End of an era for Coahulla Creek’s 6 seniors

Tears were shed and hearts ached as the Colts listened to the final horn sound of the 2024 season, signaling this year’s team’s final minutes on the field together had just ended. The Colts all hoped for a win, but fell to the Ringgold Tigers 42-3.

“It is unfortunate this is the way it ends for them,” Carter says, regarding the seniors. Carter and the rest of the crew describe this end as “bittersweet” since they traversed through many hardships, but in the end, showed a whirlwind of improvements in all areas. 

“It was a weird feeling,” Senior Jaden Silvius claimed, “knowing that it was the last time I’d play football was a sad thought.” 

Offensively, the Colts managed to move the ball down the field pretty well, but struggled to finish drives, and put the ball in the end zone. Senior Brett Pause was responsible for the lone points, adding a FG in the 2nd quarter. Waelyn Baliles finished the season with a 90 yard passing performance against the Tigers, and 61 rushing yards. “We had our moments, good runs and decent passing plays,” Silvius said. 

Tyler Douglas had 61 rushing yards as well, and 3 catches for 18 yards, and Kobe King had 2 catches for 25 yards. “We did not perform close to our potential and did not capitalize on the big plays,” Senior Andrew Russell reflected, “however, we never quit.” Russell played a strong game as well with 5.5 tackles on defense and a few catches on offense, but ended his career early with an ankle injury during the 2nd half. “Last game ended the same way it started: hurt.” 

Jackson Lowery had a huge game on defense, reaching a new school record of 16.5 TFLs in a career. His brother, Branson Lowery, had 6 tackles this game with Russell right behind him. 

Chris Ewart had an INT against the Tigers, which is the 4th turnover he was responsible for this season. However, the Tigers offense was “strong” and put the defense in a quarrel for every yard. “We did everything we could,” Hudson Sherrets said, “they just capitalized on the gaps we left.” 

“We’ve talked every week about how much better this group got through the season,” Coach Carter praises, “we just happened to run into a really good Ringgold team.” Cater says the team is going to “catch our breath” and re-evaluate things before they hit the ground running in the spring. He sees great potential and growth with the returning players this next season. 

The seniors were heartbroken to end the season the way they did. “No one wants to go 1-9 their last season,” Senior Isaac McGill determined. They all look back and wish they could play one more game together with the family they formed. 

“Personally I feel like I was more of a leader than I was last year,” Carson Weaver reflects. His season was cut short with a knee injury, but he was glad he was able to still support his teammates.

Each Senior was asked to leave the younger/future players a piece of advice as they hang their helmets up, here were the responses:

Isaac: “Never take it for granted. Time goes by so fast. It feels like yesterday we were having our first spring practice of the year. Never take the time you have for granted because it is limited. Soak up as much as you can.”

Andrew: “Don’t take many things too seriously. Just have fun with it. Be competitive and don’t compare yourself to someone else. Your personal gain is more important than another man’s.”

Carson: “Enjoy it while it lasts, it’ll be over before you know it. Take every chance you get. Go out and give it your all.”

Hudson: “Don’t let any game or season pass you by. Give everything from the star, so you have no regrets. You will face tough teams and hard losses, but keep pushing. Play with pride and support one another. Don’t take anything for granted.” 

Jaden: “Take advantage of the time you have in your last season because it goes by faster than you think. Make all the memories you can and hold on to the time you have. Take nothing for granted. I remember times when I thought it was tough or I was struggling, but now that it is over I realize it was worth it because it meant I got to spend time with the people I love and support. Enjoy the time you have even if it’s hard because when it’s over you’re gonna miss everything about it.”

While the season was tough and filled with injuries, they are glad they got to spend it together as a family; allowing each one to grow and support one another the entire way through. Whether it was from the sidelines or on the field, they were there to give it their all, in hopes to soak it all in. 

Colt Country, thank you for a great season. We love you!

Article written by Ava Howell