COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – After making it to the state championship game in two consecutive seasons, the Cougars were eliminated in the third round of the playoffs by eventual state runner-up Smithson Valley.

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

Verdugo is looking to break the school record for most receiving yards this year, and defensive back Braylen Wortham has his sights set on the Cougars’ all-time interception record (he already holds the season record with 8).

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

“Even though last year was really good, they want to go even further,” College Station head coach Stoney Pryor said. “Obviously, we’re right on the edge, so we have the potential to be a pretty good ball club. They’re definitely motivated,” Pryor added.

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

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

“We all have to work on ourselves,” senior quarterback Cade Corcoran said. “We all have fun. That’s probably the biggest part. Having fun and being successful at it, building chemistry between us and being the best team we can be,” Corcoran added.

College Station opens its season on Friday with a difficult home game against 6A opponent Klein Collins.

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