TATUM, Texas — It's been a decade since Tatum has secured a 3A-1 Region II District 6 Championship -- that is until last Friday night when they squared off with Jefferson.
For context, Jefferson beat Tatum in overtime last season, therefore returning the favor this year made all the difference. It was also an emotional win for the team because they lost Braden Mimbs, a teammate and friend, in April. Head Coach Whitney Keeling delivered an emotional speech to the team after winning the game.
"To lose a brother and play for a season because of him and for us to go and battle and win it means so much to me," Keeling said. "I hope it means as much to you. I'm so proud of you guys for continually battling. I told y'all when we come together as a group, special things happen. Congratulations to the 2023 district champions."
It was a team effort to get the win, but Tatum quarterback and linebacker Cole Watson stood out recording 23 carries for 210 yards and three touchdowns, along with 10 tackles for loss. Watson's build and speed help him lead the team under center and give depth on the defensive side. Playing on both sides of the ball is difficult, especially in two leadership roles.
"The toll it takes on your body, you're getting hit on offense and you're delivering the hit on defense," Watson said. "Playing snap after snap and not coming off the field much can get a little tiring."
Luckily for Watson, he's turning his attention to linebacker as he heads off to Louisiana Tech University next year. He's played on defense since he was a freshman and Tatum's offense consists of staying on the ground as much as possible; therefore, linebacker was the obvious choice for him.
"I've been playing defense since I started," Watson said. "The relationship I've built with them at LA Tech and they've been great to me; I'm just excited for the future."
Keeling speaks very highly of Watson and his efforts never go unnoticed.
"Cole's a special player, you're not going to find too many kids who can play 120/130 snaps a game, especially the grueling part he has to play as being the leader on the offensive and defensive side as quarterback and linebacker," Keeling said. "Cole's one of those coaching kid mentalities where he's going to do anything you ask him to do and he's going to do it real well."
When asked who he mirrors his playing style after, he settled on Micah Parsons.
"Micah Parsons is just unbelievable coming off the ball, especially on the defensive side, it's just fun to watch him," Watson said
.It's also safe to say that he feels like a lion on the field -- just like Parsons.