Joe Drennon on Mineola’s 2016 State Title Reunion, Building Winners, and Grand Saline Football

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Grand Saline athletic director and head football coach Joe Drennon joins the show to look back on one of the most memorable football runs in East Texas history: Mineola’s 2016 state championship season.

Drennon reflects on the recent reunion for the 2016 Mineola Yellowjackets, a team that capped off a three-year run that included a state title appearance, a state semifinal appearance, and finally a championship. He talks about seeing former players return as husbands, fathers, and successful young men, and why that means even more to him than the wins on the field.

The conversation also goes back to Drennon’s early years at Mineola, where the program had to build from the ground up before winning its first district title in decades. He discusses the foundation laid by earlier teams, the rise of stars like Jeremiah Crawford and Chance Perkins, and the lessons learned from state championship trips in 2014 and 2016.

Drennon also shares stories from Mineola’s unforgettable playoff runs, including the 2014 state title game against Cameron Yoe, the heartbreaking 2015 semifinal loss to Brock, and the dominant 2016 championship win over Yoakum. He also highlights the importance of Mineola’s defense, offensive line, coaching staff, and community support in making that run possible.

The episode also features discussion of “We Ready: From Cinderella to Beast of the East,” a new book written by Drennon’s wife that chronicles the 2016 championship journey and the players, coaches, faith, and community behind it.

Looking ahead, Drennon previews the upcoming Grand Saline Indians football season, including the challenge of replacing standout quarterback Jett Taylor, the potential move of Colton Prox to quarterback, and the importance of developing the offensive and defensive lines. He also talks about the support of the Grand Saline community and why he believes the Indians have a chance to compete for a district championship and make another postseason run.

East Texas Sports Now, hosted by Kyle Owens, delivers fast-paced coverage of East Texas high school sports. Featuring game recaps, weekly matchups, player spotlights, and coach interviews across football, basketball, baseball, softball, and more. Stay locked in for scores, rankings, highlights, playoffs, and recruiting buzz with expert analysis and local sports talk for fans across the region.