SkyCoach replay “worked flawlessly” all 2024 for Smithson Valley as Rangers capture first state championship
Rangers used SkyCoach for 16 games in 2024. (SkyCoach photo)
The Smithson Valley Rangers made school history in December with a 32-20 win over Dallas Highland Park to capture the program’s first-ever football state championship. It was a long time coming for the powerhouse program, which had appeared in five state title games and eight semifinals since 2001.
The 2024 championship season also marked a first for longtime athletic coordinator and head football coach Larry Hill, who has led the program since 1993. And like many elite programs across Texas, Smithson Valley embraced the latest UIL replay rule changes by bringing SkyCoach replay to coaches’ box and locker room at halftime for all 16 games of the season.
"Like everyone in 2024, we dived into the replay world as the new rules allowed us to do. We elected to go with SkyCoach, and we're extremely glad that we did,” said the legendary Hill. “Our ability to analyze from all three angles during the game, the ease with which our coaches in the booth could access the plays, made it very instrumental in our run to a state championship last year. In-game adjustments, quick communication to the sideline, and then the things that we were able to do at halftime, we felt extremely proud that we were able to use SkyCoach. We're looking forward to expanding that and getting even deeper and better into it, moving into Year 2 in 2025."
The Rangers used SkyCoach’s Platinum Plus kit — featuring three camera angles — the same setup that most SkyCoach teams across Texas now rely on. That multi-angle advantage gave the Rangers staff a clear and immediate look at the field from every perspective, helping them counter in real time.
"We used SkyCoach in the 2024 season for 16 games and in every game it worked flawlessly, providing us instant replay the moment the play ended,” said assistant coach James Cook. “It really allowed us to identify what the defense was doing and look for some of those off-game-plan scenarios. Things we hadn't encountered for through the week so that we could make our adjustments between the series.
“There was several stadiums that just leading into the year, not knowing the program was worried about. We played at Baylor. We played at the Dome in San Antonio. And in every case, there was an easy solution to get SkyCoach working seamlessly into the box, whether it was dropping a cord down from one deck to the next, or whether it was running a cord down the hall, in every scenario you're going to have the replay you need."
From state-of-the-art college stadiums to hometown Friday night lights, Smithson Valley found SkyCoach to be consistent, reliable, and essential to their title run. And as Coach Hill and the Rangers gear up for 2025, they plan to take full advantage of what SkyCoach can do — because champions know preparation, adaptability, and the right tools make all the difference.
Over 200 Texas high school teams trusted SkyCoach for fast, reliable replay in 2024 — and even more are making the switch in 2025. We were proud to support 14 teams at the state championships, including Smithson Valley, with our powerful 3+ camera angle setup that allows for seamless angle switching. With live reports, the fastest and most reliable network, and no contracts or extra personnel required, SkyCoach delivers everything coaches need — without the hassle. Ready to join the state’s best? SkyCoach is built for champions, just ask Smithson Valley.
