Junior Gracie Britten attempting to run the ball to the goal. Britten had 2 goal assists and earned the final goal for the Lady Highlander's first district win.
Photo by Marysa Barela
Junior Gracie Britten attempting to run the ball to the goal. Britten had 2 goal assists and earned the final goal for the Lady Highlander's first district win.
College Park's Camden Hughes (Cincinnati commit)
"We were down 21-7 at the half against The Woodlands," Hughes recalled. "We came in at halftime to talk over the second half. The speeches before we went back on that field… I'm getting chill bumps talking about it right now. I will never forget that moment."
The Cavaliers stormed back to win in double overtime, a signature victory that propelled College Park to its first district championship and a historic run to the third round of the playoffs.
Now, Hughes hopes that magical season was only the beginning.
The offseason brought plenty of change. Longtime head coach Kyle Coats departed for Atascocita, opening the door for first-year head coach Michael Burro, who arrived from San Antonio Johnson to lead the program into its next chapter.
For Hughes, the transition has been seamless.
"My knowledge on the field has really improved over the past year," he said. "I'm really excited about the new coaching staff, and me and our offensive coordinator have really clicked."
That comfort level has College Park believing another championship run is within reach.
"We have so much talent in this locker room," Hughes said. "We have all the weapons we need on offense and defense. Yes, we made school history winning district and going three rounds deep in the playoffs, but we're going to take it to the next level this year."
Doug Brown (VYPE)
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Hughes' confidence isn't rooted in bravado. It's built on preparation, poise and an unwavering belief in the players around him.
Despite playing the game's most visible position, Hughes doesn't see himself as the loudest voice in the huddle.
"I'm not a huge vocal leader," he admitted. "I let other guys in the locker room do a lot of the talking. When I need to speak up, I do. It's about keeping everyone on point and keeping everyone calm."
That calm demeanor has become one of his greatest strengths.
"I stay cool," he said. “When the guys get heated, I bring them down a little. ‘Remember, let’s execute. Don’t fold under pressure. Let the game take you where it’s going to take you.’”
That mindset has also caught the attention of college recruiters, culminating in his commitment to the University of Cincinnati—a program with a rich history of developing quarterbacks.
As Hughes prepares for his senior season, he models his game after one of the NFL's premier signal callers.
"My idol is Josh Allen," Hughes said. "The way he leads on the field and what he represents off the field really tells what kind of person he is. I want to be like him."
With a district title already on his résumé, a college commitment secured and a talented roster returning around him, Hughes enters the season with lofty expectations.
If his cool demeanor and championship experience are any indication, the Cavaliers' quarterback believes the best moments of his career are still waiting to be made.
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