Interview: Sterling Doty Talks Stephenville’s Perfect GPA and NFF Hatchell Cup Honor

The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Football Hall of Fame have named Stephenville High School of Texas the national winner of the 2025-26 NFF Hatchell Cup, an award that honors academic excellence in high school football.

Led by head coach Sterling Doty, the 2025 Yellow Jackets posted a perfect 4.0 team GPA. All 53 players earned Academic All-District honors, while 13 received Academic All-State recognition. Linebacker/quarterback Hudson Butchee was named a Rivalry Series Academic All-American, and wide receiver Rhett Donham earned First Team Academic All-State honors. In addition, 48 players were named to the school’s Honor Roll, and 32 were enrolled in Advanced Placement or honors courses.

Stephenville’s success extended well beyond the classroom. On the field, the Yellow Jackets completed a perfect 16-0 season and won the 2025 Texas Class 4A Division I state championship. The defense recorded four shutouts, while the offense averaged 44.4 points per game.

One of Texas’ premier high school football programs, Stephenville has won two state championships since 2021 and seven overall.

Stephenville finished the 2025 season ranked No. 206 in the High School Football America 300, powered by NFL Play Football.

Below, Coach Doty talks with HSFA’s Jeff Fisher about the Yellow Jackets’ excellence on and off the field.