Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Stratford Spartans senior running back Javier Denson has never appreciated the sport of football as much as he does now. Poised for a breakout year in 2023, Denson suffered an ACL tear that sidelined him for the entire season.

However, that setback did not define his high school trajectory. A true example of one of SBISD’s Core Characteristics, Denson proved to be Persistent and Adaptable as he worked his way back to peak physical condition while gaining the confidence to perform after a potentially career-ending injury.

“I’m excited about playing the game that I love,” he said. “I never thought I would be doing the things that I’m doing now on my leg again. There’s a lot of rehab involved. It took a lot of people to get me here support from family, friends, and doctors and physical therapists.”

While football is his passion, passed down from his father and two older brothers, each of whom played at Stratford, academics and serving the community are priorities in his life. “Javier multitasks academics and athletics effectively, maintaining high grades in all of his classes,” Spartans coach Todd Rankin said.

“Javier is currently ranked near the top of his class with a high GPA. Javi would love to continue playing football in college but will attend and get his degree regardless.”

He served as a group leader for Stratford’s massive community service event, The Big Day. Javier also was one of the head coaches for the inaugural Unified Football game between Stratford and Memorial, which gives special education students the opportunity to play an organized game of football in front of hundreds of fans.

“Javier embodies what it means to be a true Spartan,” Rankin said. “ Both on and off the field, Javi represents this football team, school, and community in the best way possible.”

Javier and the Spartans kicked off their season Thursday with a 41-39 loss to Tomball at Tully Stadium. He rushed for 130 yards on 22 carries with 1 touchdown and had 4 receptions for 71 yards in his first game back.. Despite the non-district loss, Javier is optimistic about the season.

“I look forward to playing my senior season playing with a group of brothers that I grew up with, picking up where we left off,” Javier said. “ I think we will win a lot of games this year. We have a good team and a great group of guys.

For more information on Athletics in SBISD, click here.