Michael Haag
@michael-haag.bsky.social
Reporter - @wacotrib.bsky.social | Occasionally - @APNews.com | Previously - @dallasnews.com, Baylor Lariat | @baylor.bsky.social ‘25 | Contact - Michael.Haag@wacotrib.com
If you think “too many teams make the playoffs,” China Spring has something to say.
The #Cougars were the loudest example of 4-seeded heavy underdog who proved it deserved a spot in the #txhsfb playoffs.
Yes, let’s keep the full playoff field the way it is. wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The #Cougars were the loudest example of 4-seeded heavy underdog who proved it deserved a spot in the #txhsfb playoffs.
Yes, let’s keep the full playoff field the way it is. wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Mike's Football Rewind: Fourth-place teams matter, and China Spring just proved it
Every year — both before and after the bi-district round of the UIL Texas high school football playoffs arrives — the same old-school chatter pops up.
wacotrib.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:15 PM
If you think “too many teams make the playoffs,” China Spring has something to say.
The #Cougars were the loudest example of 4-seeded heavy underdog who proved it deserved a spot in the #txhsfb playoffs.
Yes, let’s keep the full playoff field the way it is. wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The #Cougars were the loudest example of 4-seeded heavy underdog who proved it deserved a spot in the #txhsfb playoffs.
Yes, let’s keep the full playoff field the way it is. wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
La Vega and #Bremond reminded everyone why experience matters. Both showed what playoff-tested programs do best — win big games when it counts.
Some teams just know how to win. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Some teams just know how to win. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Mike's Football Rewind: Can’t fake experience under Friday night lights
Week 9 proved that experience still wins in Texas high school football, as La Vega and Bremond showed what separates battle-tested programs from those still figuring out how to finish.
wacotrib.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:16 PM
La Vega and #Bremond reminded everyone why experience matters. Both showed what playoff-tested programs do best — win big games when it counts.
Some teams just know how to win. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Some teams just know how to win. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
It was the Dub Crain Show in West.
The junior QB totaled six TDs and the Trojans’ defense was lights out again, blanking Mexia 64-0 for their sixth straight win. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The junior QB totaled six TDs and the Trojans’ defense was lights out again, blanking Mexia 64-0 for their sixth straight win. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Dub Crain leads West to 6th straight win with 64-0 rout of Mexia
West quarterback Dub Crain accounted for six touchdowns and the Trojan defense pitched its third shutout in four weeks as West rolled past Mexia, 64-0, for its sixth straight win.
wacotrib.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:18 AM
It was the Dub Crain Show in West.
The junior QB totaled six TDs and the Trojans’ defense was lights out again, blanking Mexia 64-0 for their sixth straight win. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The junior QB totaled six TDs and the Trojans’ defense was lights out again, blanking Mexia 64-0 for their sixth straight win. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
#Crawford feels like “Mayberry,” and first-year head coach Ty Robinson fits right in.
Robinson was the school's first outside hire in 35 years, and the #Pirates are thriving again under his old-school touch. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Robinson was the school's first outside hire in 35 years, and the #Pirates are thriving again under his old-school touch. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Crawford Pirates back on course with Ty Robinson’s old-school touch
First-year head coach Ty Robinson has found a new home in Crawford, where small-town pride meets old-school football. The Pirates are thriving again after last year’s rare slump.
wacotrib.com
October 17, 2025 at 12:46 AM
#Crawford feels like “Mayberry,” and first-year head coach Ty Robinson fits right in.
Robinson was the school's first outside hire in 35 years, and the #Pirates are thriving again under his old-school touch. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Robinson was the school's first outside hire in 35 years, and the #Pirates are thriving again under his old-school touch. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
A brutal run of injuries has ended #Itasca’s football season early.
The Wampus Cats’ forfeits shake up a 7-2A Div. I district already missing Rio Vista due to a playoff ban.
Dave Campbell's Texas Football had it first. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The Wampus Cats’ forfeits shake up a 7-2A Div. I district already missing Rio Vista due to a playoff ban.
Dave Campbell's Texas Football had it first. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Itasca forfeits remainder of season amid rash of injuries
A mounting list of injuries has forced the Itasca Wampus Cats to end their varsity football season early, leaving District 7-2A Div. I down to five playoff contenders.
wacotrib.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:04 AM
A brutal run of injuries has ended #Itasca’s football season early.
The Wampus Cats’ forfeits shake up a 7-2A Div. I district already missing Rio Vista due to a playoff ban.
Dave Campbell's Texas Football had it first. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The Wampus Cats’ forfeits shake up a 7-2A Div. I district already missing Rio Vista due to a playoff ban.
Dave Campbell's Texas Football had it first. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Friday's pregame playlist said it all as NBA YoungBoy blared and confidence oozed all over the field.
The La Vega #Pirates took some early hits but are finding their rhythm again, just like last year’s team that danced all the way to state. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The La Vega #Pirates took some early hits but are finding their rhythm again, just like last year’s team that danced all the way to state. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Mike's Football Rewind: La Vega walking familiar path as Pirates hit their stride
La Vega is rising again after a brutal nondistrict stretch, pushing through early losses, building depth in the backfield and channeling 2024’s second-half magic toward a deep postseason run.
wacotrib.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Friday's pregame playlist said it all as NBA YoungBoy blared and confidence oozed all over the field.
The La Vega #Pirates took some early hits but are finding their rhythm again, just like last year’s team that danced all the way to state. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The La Vega #Pirates took some early hits but are finding their rhythm again, just like last year’s team that danced all the way to state. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
La Vega's defense set the tone, and the ground game did the rest. The No. 9 #Pirates handed previously unbeaten #Gatesville its first loss, 24-7 — and they still weren’t satisfied. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
La Vega takes Gatesville’s sting out with 24-7 win in district opener
La Vega leaned on its defense and rushing attack to hand previously unbeaten Gatesville its first loss, 24-7, in a district opener that still left the Pirates wanting more.
wacotrib.com
October 11, 2025 at 4:44 AM
La Vega's defense set the tone, and the ground game did the rest. The No. 9 #Pirates handed previously unbeaten #Gatesville its first loss, 24-7 — and they still weren’t satisfied. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Replacing a 2,000-yard rusher isn’t easy — but the #Hornets have done it their way.
Under first-year HC Jose Aguirre, #Gatesville has reinvented its attack and looks to carry its nondistrict momentum into District 12-4A Div. II play this week. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Under first-year HC Jose Aguirre, #Gatesville has reinvented its attack and looks to carry its nondistrict momentum into District 12-4A Div. II play this week. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Passing the torch — and the ball: Gatesville Hornets finding new ways to sting
First-year coach Jose Aguirre has Gatesville unbeaten through five games, powered by a next-man-up mentality, two-way standouts and the belief that resilience can carry the Hornets even higher.
wacotrib.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Replacing a 2,000-yard rusher isn’t easy — but the #Hornets have done it their way.
Under first-year HC Jose Aguirre, #Gatesville has reinvented its attack and looks to carry its nondistrict momentum into District 12-4A Div. II play this week. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Under first-year HC Jose Aguirre, #Gatesville has reinvented its attack and looks to carry its nondistrict momentum into District 12-4A Div. II play this week. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Once uncertain if Division I soccer was in their future, #Baylor twins Hallie and Hannah Augustyn now anchor one of the nation’s best defenses while leading the #Bears into national relevance. #Big12SOC wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Twin pillars: Augustyn sisters anchor Baylor soccer’s rise
Baylor twins Hallie and Hannah Augustyn turned a late recruiting opportunity into lasting success, becoming defensive cornerstones for a resurgent Bears soccer program ranked among the nation’s best t...
wacotrib.com
October 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Once uncertain if Division I soccer was in their future, #Baylor twins Hallie and Hannah Augustyn now anchor one of the nation’s best defenses while leading the #Bears into national relevance. #Big12SOC wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
#Bosqueville leaned on junior RB Dax Pharris and a relentless defense to knock off Rosebud-Lott, 35-21. The #Bulldogs (4-0) are unbeaten through four games for the first time since 2012. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Bulldogs bite Cougars, 35-21, to stay perfect at 4-0
Bosqueville leaned on junior standout Dax Pharris and a swarming defense to stay unbeaten, knocking off Rosebud-Lott 35-21 for the Bulldogs’ best start in more than a decade.
wacotrib.com
September 20, 2025 at 4:28 AM
#Bosqueville leaned on junior RB Dax Pharris and a relentless defense to knock off Rosebud-Lott, 35-21. The #Bulldogs (4-0) are unbeaten through four games for the first time since 2012. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
#University battled #Shoemaker to a halftime tie, but a second-half burst and a rash of penalties sent the Trojans to a 47-28 loss in their home opener. #TribFridayNight #OnThursday #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Halftime tie unravels fast as Trojans flag themselves out of it, 47-28
University matched Shoemaker through the first half, but penalties and explosive plays after halftime proved costly. The Greywolves capitalized to stay unbeaten, leaving the Trojans still searching fo...
wacotrib.com
September 19, 2025 at 4:55 AM
#University battled #Shoemaker to a halftime tie, but a second-half burst and a rash of penalties sent the Trojans to a 47-28 loss in their home opener. #TribFridayNight #OnThursday #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
#Lake #Belton built a big first-half lead, then leaned on its defense to hold off #Killeen's comeback bid for a 28-21 win Thursday at #Tiger Field, avoiding an 0-3 start to the season. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Lake Belton survives second-half slump to edge Kangaroos, 28-21
Lake Belton struck early with four first-half touchdowns, then leaned on its defense to hold off Killeen’s comeback bid, sealing a 28-21 win Thursday at Belton ISD’s Tiger Field.
wacotrib.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:48 AM
#Lake #Belton built a big first-half lead, then leaned on its defense to hold off #Killeen's comeback bid for a 28-21 win Thursday at #Tiger Field, avoiding an 0-3 start to the season. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
#Fairfield showed it’s more than a one-two punch Friday night. QB Kohl Collins spread the ball around, the defense locked down and the #Eagles rolled rival #Mexia 66-0. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Fairfield’s weapons on full display in 66-0 rivalry win over Mexia
Fairfield showed its depth in a 66-0 rout of rival Mexia, as Kohl Collins led a balanced offense that spread the ball around while the defense posted a dominant shutout.
wacotrib.com
September 6, 2025 at 3:54 AM
#Fairfield showed it’s more than a one-two punch Friday night. QB Kohl Collins spread the ball around, the defense locked down and the #Eagles rolled rival #Mexia 66-0. #TribFridayNight #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
After back-to-back state titles and a trip to the area round, China Spring was humbled by a 2-8 season.
Now, fueled by senior leadership and the motto “Protect the brand,” the Cougars are chasing redemption. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Now, fueled by senior leadership and the motto “Protect the brand,” the Cougars are chasing redemption. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
'Protect the brand' — China Spring blends confidence, hunger in pursuit of resurgence
After a humbling 2-8 season, China Spring is fueled by senior leadership, a fresh mindset and the motto "Protect the brand" as the Cougars chase a resurgent campaign.
wacotrib.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:06 PM
After back-to-back state titles and a trip to the area round, China Spring was humbled by a 2-8 season.
Now, fueled by senior leadership and the motto “Protect the brand,” the Cougars are chasing redemption. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Now, fueled by senior leadership and the motto “Protect the brand,” the Cougars are chasing redemption. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Alysiah Lockette’s first-half goal and a shutout from Azul Alvarez and her back line powered #Baylor soccer past #Texas, 1-0. It’s the #Bears’ first win over the #Longhorns since 2017 and their fourth straight clean sheet. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Lockette’s goal lifts Baylor past Texas, 1-0, for first win in series since 2017
Alysiah Lockette’s first-half goal and a stingy Baylor defense carried the Bears past Texas, 1-0, for their first win over the Longhorns since 2017 and a fourth straight shutout.
wacotrib.com
September 5, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Alysiah Lockette’s first-half goal and a shutout from Azul Alvarez and her back line powered #Baylor soccer past #Texas, 1-0. It’s the #Bears’ first win over the #Longhorns since 2017 and their fourth straight clean sheet. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Michelle Lenard’s fourth-year squad is deeper, older and more confident than ever. #Baylor soccer puts its unbeaten start on the line in Thursday’s home opener versus No. 17 #Mississippi State. #Big12SOC wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Depth, defense give Baylor soccer new swagger ahead of Mississippi State test
Baylor returns home unbeaten and more seasoned than ever, ready to face No. 17 Mississippi State in its home opener that could provide a statement win and spark postseason momentum.
wacotrib.com
August 28, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Michelle Lenard’s fourth-year squad is deeper, older and more confident than ever. #Baylor soccer puts its unbeaten start on the line in Thursday’s home opener versus No. 17 #Mississippi State. #Big12SOC wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Adversity has defined @ReicherCougars football in recent years.
Now, after the passing of alum and HFC/AD Mike Shields, the Cougars are dedicating their season to him while chasing their first win since 2022. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Now, after the passing of alum and HFC/AD Mike Shields, the Cougars are dedicating their season to him while chasing their first win since 2022. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Shields in their hearts: Reicher focused on playing for fallen coach
Bishop Reicher enters 2025 determined to honor late coach Mike Shields, embracing optimism and resilience as the Cougars seek their first win since 2022 while carrying his legacy forward.
wacotrib.com
August 25, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Adversity has defined @ReicherCougars football in recent years.
Now, after the passing of alum and HFC/AD Mike Shields, the Cougars are dedicating their season to him while chasing their first win since 2022. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Now, after the passing of alum and HFC/AD Mike Shields, the Cougars are dedicating their season to him while chasing their first win since 2022. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
“I told the girls it was one of the fastest ‘Yes’s’ I’ve ever said.”
The wait is over.
Coach Kyle Anema and #McLennan volleyball are getting an early start, making their debut this weekend in Cisco. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
The wait is over.
Coach Kyle Anema and #McLennan volleyball are getting an early start, making their debut this weekend in Cisco. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
No more waiting: MCC volleyball’s debut arrives sooner than expected
When McLennan's inaugural volleyball team began practice three weeks ago, the Highlanders thought they had a full month before their first official match.
wacotrib.com
August 21, 2025 at 10:46 PM
“I told the girls it was one of the fastest ‘Yes’s’ I’ve ever said.”
The wait is over.
Coach Kyle Anema and #McLennan volleyball are getting an early start, making their debut this weekend in Cisco. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
The wait is over.
Coach Kyle Anema and #McLennan volleyball are getting an early start, making their debut this weekend in Cisco. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Chris Lancaster left #Robinson for #Mart, where eight championship banners hang, 844 wins echo and 9-3 counts as a letdown.
The #Panthers’ new coach has fully embraced the tradition and pressure that comes with a hungry community. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The #Panthers’ new coach has fully embraced the tradition and pressure that comes with a hungry community. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
'We work for Mart' — Lancaster, Panthers embrace tradition, pressure
Chris Lancaster stepped away from success at Robinson to take the helm at Mart, where eight state titles hang as reminders and a 9-3 season feels unfinished.
wacotrib.com
August 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Chris Lancaster left #Robinson for #Mart, where eight championship banners hang, 844 wins echo and 9-3 counts as a letdown.
The #Panthers’ new coach has fully embraced the tradition and pressure that comes with a hungry community. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
The #Panthers’ new coach has fully embraced the tradition and pressure that comes with a hungry community. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
#University's first fall practices under new head coach Charles Foster have gone about as well as he could have imagined.
Sounds like a team returning most of its staff and starters. Plus other notes. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Sounds like a team returning most of its staff and starters. Plus other notes. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
High school notebook: Veteran leadership fuels University’s smooth start to fall practice
With veteran leadership, returning talent and new direction under head coach Charles Foster, University is rolling through fall camp. Midway is also building on year two under Joe Gillespie.
wacotrib.com
August 13, 2025 at 10:33 PM
#University's first fall practices under new head coach Charles Foster have gone about as well as he could have imagined.
Sounds like a team returning most of its staff and starters. Plus other notes. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Sounds like a team returning most of its staff and starters. Plus other notes. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Could University really be known as “Defensive Back University” among Class 5A schools this season? With standout safeties such as rising blue-chip junior Davontrae Kirkland and senior Jeremiah Green, they certainly think so. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
University’s 'No Fly Zone' ready for takeoff in 2025
The University Trojans’ “No Fly Zone” is ready: Once winless, UHS has turned into a playoff regular with one of Texas’ best secondaries, led by Davontrae Kirkland and Jeremiah Green.
wacotrib.com
August 8, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Could University really be known as “Defensive Back University” among Class 5A schools this season? With standout safeties such as rising blue-chip junior Davontrae Kirkland and senior Jeremiah Green, they certainly think so. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Chris Lancaster couldn’t sleep, Whitney kicked off at 12:15 a.m. and storms hit Central Texas before sunrise.
Welcome to the first official day of high school football in Texas. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Welcome to the first official day of high school football in Texas. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Wide awake and weather-delayed, Central Texas football kicks off fall practice
Thunderstorms, lightning delays and even a midnight kickoff marked the first official day of high school football practice for smaller-school programs across Central Texas, including Mart and Whitney.
wacotrib.com
August 4, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Chris Lancaster couldn’t sleep, Whitney kicked off at 12:15 a.m. and storms hit Central Texas before sunrise.
Welcome to the first official day of high school football in Texas. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Welcome to the first official day of high school football in Texas. #txhsfb wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
“Oh my gosh, I have six months to get a full squad here?”
Eight months ago, Kyle Anema took on the challenge of building #McLennan volleyball from scratch, and Friday, that journey reached the program's first official practice. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Eight months ago, Kyle Anema took on the challenge of building #McLennan volleyball from scratch, and Friday, that journey reached the program's first official practice. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
'So excited for this moment' — MCC volleyball hits court for historic first practice
Kyle Anema knew Friday marked a historic day for McLennan Community College, and it kept him up most of Thursday night.
wacotrib.com
August 1, 2025 at 10:55 PM
“Oh my gosh, I have six months to get a full squad here?”
Eight months ago, Kyle Anema took on the challenge of building #McLennan volleyball from scratch, and Friday, that journey reached the program's first official practice. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Eight months ago, Kyle Anema took on the challenge of building #McLennan volleyball from scratch, and Friday, that journey reached the program's first official practice. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
Home-field advantage for top seeds in #txhsfb Class 4A and below was a key topic at last week’s #THSCA convention. While support is growing, @uiltexas.bsky.social officials say logistical hurdles remain. Here's what Central Texas coaches had to say. wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
Central Texas coaches weigh in on UIL home-field advantage debate
A key topic swirling around the 93rd annual Texas High School Coaches Association's Coaching School and Convention last week was whether high school football teams in Class 4A and below
wacotrib.com
July 28, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Home-field advantage for top seeds in #txhsfb Class 4A and below was a key topic at last week’s #THSCA convention. While support is growing, @uiltexas.bsky.social officials say logistical hurdles remain. Here's what Central Texas coaches had to say. wacotrib.com/sports/high-...
As more conference commissioners and TV networks schedule FBS games on Friday nights, including #Baylor's 2025 opener, the #THSCA is pushing back, defending #txhsfb's sacred spotlight. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...
High school notebook: THSCA pushes back on FBS intrusion into Friday nights
Texas high school coaches are drawing a hard line as FBS programs continue scheduling games on Friday nights, long considered sacred turf. The THSCA says it’s continuing to push back.
wacotrib.com
July 25, 2025 at 7:21 PM
As more conference commissioners and TV networks schedule FBS games on Friday nights, including #Baylor's 2025 opener, the #THSCA is pushing back, defending #txhsfb's sacred spotlight. wacotrib.com/sports/colle...