PASADENA, TX — On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Pasadena High School football program was awarded the 5A High School Sportsmanship Award Winner at the 21st annual Touchdown Club of Houston Fellowship of Christian Athletes High School Sportsmanship Luncheon, one of the region’s most respected recognitions in high school athletics.

The award highlights programs across Greater Houston that demonstrate exceptional integrity, respect and character throughout the football season. Each year, 15 teams from Class 6A, 5A and 4A/private schools are nominated for the honor.

Pasadena High School was nominated by the Houston-area football officials for demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and a program that consistently goes above and beyond.

Pasadena High School Athletic Coordinator David Zapien said the award reflects the values the program consistently works to instill in its athletes.

“This award shows that during the game our players had the utmost respect for officials and the opposing team,” Zapien said. “Our players are learning character development in our off-season and applying it to games. As a football program, we are proud of our kids doing things the right way… the Texas Way.”

This year’s team stood out not only for its performance on the field but also for the way players supported each other and represented their school community. Coaches described the group as a family, emphasizing how athletes remained positive, encouraged one another and treated everyone with respect.

As Coach Zapien explained, “What sets this team apart is the way they came together as a family, each player committed to making the team better, uplifting one another, and treating everyone with respect.”

For Pasadena High’s football program  it was more than a season;it was a testament to who these players are on and off the field.