Katy ISD’s Newest Football Program Finds Strong Leadership in Senior Captain
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 18, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
It’s a big year for Katy ISD’s newest and 10th high school, Freeman High School. A new varsity football program joins a long list of firsts and growing traditions. The Golden Eagles senior football captain is ready to meet the moment and lay the groundwork for a new chapter of Katy football.
The Katy community is accustomed to football hype and tradition. For three years senior captain Christopher “CJ” Beaty has worked to build the foundation for this moment, the Golden Eagles now have a varsity football team.
Freeman Head Football Coach Eric Robinson said Beaty’s drive for excellence and servant leadership have been invaluable as the Golden Eagles establish their identity as a varsity program.
“He’s selfless,” says Coach Robinson. “Not only is he a good athlete, but he’s a great teammate. He always worries about other people, and he helps them achieve their goals so that we can all be successful.”
Coach Robinson describes Beaty as one of the team’s best athletes and hardest workers, both on the field and in the classroom. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash makes Beaty a versatile asset to the Golden Eagles and a triple threat as he plays quarterback, wide receiver and safety. Beaty finds his talents to be a blessing and remains grounded in his faith.
“All the work we’ve done contributes to my game style because I’m a dual-threat (run/pass) quarterback,” says Beaty. “If they want me to play receiver or running back, I can do it all. My speed will show out on the field.”
Beaty is currently recovering from meniscus repair surgery and has yet to take a snap for the Golden Eagles this season. However, his impact on the program extends beyond the field. He has helped establish the team’s culture since Freeman opened with only freshmen and sophomores
A well-rounded student with a 3.16 GPA, a Peer Assistance Leadership and Service (PALS) mentor at elementary schools, a track athlete and a force on the football team, Beaty also hopes to continue playing after high school. He aspires of competing at the Division I level, with family connections making the University of Houston and Louisiana State University particularly meaningful.
He hasn’t set on a career path but can envision coaching football and mentoring young athletes.
“I’ve had my good share of coaches who’ve helped me along the way,” Beaty says. “I want to be just like them. I want to help people. I want to return what was given to me.”
Beaty credits Robinson and quarterbacks coach Ryan Tatum with helping him grow as a player and leader, but he said his foundation comes from his parents and their support.
“They pour so much into me every day, from taking me to physical therapy to helping keep me grounded,” says Beaty.
Beaty’s younger brother is an athletic trainer for the football team. He remembers his family persevering through difficult circumstances and getting through those times motivates him today.
“We’ve been through a lot growing up,” he says. “I remember during quarantine, all four of us were living in a one-bedroom apartment, with my brother and me sleeping in the living room. Now we’re here in Katy, and we each have our own room. It’s a massive blessing to have parents who do so much for us. Those are the people that I want to give the favor back to.”
Beaty hopes to be back on the field in week 5 or 6. Whether in the classroom, on the field or in the locker room, he wants his time at Freeman to have an impact that lasts beyond his senior season.
“I want to be remembered as a great person, a leader and a teammate,” says Beaty. “I want to leave knowing that I impacted kids who looked up to me and impacted teachers and coaches.”
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