Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Pictured: Coach Stafford Named Texans Coach of the Week (Sept. 24, 2024)

Despite Northbrook High School’s (NHS) 2-8 record last season, the football program is undergoing a revitalization. Under head coach Demond Stafford, the team is flourishing and embarking on a new chapter.

Despite past challenges, the team made history last season, kicking off with a victory and securing its best start in 17 years at 2-8—a remarkable milestone for a program on the rise. Their homecoming game brought even more excitement, pushing into overtime for the first time in recent memory, a testament to their resilience and growing momentum.

“We are building something special here, and last season proved that our players are ready to compete and make even more history,” Stafford said. “Every challenge we faced was a step forward, and we are just getting started.”

The team was also featured on FOX’s “Friday Night Football Frenzy” last season, and Stafford was named the Houston Texans Coach of the Week.

More importantly, Stafford, who also serves as Northbrook’s campus athletic director, is building a new culture of accountability, trust and commitment among the team—one that will serve them well on and off the field.

Stafford says he uses Spring Branch Independent School District’s Core Characteristics as a compass to guide his team, not only during football season but in the offseason as well.

“What I love about SBISD is its commitment to T-2-4—we live it here. It’s not just talk; we integrate it into everything we do,” he said.

Stafford and his coaching staff reinforce the district’s commitment to this vision by creating daily themes that promote growth and interpersonal development among student-athletes. These themes are designed to build character and develop well-rounded young men who are positioned for future success:

• Monday – Juice and Tempo: “If you’re ‘juiceful,’ you’re useful,” Stafford says. This principle encourages the team to bring energy and enthusiasm to the week, establishing a positive tone.
• Tuesday – 1 v. 1: Tuesdays focus on competition—not just in football but in all aspects of life. The goal is to teach students the importance of striving for excellence in sports, academics and future careers.
• Wednesday – Blue Collar Wednesday: This value reflects Stafford’s belief that “tough people win,” emphasizing mental and physical toughness. He encourages athletes to be strong individuals who will one day become good fathers, husbands and role models.
• Thursday – Family: The importance of connection and support extends beyond football and into athletes’ personal lives. Stafford encourages his players to foster relationships with their families, whether by helping their mothers with household chores or assisting a younger sibling with homework.
• Friday – Pay Day and Discipline: Friday is game day during the season—when hard work pays off. Outside of football, this value reinforces accountability in all aspects of life.

Stafford also emphasizes giving back as a vital pillar of Northbrook’s athletic program. Student-athletes are encouraged to engage with their community, including visiting SBISD elementary schools to participate in field days and mentor younger students.

“The goal is to develop our athletes to be leaders both on and off the field,” Stafford said. “Giving back to the community isn’t just something we do—it’s woven into the fabric of who we are. These kids are learning that being part of a team means making a difference beyond touchdowns and field goals.”

The past season, although successful, wasn’t without its challenges. Stafford arrived on campus amid the derecho storm in May, which was shortly followed by Hurricane Beryl in July, making an already demanding transition even more difficult. The pressure of hiring staff, learning about the students and establishing a new culture was a lot, but it hasn’t deterred Stafford from entering the 2025 season with a sense of normalcy.

“This next year, we have the opportunity to build on the foundation we created this past season, and I’m confident it will pay dividends,” he said.

With a clear vision, strong values and a commitment to his players, Stafford is leading NHS football into a new era—one built on trust, perseverance and a belief in the potential of his athletes.