About the Program
Our philosophy is to teach our students the game and mentally prepare them for high school football. Middle school football is the gateway from little league to high school. Not exposing them to what they will encounter in high school will lead to failure. We consider ourselves teachers of the game and therefore do not conduct tryouts. Pin Oak Football is a no-cut program. Many of our best players each year have never played the game. Any 7th or 8th-grade student (age appropriate) is eligible to play.
Our program is comprised of two teams, one for each grade level. We usually have about 35 to 45 members in each squad. Our season starts on the first day of school and ends around the first week in November. We practice every day, except game days, from 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our 7th-grade games are always on Mondays at 5:00 p.m. Our 8th-grade games are on Tuesdays or Wednesday. The times for these games are usually 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Football Parent Meeting Notes
Thank you to all the parents and athletes who attended our Football Parent Meeting. If you were unable to attend, here are the main points that were discussed:
Coaching Staff
Introduced Coach Thomas, Coach Carter, and new 7th Grade Football Coach Clayton
Football Program Information
- We will have both 7th and 8th grade football teams
- There are no tryouts to make the team
- Tryouts/evaluations will be used for positions and placement
Game Days & Practice Schedule
- 7th grade games will typically be played on Mondays
- 8th grade games will typically be played on Tuesdays or Wednesdays
- Practice schedules will be announced at a later date
Paperwork & RMA Information
- All athletic paperwork must be completed and approved through the district’s RMA system
- The earliest date to begin RMA is June 4
- Parents must create an RMA profile and complete all E-sign forms
- BOTH the front and back of the completed HISD 2026 physical must be uploaded into RMA
Insurance Requirement
- Athletes must either:
- Purchase HISD Athletic Insurance through School Pay ONLY OR Complete the 2026-2027 insurance waiver form fully with no blanks left empty
Physical Information
- School physicals will be held May 28 from 4:00–6:00 PM
- Cost is $25 CASH ONLY
- Athletes may also get a physical from their personal doctor (must be completed on HISD 2026 Form)
Communication
SportsYou will be used for team communication and updates throughout the summer and season. Here’s the code to join: 9U5PP8ZA
Equipment & Locker Day
- We are planning an early equipment handout, locker assignment, and helmet sizing day during the second-to-last week of July (possibly July 21–23)
- Athletes must have all RMA paperwork uploaded and insurance verified before receiving equipment
Team Store
Shirt and hoodie order store is tentatively scheduled to open July 26 – August 16
If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Carter. We are excited for the upcoming season!
Coaches
Astaire Carter | acarte10@houstonisd.org
Gary Thomas | Gary.Thomas@houstonisd.org
