The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

There's no place like home, and that goes for football coaches too.

Bridge City ISD announced the hiring of Dwayne DuBois as head football coach for the Bridge City Cardinals at the regular meeting of the board of trustees on January 19. DuBois is a 1986 graduate of Bridge City High School and a former assistant coach there. He is currently the head football coach at Hardin-Jefferson High School.

DuBois was selected among a list of 52 applicants. He will replace former Bridge City head football coach Cris Stump.

“It's always a special thing to come home. You don't get that opportunity very often,” DuBois said. “It's something you want to do when you enter the coaching profession. All coaches want to do it. You never know if you'll have that opportunity. The opportunity presented itself. After much prayer and thoughts we decided just recently to do this. It's a dream come true.” He added it's a special thing to come home.

“I want to give Bridge City (ISD) the credit. We had some good meetings. This is a special place and a special time,” he said.

DuBois said there's much talent in District 4A-1 and he's looking forward to get started. It will be both challenging and fun for the Cardinals.

“Our goal is to play for a district championship. It will be fun and exciting. The kids will love it. Things will never be the same. Get ready,” DuBois said.

DuBois is credited with turning around the Hardin-Jefferson football program. In his two seasons as head football coach the Hawks posted 20-7 record. Last season HJ went 12-2, the best season in school history.

Prior to his stint at HJ, DuBois was offensive coordinator at Vidor for eight seasons under Jeff Mathews. He was an assistant coach at Bridge City in the late 1990s under then athletic director Les Johnson.

Mike King, superintendent for Bridge City ISD, said a committee recommended DuBois to the board of trustees because he was a good solid coach who has the character, discipline, hard work, a proven track record and a heart for Bridge City. “They interviewed eight other applicants, four were sitting head football coaches. It was a good, solid list,” King said. “He (DuBois) fit the bill.” King said the school district is excited about the hiring of DuBois because he has the features they were searching for. “He will fit in with the rest of the athletic program. The kids are excited and they will be working hard,” King said.

King added football season is the most student-involved extracurricular activity of the school year with football players, the band, cheerleaders and the Strutters all participating. “Friday night is very important. Students are involved in some level. It's important part of the school year,” he said.

King believes DuBois will bring the discipline, work ethic and team spirit essential to a successful athletics program. “There's a lot of enthusiasm and excitement across the board. He will be a great fit and he will do great things,” King said.