Columbus Cardinals Capture First State Championship in Historic Victory

ARLINGTON — On a night that held deep meaning, the Columbus Cardinals emerged victorious, defeating the defending champs, Malakoff, 48-14 in the UIL Class 3A Division I state title game at AT&T Stadium. This win marks a groundbreaking moment for the Cardinals, celebrating their first-ever state championship since starting their football program almost 100 years ago.

The emotional backdrop of the game was the memory of teammate Aleks Medrano, who tragically passed away on October 2 from an unexpected illness. His presence was felt throughout the night, especially as the team donned helmet decals in his honor and carried his jersey to midfield for the pregame coin toss. “I just couldn’t be more proud of our kids,” said head coach Matt Schobel. “Thinking about Aleks Medrano a lot today. Just what we’ve been through… very proud of them.”

From the get-go, Columbus delivered a powerful performance. Senior quarterback Adam Schobel was instrumental, completing 15 of 21 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns, and tacking on another touchdown with a rush. The Cardinals’ offense did not hold back, racking up a total of 428 yards and averaging an impressive 7.9 yards per play. Junior running back Grayson Rigdon also shined, rushing for 119 yards and scoring four touchdowns, adding to his remarkable legacy of success in high-stakes games.

Defensively, Columbus was relentless. The Cardinals shut down Malakoff’s formidable offense, which had averaged nearly 453 yards per game this season. Senior John Schobel, Adam’s cousin, led the defense with 10 tackles and three sacks, earning the title of Defensive MVP. The team managed to limit Malakoff to just 72 total yards in the first half, showcasing their superior defensive strategy.

The sense of family that the Columbus players and coaches fostered following Medrano’s passing radiated throughout the game. “This isn’t like a team – it’s like a family,” said Medrano’s mother, Dawn Medrano. The strong support from the community and dedication to honoring Medrano clearly spurred the Cardinals to push through adversity and achieve their dream.

As the final whistle blew and the scoreboard reflected the decisive victory, it was clear the Cardinals had achieved more than just a win; they crafted a legacy, fulfilling their mission to play not only for themselves but for their beloved friend, Aleks. The Columbus Cardinals finish the season with a remarkable 15-1 record, and the future looks bright for this impressive squad.