Odessa Permian Football History
Permian High School in Odessa, Texas, won a football district championship in just its second year of existence. Soon after, Permian won a state title and went on to become a high school football powerhouse. After the 2004 hit movie, "Friday Night Lights," the Odessa Permian Panthers became nationally known.
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The Start
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In 1959, a new high school in the oil town of Odessa, Texas. Permian High School was named for the basin of oil on which the city sits. Permian strove for success academically and athletically.
1960s
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In just its second year, the Panthers had an 8-3 record and won the district championship. This started the winning tradition in Odessa. Odessa Permian hired Gene Mayfield in 1965. In his first year, the Panthers won the state championship. Fans started the term "Mojo" for the team, and it has become nationally associated with the team.
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1970s
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Mojo gained notoriety throughout Texas, and in 1972, Gil Bartosh was named the football coach of the year. The Panthers had undefeated seasons in 1971 and '72 and won a state championship in 1972. John Wilkins became coach in 1973 and won the district title in '73, '75, '77 and '78.
1980s and 1990s
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The Odessa Permain football team won three state championships in the '80s: 1980, 1984 and 1989. In 1989, the Panthers not only won the state championship, but they went on to win the mythical national championship as well.
The Panthers won their sixth state championship in 1991.
21st century
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The school gained popularity in 2004 with the movie "Friday Night Lights." There also became a TV show by the same name. Darren Allman led the Panthers to two straight undefeated regular seasons and district championships in 2007 and 2008.
Fun Fact
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On March 9, 2009, Odessa Permian hired Gary Gaines as its football coach. Gaines, who was the Panthers' coach in the late '80s, was portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton in the movie.
Championships
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The Odessa Permian Panthers won the state championship in 1965, 1972, 1980, 1984, 1989 and 1991. The Panthers won the mythical national championship in 1972 and 1989.
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