Fox Sports Southwest Produces “The Abilene Eagles Story”

A brand new, hour long documentary entitled, “The Legends of Texas High School Football -The Abilene Eagles Story” is set to debut for the public in Abilene on July 17^th at the Abilene Civic Center, thanks to Premier Sponsor, Ferris Consulting.
The inspired documentary starts with a recap of the history of the AHS Eagle football program beginning in the early 1920’s, explores the hard work and dedication of each team, of each coach, in each decade.  Gain tremendous insight as you listen to past players like David Bourland, Jimmy Carpenter, Petty Hunter, John Lackey, Taylor Potts, Ronnell Simms and many more tell their own personal stories about playing for this legendary program. Hear about the first, second, third state championships in the 1920’s and early 1930’s, the 49 game winning streak in the 1950’s. Then move forward to the latest state championship under Coach Steve Warren in 2009 and enjoy the interview conducted by former player Ahmad Brooks.

Over 50 interviews were conducted to share the complete story of the AHS football program. Executive Producer Jeff Powers, of Fox Sports Southwest, made several visits to Abilene and worked diligently with AISD TV, KTXS and sponsors to make this story possible.

“The Legends of Texas High School Football-The Abilene Eagles Story” is the second documentary Powers has produced for Fox Sports Southwest. His first, "The Quest for Greatness-The Lake Travis Story" documents the Cavaliers as they became the first team to win five consecutive state titles in Class 5A. Power has also produced several golf and baseball shows for Fox Sports Southwest and recently aired an entire Access Golf TV Show from Abilene's Diamondback Golf Club starring 1971 Masters Champion Charles Coody and another PGA native Abilenean Bob Estes. Power also hosts Fox Football Friday Powered by Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine and will be back in Abilene for the Cooper/Abilene High game at Shotwell Stadium later this fall with the entire crew. He is also the play by play broadcaster of the Six Man Football championships at Shotwell Stadium and produces reports for Legacy Sports Network and Max Preps Sports in addition to his duties at Fox Sports Southwest.

"The High School Football scene has always been a major part of my 22 year television career and I just felt that the Abilene Eagles story needed to be told. I felt like the documentary format for TV viewers was a perfect way to tell the story. Abilene ISD has provided some outstanding video footage of the Eagles' 49 game winning streak, which helps tell the story. Current Abilene head coach Steve Warren has been instrumental in helping me round up the players and coaches for interviews. I have a lot of passion when it comes to telling stories through video production and more importantly I love it.” Power said. Many sponsors, including the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet, First Financial Bank, Action Sports Medicine,  and Air it Out Passing Camps, made the production of this documentary possible.

Through the generosity of Ferris Consulting and a sponsorship from Abilene’s Red Robin Restaurant, the local premiere viewing at the Abilene Civic Center July 17th is an opportunity for AHS fans to enjoy the production together and support the Abilene High Booster Club. Civic Center doors will open to the public at 6:30 pm with a brief introduction at 6:45 and the premier viewing at 7; don’t miss a special viewing of the outtakes that follow. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, Abilene Independent School District, Athletic Supply, Red Robin restaurant and the Abilene Bone and Joint office for $5 (kids under 10 free.) Tickets will also be available at the door and DVD’s of the production will be on sale for $15 from the AHS Booster Club at the premier.

"I hope all of Abilene comes out to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the most tradition rich football programs in the State,” current head coach Steve Warren said. “Eagle fans everywhere and of all ages going back to the '30s to the present are going to love it.”