Hometown Heroes: College Station Cougars

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - After making it to the state championship game in back-to-back seasons, the Cougars are coming off a third-round playoff exit to the eventual state runner-ups, Smithson Valley.

College Station’s two-year starter at quarterback Arrington Maiden is now at Memphis. Senior Cade Corcoran has experience and will start under center along with other key returners on offense like running back Aydan Martinez-Brown and tight end Jackson Verdugo.

Verdugo is looking at breaking the school’s receiving yards record this year, and defensive back Braylen Wortham is eyeing the Cougars’ all-time interception record (he already holds the single-season record at 8).

After missing a trip to Arlington last year, the Cougars are ready for big things ahead in 2024.

“Although last year was a really good year, they have a desire to go further,” College Station head coach Stoney Pryor said. “Of course we’re right on that edge, so we have the potential to have a pretty good ball club. They’re definitely motivated,” Pryor added.

“It’s a huge motivation to me,” said senior tight end Jackson Verdugo. “I try to rub it off on my teammates. They already work hard, so I already know that they’re going to help us get back there,” Verdugo added on making it back to state.

“As you see in College Station history, they’re not known for losing,” explained senior defensive back Braylen Wortham. “One of the worst seasons they had was losing in the third round. We tied with that last season, so that’s a big motivator for me,” Wortham added.

“It’s going to take all of us,” senior quarterback Cade Corcoran said. “All of us having fun. That’s probably the biggest part. Having fun and being successful as we go on, building chemistry, and being the best team we can be possible,” Corcoran added.

College Station opens its season with a tough test at home against 6A opponent Klein Collins on Friday.

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