The Caller-Times will be previewing area high school football teams in the month of August as part of the Two-A-Days series. For previous stories in the series go to caller.com.
Ray Texans
District: 14-5A Division II
2024 Record: 2-9, 2-3
Head coach: Craig Charlton, 11th season
Top returners
QB Tripp Thompson, RB/LB Brian McCullum, DB Cuatro Kennedy, DB Nico Hill Zanoni, DL Jaycen Elmore
What to know for 2025
The Texans improved as the year went along in 2024, and won the games that mattered to return to the playoffs, ending a six-year drought. Coach Craig Charlton said making the playoffs gave Ray a boost going into the offseason. The team returns quarterback Tripp Thompson, while many other schools in the district are breaking in a new signal caller. RB/LB Brian McCullum showed promise as a freshman and an experienced secondary led by Cuatro Kennedy and Nico Hill Zanoni should be the team’s strength.
Ray coach Craig Charlton on the 2025 season
“As the year went on we got better and better. We want to continue that game in and game out. The kids are enthusiastic and flying around. We see corners coming off blocks, making checks in the backfield. Our linebackers are running downhill. When you have that going, that leads to good things. Tripp and Brian are going be consistent for us. That is what it comes down to. The biggest question we had was at offensive line. Saying that, they have put the work in and we should be alright.”
Ray defensive back Cuatro Kennedy on building momentum
“We all went into the offseason together and worked endlessly. We are working to carry (last year’s playoff run) into this season. We are really excited about the defensive backfield. Everyone returns and our chemistry is really good on and off the field. Our bond helps us make plays. We want to get some district wins, get back into the playoffs and see from there.”
Two-a-day Preview Series
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Follow Quinton Martinez and Rey Castillo for sports coverage in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Two-a-days: Ray looking to build off momentum of playoff trip behind experienced secondary
Reporting by Quinton Martinez, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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