High School Football Legends Rise From The Permian Basin

While many of us who live in the Permian Basin see life as normal, others from outside the region know us for two things: our vast oil production and our famous Friday Night Lights.

The local schools have achievements that other Texas schools can only envy.

Midland High School

Midland High School has secured state football championships on at least five occasions throughout its history.

Some of these victories were achieved by Midland's former Lee High School, which has since undergone restructuring, renaming, or merging to become the current Midland Legacy.

Midland High School also holds several noteworthy single-season records, including rushing yards and points scored.

For instance, the school's record for most wins in a season is 12, achieved in 2002, and the record for most rushing yards in a season is 3,691, set in 2010.

Odessa Permian Panthers

Recognized as one of the most prestigious programs in Texas, Permian High School boasts an impressive history.

State Championships: Permian has secured state football titles in 1965 (4A), 1972 (4A), 1980 (5A), 1984 (5A; co-champions), 1989 (5A), and 1991 (5A II).

In 1989, Permian was also recognized by a national service as co-champions of high school football in the U.S. that year.

From Midland-Odessa to the NFL

Here are a few players that played in the Permian Basin who eventually made their dreams come true by making it to the NFL.

Cedric Benson

High School: Robert E. Lee High (Midland)

NFL Teams: Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers

Roy Williams

High School: Permian High (Odessa)

NFL Teams: Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears

Eric Winston

High School: Robert E. Lee (Midland)

NFL Teams: Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals.

Marcus Cannon

High School: Robert E. Lee High (Midland)

NFL Teams: New England Patriots, Houston Texans.

Read More: Get Ready For High School Football in the Permian Basin