Northbrook Football Clinches First Playoff Berth
The Raiders secured their first-ever playoff appearance in the school's 52-year history with a 35-0 win over Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
Northbrook High School football qualified for the playoffs for the first time in school history after defeating Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center 35-0 on November 6 at Tully Stadium. The win also gives the program its first winning season since 1993.
Why it matters
The milestone marks a turnaround for the Northbrook program, which had not finished with a winning record in over three decades. For the Houston community, it brings a rare postseason opportunity to a local high school team.
The 35-0 shutout over Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center ended a stretch without a winning season that dates to 1993. The playoff opponent and first-round date had not been determined as of the November 6 game.
The players
Demond Stafford
Stafford is the head coach of Northbrook High School football, leading the program to its first playoff appearance.
Northbrook High School
Northbrook High School is a Houston, Texas public high school whose football program reached the playoffs for the first time in its 52-year history.
The details
Northbrook clinched its playoff spot with a 35-0 victory at Tully Stadium in Houston, Texas. Head coach Demond Stafford led the Raiders to the win that secured the school's first postseason appearance.
Timeline
- November 6, 2026: Northbrook defeats Sam Houston 35-0, clinching its first playoff berth.
Season Trajectory
The Raiders' first winning season since 1993 and first playoff berth in school history marks a major turnaround for a program that had struggled for more than three decades. The result positions Northbrook as a newly competitive team in the Houston-area high school football landscape.
With the playoff berth secured, Northbrook fans can now follow the team through the postseason bracket. The Raiders will learn their first-round opponent and game location once the playoff schedule is released.
The takeaway
A first playoff berth after decades without a winning season shows how a long-struggling program can turn things around with sustained effort. Local readers following Houston high school football can watch how Northbrook performs in the postseason.
Further reading
Explore more Houston high school football coverage for context on the local scene.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc13 News.
