Leading a Historic Run: Juarez-Lincoln’s Daniel Cortez Earns Statewide Coaching Honor

Posted Date: 09/24/26 (08:00 AM)

La Joya, TX - A historic season for the Juarez-Lincoln High School Huskies is earning recognition across Texas; Head Football Coach Daniel Cortez has been named the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 5A Coach of the Week.

The statewide honor comes amid a remarkable start for a Husky football program that has opened the 2026 season 4-0 for the first time in school history, marking a milestone for Juarez-Lincoln High School.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football recognizes one head football coach in each classification through its Coach of the Week award, honoring coaches for their leadership and impact on their players, schools and communities. Cortez was selected as the Week 3 honoree for Class 5A following Juarez-Lincoln’s 14-13 victory over Brownsville Porter, which moved the Huskies to 3-0 at the time. Dave Campbell’s noted that the start already matched the program’s combined win total from the previous six seasons.

A football player in a grey uniform with the number 3 carries the ball down the field during a game.

“This recognition for Coach Cortez is something our entire athletic program and school district can be proud of,” said Joe Peña, Executive Director of Athletics for La Joya ISD. “What we are seeing at Juarez-Lincoln goes beyond wins on a scoreboard. Coach Cortez has built a culture centered on discipline, accountability, hard work and believing in one another. This honor reflects his leadership, but it also speaks to the commitment of his coaching staff and, most importantly, the young men who have bought into that vision. We are extremely proud to see Coach Cortez and the Huskies representing La Joya ISD at the state level.”

Cortez credits the growth, maturity and confidence his team has developed since before the start of the season. Now, four games into the season, that progress is showing on the field. For Cortez, however, the statewide recognition belongs to far more than one coach.

“This is an incredible honor, but it represents the work of our entire Husky football family,” he said. “Our players have believed in what we are building, our coaches have poured countless hours into helping them succeed, and our families and community continue to stand behind us. I’m proud of the way our young men have competed, but I’m even more proud of the character, discipline and commitment they show every day. We’re grateful for this recognition, but our work isn’t finished. We’re going to keep pushing, keep improving and keep representing Juarez-Lincoln with pride.”

Two men stand outside on a turf field next to red athletic training equipment.

The Huskies’ undefeated start has energized the La Joya ISD community, with Cortez’s honor also representing a celebration of the student-athletes, coaches, families and supporters who continue to strengthen the culture surrounding Husky Athletics.

As the Huskies turn their attention to the remainder of the season, the message from Cortez and his team remains clear: celebrate the progress, stay focused on the work ahead and continue raising the standard.