Stafford stadium completion delayed for at least one more week

As has been the case with many stadium construction and field installation projects in the Houston area, weather has caused a delay in the scheduled completion of the new stadium at Stafford.

The Spartans have been waiting for new field turf at their stadium longer than expected. That means they have had to play all three of their games on the road this season.

Stafford enters this week’s game against Wharton with a 3-0 record. It will be the Spartans fourth road game. They are scheduled to play their first home game on Oct. 2 against St. Pius.

Luckily for coach Ron Counter, he has a team full of experienced players who have not let the extra travel bother then.

“We feel like we have a veteran team,” Counter said. “We had nine sophomores on varsity last year and most started. This year we only have one or two sophomores on varsity and they are not starting. Most of this year’s juniors and seniors played a lot last year.”

The Spartans’ have played a tough schedule, too. They opened the season with a victory over No. 1-ranked Class 3A East Bernard. Despite turning it over twice in the first half and three times overall, Stafford won, 14-7.

The next week brought a dominant victory over Bellville and the one after that a double-digit victory over Class 5A Willowridge.

Defense has led the way. The Spartans have allowed 36 points in three games. It starts with linemen Stephon Payne and Elton Woodard, who help Stafford consistently win in the trenches.