As summer gives way to fall, Canyon High School is buzzing with anticipation for the continuation of the football season. Canyon’s players have been hard at work honing in on skills and improving as a team.
Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Coach Sean Mcauliffe, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director expresses optimism hoping to build on last year’s success. He is well experienced and aims to improve the program. Although it is his first year at Canyon, Coach Mcauliffe is in his 26th year coaching and his 11th year as a head coach. Beyond this, he has coached in four state semi-final games, so it is no secret that the Cougars are in good hands.
“We are a work- in-progress as a team. Each week is an opportunity to improve upon the last week,” Coach Mcauliffe stateds.
As the season unfolds, matchups have resulted in the Cougars taking multiple victories with a current record of 2-2. On Friday, September sixth, the highly anticipated showdown occurred between the Canyon Cougars and the New Braunfels Unicorns, a rivalry that dates back decades.
Fans from all around New Braunfels packed the stands. The Canyon Cougars were victorious at the 42nd Wurstbowl. After an intense game, the Cougars won 38-21.
“The biggest highlight from this season so far was winning Wurstbowl at home. Last year, we won and it was an away game, but it being a home game my senior year made it even more special,” said senior and Canyon quarterback Reece Detrick, a quarterback for Canyon.
The Cougars have overcome various obstacles to reach their potential. “A challenge from this season has been all the injuries that our team has gone through. Last year we luckily had very little injuries, but this year we had 6 starters out before our first game. This has just made us embrace the next man up mentality and a lot of guys have stepped up for us in ways they did not think they would,” said senior Reece Detrick.
With homecoming and the rest of the season just around the corner, the excitement is contagious. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, the thrilling matchupspromise of the 2024-2025 Canyon Cougar football season is promising. thrilling matchups are hard to resist.
“My personal goal for this season is to get first team all-district and team goal is to win a playoff game,” said senior Reece Detrick.
Both coaches and players have high expectations and hopes for the season. “Team goal is to win as many games as possible, qualify for the playoffs, and play as long as we can,” states Coach Mcauliffe.