New Splendora Football Coach Aiming To Continue Program's Rise

SPLENDORA, TX — It's been a whirlwind for Laine Sambrooks since he was promoted to Splendora head football coach Wednesday.

From getting organized, preparing to put together a coaching staff and generally beginning to put his stamp on the program, the Wildcats' former defensive coordinator has had plenty to do in that time.

"If the last two days are any indication, be careful what you wish for, if you know what I mean," Sambrooks said with a laugh. "We're busy, busy, busy."

Joking aside, the longtime defensive coordinator said his first head coaching job was something he has "dreamed of for a long time," and he's ready to help the Wildcats continue to climb to new heights. Former head coach Marcus Schulz left to take the head coaching job at Humble after seven seasons at Splendora, and he leaves the program in one of the better positions in its history.

Schulz led the Wildcats to their only playoff win in 2018 and brought them from 1-9 in 2014 to 10-2 in 2018. Splendora earned a playoff berth for the 12th time in 2020.

Sambrooks has had coaching stops throughout the Greater Houston area with defensive coordinator gigs at Deer Park, Strake Jesuit and Klein Cain before coming to Splendora last season. The Wildcats gave up an average of 20 points per game in their five District 10-4A Division I games and finished third to earn a playoff berth.

Sambrooks' defensive background combined with a wealth of experience returning on that side of the ball gives Splendora a solid foundation as the Wildcats look to build on their success under Schulz.

"We've got a lot of returners because we played a lot of sophomores on defense last year," Sambrooks said. "Scheme-wise, we're going to be pretty aggressive because they've got another year of varsity football [under their belt]. They're going to be able to do more. They know more. They've experienced what it's like to play on Friday night. We're going to be attack-minded, and we're going to make [offenses] think."

The offense will feature two key returners in junior quarterback Harrison Facundo and senior running back Zane Obregon. Obregon racked up over 2,000 total yards and 19 touchdowns last year, earning honorable mention on the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Team.

Sambrooks also is pleased with the leadership coming from his new boss, Splendora ISD athletic director Randy Rowe. Rowe was hired from Midland ISD to replace Schulz, who held both the football coach and athletic director titles, on June 8. Rowe spent the last six and a half years holding athletics administration roles in Midland, including executive director of athletics. Prior to that he was the head football coach at Livingston for 12 seasons.

In a short time, Rowe and Sambrooks have developed a strong working relationship, and Sambrooks believes the athletics department is heading in a positive direction under Rowe's leadership.

"He's going to bring a lot to us," Sambrooks said. "He's had success everywhere he's gone. He's a football guy all the way, but he's very equitable. He's going to change the landscape of the entire athletics program. I think everybody is going to benefit from his guidance. Every program is going to be a winner, and that's all he's talks about is winning and doing it the right way with equity, class and integrity. He brings that to us instantly."

Part of Sambrooks' plan for putting a winning stamp on the program will be increasing turnout - Splendora is one of the largest 4A schools in the state with an enrollment of 1,185 students used for the 2020 UIL realignment - as well as putting together his coaching staff.

Sambrooks said he was bringing on Deer Park running backs coach Courtney Latimore, who has prior head coaching and assistant coach experience, to be the offensive coordinator. The hire is a hint at what's to come as Sambrooks hopes to bring his experience in 6A to create a similar atmosphere at Splendora.

"We're going to treat it like every 6A program," Sambrooks said. "We're going to give those kids the best coaching and the best resources to succeed."