Following an 0-10 season in the fall of the 2024 season, the Goodpasture football team was looking to bounce back. They accomplished just that by making the playoffs with a 7-3 record and securing their first season with a winning record since 2022.
Head Coach Tyler Turner led the team to the playoffs in only his second year at Goodpasture. He and his assistant coaches put their team in excellent positions to win.
“I really think this season’s success started last year,” Coach Turner said, ”all that groundwork was laid last year and we’re able to learn and build from that.”
Turner credits his assistant coaches and the players for their willingness to learn and be committed to greatness.
Goodpasture’s success in the passing game was due to a great quarterback play from junior Chase Angell. Angell threw for over 1700 yards and 18 touchdowns through 11 games.
“My offensive line gave me the time to throw and my receivers gave me a place to throw the ball,” junior Chase Angell, quarterback, said.
The Cougars’ high-powered offense was led by a 1,000 yard rushing season from senior Caden Stroud. Along with 1,000 yards rushing, Stroud boasted 18 touchdowns and a nomination for Mr. Football in D2-AA.
Coach Turner was also thoroughly impressed with Stroud and his performance.
“His contribution to the team was huge because he gave us the tough yards.” Coach Turner said.
Defense was just as important as offense for the Cougars. They held teams to 7 points or less in half of their games. Their pass defense was especially good, accumulating 19 interceptions through 11 games.
Underclassmen were also becoming key parts of the team. One of these key players was sophomore Andrew Perry, who, after missing all of the 2024 season, bounced back with an amazing year on both sides of the ball.
“I’ve never missed a whole season of a sport, so being able to go out and have a great season like that is really special,” Perry said.
The Cougars seemed to be having fun on and off the field.
“After the Pope game the locker room was like a movie,” freshman Joe Batey said.
The Cougars season ended at the hands of Christian Academy of Knoxville in a thrilling 42-35 game. The Cougars will look to build off of that success and make a deep push into the playoffs next year.
“Our goal hasn’t changed; we still want a championship,” junior Nate Starks said.
