The following story and photo above were provided by the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame

WACO — When Dave Campbell’s Texas Football hit mailboxes last summer, the Columbus Cardinals were ranked No. 2 in Class 3A Division I. With seven returning starters on offense and eight on defense, expectations were high. The Cardinals had the talent, experience, and determination to bring home the school’s first state title.

But in early October, tragedy struck. Senior lineman Aleks Medrano went home sick one Friday and, just days later, passed away. It was a heartbreaking loss for the team, the school, and the entire community. Head Coach Matt Schobel— whose son was a teammate and classmate of Aleks — called it the hardest experience of his life.

Even in her grief, Aleks’ mother, Dawn Medrano, urged the team to continue — to keep playing, keep fighting, and win for Aleks. That message became their rallying cry.

From that moment forward, Columbus played with deeper purpose. The Cardinals lost just once — an overtime game against a top-ranked district rival. Every other win came by at least two touchdowns. In the regional final, they defeated powerhouse Franklin 62–42 — the same number Aleks wore on his jersey. Then they rolled past Edna, 49–6, to earn a shot at the state championship.

At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, they faced preseason No. 1 Malakoff and delivered the performance of a lifetime. Grayson Rigdon rushed for four touchdowns. Quarterback Adam Schobel threw for 261 yards and two scores. Defensive end John Schobel recorded three sacks. The Cardinals dominated, winning 48–14, and capturing the school’s first-ever football state championship.

In the coming weeks, the team plans to present a championship ring to the Medrano family — a heartfelt tribute to the teammate who inspired their remarkable journey.

Each year, the Gordon Wood Award is presented to a Texas high school football team that demonstrates good sportsmanship, overcomes adversity, unites its community, and finds success on the field. Named for legendary Coach Gordon Wood — who won nine state titles (two at Stamford and seven at Brownwood) — the award is selected in consultation with members of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Board. This year, the 2024 Columbus Cardinals exemplified every one of these ideals.

For their strength, resilience, and unity in the face of tragedy, the 2024 Gordon Wood Award has been presented to the Columbus Cardinals. This year’s Gordon Wood Award is proudly sponsored by Underwood’s BBQ.

The award was presented by Glen West, Assistant Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA). West played for Coach Wood and was part of Brownwood’s 1978 state championship team. Please join us in congratulating Head Coach Matt Schobel and the 2024 Gordon Wood Award winners — the Columbus Cardinals.