Dobie football hits ground running
From 4:47 to 6:02 p.m. That’s precisely the time frame that the Dobie upperclassmen football practices were running the first week of action out on the field, and head coach Danny Fitzmorris and his staff believe it is that attention to detail that will ultimately lead to big things for the Longhorns as the 2026 football season approaches.
Fitzmorris, entering his third season as head coach of the Longhorns, began the preseason Aug. 10 with 52 guys slated for varsity football action. Over time, Fitzmorris said he expects that number to grow to more than 60 or so.
In addition, while the overall numbers from previous seasons are down, the Longhorns put 75 freshmen on the field as the next wave of talent got started a week earlier.
At the varsity level, Dobie ended the 2025 season with the knowledge that as many as 10 starters on the defensive side would need to be replaced. Dutifully using the 18 spring practice sessions as well as 7-on-7 and other summer workouts, Fitzmorris said there is no concern on the defensive side.
Instead, the coach said that there are plenty of guys simply waiting to make a name for themselves when the lights come on Aug. 28 in the regular season opener at Veterans Stadium against a talented Clear Springs program.
“We have been structured and precise down to the minute during the offseason and carrying on until now, and we really believe it is that attention to detail and focus on the task at hand at that moment that is going to really benefit us moving forward,” Fitzmorris said.
“We have been engaged in film study, walk-throughs, paperwork, fundraising...whatever it takes to be ready to go when the lights come on, we have taken care of it.”
There is a certain optimism and hope in the step that comes with the first day of practice in any sport, and Fitzmorris said that there was certainly plenty of excitement surrounding the start of the preseason.
Dobie will put the pads on at the varsity level Aug. 13, and there will be a scrimmage against La Porte at the freshman level Aug. 20, with the varsity level then in action Aug. 21.
Like Clear Springs will be in the season opener, La Porte is a bonafide playoff contender each and every season and will certainly put the Longhorns to the test in the scrimmage.
“I want to see our guys match the level of physicality and intensity that I’m sure we will see from La Porte,” Fitzmorris said. “We really believe that we can go out there and compete against anybody, and I know our guys are very excited to get out there and show what they can do.
“We as a coaching staff have a great belief in these guys, and we’re just glad that the time has come to be able to get started and work toward the season. We all feel like it’s going to be a great season for us.”
Clear Creek ISD launches Clear Tech virtual learning
Clear Creek ISD and Texas Tech K-12 are proud to announce the launch of Clear Tech, an innovative full-time virtual education program that provides families with a new, tuition-free public school option beginning fall 2026.
Texas Tech K-12 will deliver rigorous, asynchronous online coursework while Clear Creek ISD provides students with the resources, guidance and school community that have made the district one of Texas’ premier public school systems. Together, the partnership offers families the flexibility they desire without compromising academic excellence, student support or opportunities for personal growth.
Clear Tech is designed for students whose educational needs extend beyond the traditional classroom, including home-schooled families seeking an accredited public school option, students balancing demanding athletic or performing arts schedules, families looking for greater flexibility, or independent learners who thrive in a self-paced environment.
“Clear Tech represents the future of public education by providing families with greater choice while maintaining the academic rigor and student support they expect from two trusted educational institutions,” said Clear Creek ISD Superintendent of Schools Karen Engle. “Our partnership with Texas Tech K-12 allows us to meet students where they are while keeping them connected to a vibrant public school community that prepares them for lifelong success.”
Students enrolled in Clear Tech remain Clear Creek ISD students while completing Texas Tech K-12’s TEKS-aligned curriculum taught by Texas-certified educators. In addition to a high-quality virtual academic experience, students have access to Clear Creek ISD-issued technology, counseling services, college and career planning tools, digital citizenship instruction and opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, select enrichment experiences and school traditions.
“Quality education begins with understanding that students learn differently,” said Texas Tech K-12 Superintendent Robert Bayard. “Our partnership with Clear Creek ISD gives families a flexible public school option without compromising rigorous academics, meaningful student support, or the connections that help students thrive. Together, we’re expanding access to an educational experience built around student success.”
Launching this fall, Clear Tech will serve students in third through ninth grade, with additional grade levels added annually. The program is available at no cost to eligible families and follows the Clear Creek ISD academic calendar while allowing students to complete coursework on a flexible, asynchronous schedule.
Families interested in learning more about Clear Tech are encouraged to visit www.cleartech.ccisd.net for program details, frequently asked questions and future enrollment information.
E-mail mynews@southbeltleader.com with news items of interest.