Maverick Stadium
opened in 1980 as part of a bond issue passed by Marshall citizens in the late
1970's. It has since become a home that Marshall has enjoyed a wealth of
victories at since its opening. The Mavs brag nearly a 70% winning percentage at
Mav Stadium, impressive considering the foes that have have most often visited.
Longtime former rivals Tyler Lee, John Tyler, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, and Longview.
Other teams have included Monroe Ouachita, Killeen Ellison, Dallas Carter,
Dallas Skyline, and Shreveport Southwood.
Several state ranked teams have entered Maverick stadium, only to leave with a
loss on their record:
1. In 1988 Marshall beat #1 Odessa Permian 13-12 in a thrilling game featured in
the bestseller novel Friday Night Lights. Contrary to what the Friday
Night Lights movie showed, the 1988 Marshall-Permian game was played on
a Saturday afternoon at a sold out Mav Stadium, not in Odessa (nor a Marshall
loss as portrayed).
2. Also in 1988, in one of the greatest games in Mav history, Marshall beat #3
Lufkin 33-29. The sold out game saw Marshall erase a 29-12 third quarter deficit
to beat the Panthers for the district championship. The winning play was an
interception run back for a TD by Floyd Wooten. The play sent the home side
crowd into a cheering frenzy that literally shook the concrete structure. Video
replay shows the quake-like action caused by the pandemonium.
3. In 1990 Marshall beat #1 Dallas Carter 31-13 before a sold out Mav Stadium.
It avenged a 1988 state quarterfinal loss to the Cowboys. The game was played on
a Saturday afternoon that saw temps reach the 100-degree mark.
4. In 1992, Marshall did it again against state ranked Carter by beating them
30-19. It was another sold out game played in 100-degree temps.
5. In 1993, Marshall beat the #2 team in Louisiana, Monroe Ouachita. The 39-33
win at Mav stadium was one of the more exciting games in Mav history.
6. In 1996, Marshall hosted another top 10 team from Louisiana when the Ruston
Bearkats came into Marshall in the La. top 10. They left Marshall with a 52-20
whipping from the Mavs.
7. In 1997, Marshall hosted #7 Lufkin. The Mavs handed the Panthers a stunning
14-7 loss. A goal-line stand by the Maverick defense from the 6-inch line on 4th
and goal preserved the victory in thrilling fashion.
8. In 1998, the Mavs hosted #1 Killeen Ellison into Maverick Stadium for another
Saturday afternoon scorcher that saw temps in the upper 90's. Ellison, who was
also ranked in USA Today's national HS poll, lost to Marshall in a
14-10 thriller.
The Mavs also have racked up wins over state ranked teams: Monroe Ouachita (La)
in 1991, 1993, and 1997. Kilgore in 1987 and 1989. Paris in 1990. #9 Fort Smith
(AK) 17-14 in 1999. Also wins over state ranked Monroe Wossman in 1989.
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Maverick Stadium was expanded in 1993 on the Visitor's side. 2,000 seats were
added to bring the total seating for Maverick Stadium to about 9,500.
In 2003, artificial Field Turf was installed at Maverick Stadium. In addition to
the new turf, a new state-of-the-art digital scoreboard was installed. The
pressbox received a facelift as well.
Construction of a new athletic complex is nearing completion. The new facility
is located behind the home side of Maverick Stadium. It expands the current
football facility by 20,000 square feet, while also centralizing all MHS
athletic training into one building.
Maverick Stadium has become a popular playoff venue thanks to the expansions and
improvements: turf and other amenities. Teams such as Carthage, Spring Hill,
Elysian Fields, Garrison, Paul Pewitt, Atlanta, Tatum, Karnack, Harleton,
Waskom, Jefferson, Pleasant Grove, Liberty Eylau, and others have called
Maverick Stadium a playoff home in recent years.
MAVERICK STADIUM PHOTOS. Excuse the poor quality! I'm working on
some new pictures with a new camera. These were taken by an old camera a
couple of years ago. I'll get it updated ASAP. Thanks!
