Stratford, Canadian and Muleshoe made a lot of Panhandle-area football history this season.

The Stratford Elks became the first area team to win three state titles in the same decade since Amarillo High did so in 1934-36.

The Canadian Wildcats became the first team to win back-to-back titles since Dumas did it in 1961-62.

The Muleshoe Mules not only recorded the area's only perfect season at 15-0, they won the school's first state title in their first appearance in the title game.

So, it's only fitting the architects of those performances (head coaches Eddie Metcalf of Stratford, Kyle Lynch of Canadian and David Wood of Muleshoe) share the Super Team Coach of the Year honors, marking the first time that has happened.

While the Mules orchestrated a perfect season behind quarterback Wes Wood (David's son), a talented group of receivers and a solid defense, the Elks and Wildcats lost one game each.

Stratford's only loss was to Class 2A Bushland in Week 4, while Canadian's only loss was to Stratford on Oct. 17 in a game that decided the District 1-1A title.

Metcalf, in five seasons as the Elks' head coach, has led them to the championship game three times, winning twice. His record is 62-12 (.838).

''Young kids in Stratford grow up following the team and want to be part of it when it's their time,'' Metcalf said. ''There is great tradition here, and they want to keep it going.''

Lynch has compiled an 83-14 record (.856) in seven seasons as head coach. The Wildcats had 20 seniors on this year's team, meaning that group of players went 28-2 the past two seasons.

''It has been a great family-type atmosphere these last two years,'' Lynch said. ''We're going to miss these players. It was great being around them, and they did a great job.''

Wood completed his 13th season at Muleshoe and reached the 100-win mark during the regular season. His overall record is 107-46 (.699).

This season's team featured five returning starters on both sides of the ball. Wood said during the summer team chemistry would be important.

''I thought it would be important for the team to come together quickly, because there was a lot of talent," Wood said.

It happened, and the rest was history.