Brownwood quarterback Judson Coalson bound for Hardin-Simmons

May 18, 2026 at 5:22 pm Derrick Stuckly

A signing ceremony was held Monday afternoon at the Multipurpose Athletic Center for nine members of the Brownwood High School Class of 2026 who will continue their athletic and academic careers at the next level.

Judson Coalson will make the short drive to Abilene and play quarterback for the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys following graduation.

Coalson said of the opportunity to continue his football career in college, “It means a lot to get to play at the next level. I enjoyed all four years of high school and just wanted to play at the next level so much more. I’m getting to go with one of my buddies as well, so it just means a lot.”

Regarding the decision to attend Hardin-Simmons, Coalson said, “It’s a good program, not too far away and not too close. I like the coaches, I like what they do, and they have a good atmosphere over there.”

Coalson was a first-team all-district selection for the Lions at quarterback during his senior season (117 of 201 for 1,925 yards, 24 TDs, 11 INTs; 3 rushing TDs), as well as his junior campaign (1,653 passing yards, 13 TDs, 7 INTs; 353 rushing yards, 3 TDs).

Reflecting on his fondest memories as a Brownwood Lion football player, Coalson said, “All my teammates, all my coaches and the Friday nights. It was really fun and it meant a lot to be in Brownwood.”

Coalson intends to major in Civil Engineering and, in the future, plans to, “look over cement plants and big projects like that,” he added.

Lions football head coach Jeryl Brixey said of Coalson, “He was the quarterback when I got here, and was one of several seniors that were at the board meeting when I was announced as the head coach. I really appreciate Judson and how much leadership he provided for our football team this year in his role as both team captain and as quarterback. He’s a guy the other kids fed off of, and the belief in our program and what we were doing, he was an instrumental part in that and getting us going the right way. I think he’ll do the same things at Hardin-Simmons and they’re really fortunate to have the kind of player he is.”