Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

At Stratford High School, Friday nights have long been filled with tradition, pride, and playoff football. Campus Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Todd Rankin enters his eighth year leading the Spartans with confidence that the 2025 squad has the size, strength, and character to carry that legacy forward.

“For the first time in my eight years here, we’ve got four returning starters on the offensive line,” Rankin said. “We’re strong up front on both sides of the ball, and that’s going to make a real difference for us.”

---

Strength up front

The Spartans’ identity this season begins in the trenches. With both the offensive and defensive lines returning key contributors, Stratford is positioned to establish control at the line of scrimmage.

“We feel like we can play with anybody up front,” Rankin said. “That’s what excites us—the ability to run the football behind our line and stop the run defensively.”

One of the most dynamic weapons in the backfield is running back Davis Kendall, a returning starter who has committed to play at the Air Force Academy.

“Davis has really become the model Spartan,” Rankin said. “He may be undersized, but he works relentlessly—in track, in the weight room, everywhere. He’s earned everything he’s gotten.”

---

Team bonding and growth

This offseason, Stratford focused on more than just X’s and O’s.

“We’ve had a strong run of four playoff years, but we also lost a senior-heavy group,” Rankin explained. “The big focus this offseason has been bonding—how we handle adversity together, how we connect as a team. That unity is what’s going to carry us through.”

The Spartans also take pride in their family atmosphere and success off the field.

“Yes, we want to win games,” Rankin said. “But we’re just as proud of our academic all-district and all-state honorees, and the community service our kids do year-round. We want to be well-rounded student-athletes.”

---

Players to watch

Spartan fans will see familiar names making plays this season:

• Davis Kendall, RB – Air Force commit, explosive speed, and a leader on offense.
• Foard Polley, OT – A three-year starter and University of Pennsylvania commit.
• Clayton Nonhof, OT – Anchors the other side of the line and drawing college offers.
• Kenny White, C – Veteran leader in the middle of the offensive line.
• Nate Edwards, OL – Returning starter working back from injury.
• Callan Kirk, DE – All-district pass rusher who leads a tough defensive front.
• Jaxon Blundell, LB – Versatile defender who can play multiple spots.
• Jonathan Joseph, DB – Playmaker in the secondary with five interceptions last season; also a special teams threat with two kickoff return touchdowns.

---

Goals and captains

The Spartans’ goals remain steady: qualify for the playoffs and continue to uphold Stratford’s tradition of excellence on and off the field.

“Making the playoffs is always the goal,” Rankin said. “But it’s also about being successful in the classroom and in the community. That’s just as important here.”

---

Looking Ahead

With talent in the trenches, dynamic playmakers across the field, and a culture of unity and accountability, Stratford looks poised to keep its playoff streak alive.

“We’re excited about this group,” Rankin said. “They’ve worked hard, they’ve bonded, and we think they’re ready to represent Stratford with toughness and pride under the Friday night lights.”

For tickets, schedules, and more on SBISD football, visit the SBISD Athletics website.

 

 

View SBISD's football gallery featuring our high school teams

#SBISDProud