,” Gates said. “As a young head coach, I’m going to listen.”
Gates said that he takes every opportunity from Wilson to learn. In an ever-evolving name, image and likeness landscape, an open mind can be important. Gates added that while football continues to change, North Crowley’s talent shines through.
“We have an opportunity to have premium ingredients,” Gates said. “Everyone comes here and they want our ingredients. It’s talent. It’s things that we can’t coach.”
One of those talented players is senior John Turntine III, a four-star Texas pledge and the Star-Telegram’s No. 5 player to watch ahead of the 2025 season.
“We’re just staying hungry,” Turntine told ESPN’s Hannah Storm. “It’s easy because we’re coming off [a championship]. But we’ve just got to forget about that. That was last year’s team. It was great to have — it’s just staying hungry this whole season and wanting to get another one.”
Turntine, who was considering a neuroscience degree and can squat 600 pounds, was also asked about Crowley ISD Stadium and the construction of the Panthers’ state-of-the-art track facility.
“It’s amazing,” Turntine said. “I be saying sometimes we’re spoiled. Cause we have a lot of great things here. A lot of good facilities at our own campus and [Crowley ISD Stadium]. It’s a blessing and it’s a great thing to have.”
Turntine then discussed his commitment to the Longhorns, saying they showed him a lot of love. He has family ties to TCU, with his father playing football there, but he said the Horned Frogs weren’t as serious about his recruitment.
“Texas, they just recruited me ... way better than I feel like any other school did,” Turntine said. “After my visit, I knew it was the one.”
The show also included an interview with Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and showcased highlights from Texas high school football products such as Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield, Patrick Mahomes and more.