The McCallum Knights have historically been among Austin ISD’s most successful football programs.

The 1966 squad started the year 11-0, but no team in school history can claim what the 2017 Knights have accomplished: a perfect 12-0 record. And counting.

“It’s big,” said McCallum's head football coach, Charles Taylor. “That 1966 team went 11-1 and held the record for the most wins in school history. This team has now surpassed that. It’s a testament to the kids.”

The Knights’ grit was born of the frustration of a season ago, when the silver and blue lost in the second round of the playoffs by a single point.

McCallum senior quarterback Max Perez points to the feeling of unfinished business as a primary motivator for him and his teammates.

“It’s extremely fulfilling and satisfying to see all of our hard work finally pay off as seniors, which makes it more special,” Perez said. “At this point in the season, we expect nothing less than to win, and we know how to win so it’s just on to the next one. The best part is knowing that no matter what happens going forward, we are the best team in McCallum history like we said we would be when were freshman.” 

The Knights can extend their record-setting season with a win over Alice at noon Saturday at the Alamodome.

But no matter what happens, history belongs to them.

“I am so proud of this group,” Taylor said. “As sophomores, most of these kids played on varsity and we went 4-6. They have worked so hard to get better. They stayed the course and in process have become the best team in school history."

AISD.TV has been covering McCallum's journey to the playoffs from the beginning of the season.

Watch SportsScene's football season preview, which includes interviews with Taylor and Perez.

The program's October show features interviews with seniors Judah Copeland and Max Perkins.