As the sports scene in Cuero heated up, just like the summer weather, both the Gobblers and Lady Gobblers moved beyond just district play, setting the stage for an exciting second half of 2025. And with players excelling across various sports, the enthusiasm from the community continued to grow.
The month of August was particularly lively, highlighted by the inaugural Youth Ignited Boys 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, proudly sponsored by Cuero United. This lively event took place at Cuero Municipal Park on August 9. The competition was an opportunity for the local youth to have a little fun, and spotlight some talent, with Cuero’s own 2DC team, consisting of David Leinen, D’zayvion Bonner, and Chris Mathis, clinching the championship title.
In another fantastic display of athleticism, Special Olympics participants Braylon Williams and Kellis Jackson marked their presence at the Area 13 Bocce Ball Tournament in Round Rock. Their abilities shone through as they each earned a gold medal in singles and a silver medal in doubles. These two continue to shine brightly with their athletic abilities.
As September rolled in, the Lady Gobblers kept the momentum going with an impressive victory against San Antonio Kenedy. This match showcased the team’s skills, with standout performances from Ashlyn Gamez and Caroline Kubesch, who each recorded nine kills, leading their team to a decisive win.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as the Varsity Gobbler Football team received recognition in Dave Campbell’s Magazine, a testament to their hard work. The team was honored when players were presented with personalized cover editions, courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance of De-Witt County.
The Cuero Cross Country Team also had an impressive showing during September, making a mark at the Port Aransas Cross Country Invitational. The JV team finished 4th, while the 8th graders captured a bronze medal, and the 7th grade teams excelled with the girls bringing home gold and the boys taking 3rd place. Such accomplishments reflect the depth and talent of Cuero’s athletic programs, earning them respect and admiration from around the area.
The football team further solidified their status as a contender in the area, bringing home victories against formidable opponents such as Yoakum, Belton, Corpus Christi Miller, and Harlingen. Ending the month with a commendable 4-1 record, their close match against Rockport, which ended in a nail-biting loss of 56-57, exemplified the competitive spirit that Cuero sports fans cherish.
October marked an exciting time for the Cuero community, as sports teams from the local schools reveled in success across a range of disciplines; highlighting the Homecoming Queen and King being crowned, with Kirsten Trevino and Kamarye Lopez achieving the prestigious titles.
The Cuero Gobblers reignited team spirit early in October with a sweeping victory against Sinton, showcasing the power of unity and commitment to the game. Across various levels, the Freshman team won 22-14, the Junior Varsity followed suit with a 20-14 win, and the Varsity team delivered a nail-biting 56-55 finish. The enthusiasm from these victories paved the way for a thrilling athletic season. Additionally, the Cross Country team made a significant mark at the District Meet held at Starke Park in Seguin. Freshman Elena Gomez led the charge with an impressive 3rd place finish in the girls’ category, clocking in at 12:42 and securing her spot at Regionals. Continuing her momentum, Gomez later ran at the Cross-Country Region IVA Championships at Texas A&M in Corpus Christi, ultimately finishing 21st overall and the third best freshman runner. Notably, she steadily improved her performance throughout the season, shaving an impressive 90 seconds off her personal best. These achievements highlight her dedication and hard work to better her performance.
As the season rolled into November, the Lady Gobbler Volleyball team continued to shine, particularly in the Bi-District matchup against Devine. They displayed an impressive team performance dominated by Jessa Cox, who recorded an astonishing 25 kills, complemented by Kubesch’s contributions of 10 kills and 13 digs. With stellar assists from Stella Maldonado and Reagan Reitz, both contributing 15 and 19 assists, respectively, the Lady Gobblers showcased their skill and teamwork.
Despite facing a setback against Canyon Lake in the Area tournament, the Lady Gobblers kept their spirits high, with six players earning selections for the All District Team and twelve excelling with an Academic All District honor. Kubesch was also received the honor of receiving the Texas Girls Coaches Association Academic All State honor. The Gobbler Football team also put on a show of force, finishing the district with a 41-20 victory over Robstown, allowing them to become District Champions alongside Rockport and Sinton, in a three-way tie.
In a thrilling Bi-District playoff showdown, the Gobblers triumphed 4214 against LaFeria at Gobbler Stadium. Their strong season continued as they outperformed Gonzales 35-14 in an Area matchup before achieving a profound revenge victory against Rockport in the Regional Semi-finals, clinching the game with a score of 48-27.
December marks a turning point in the sports calendar, as some seasons wind down while new ones tip off, bringing both endings and fresh beginnings. DeWitt County Pescadores made a generous donation to the Cuero Golf Program which will be utilized for team golf bags and pull carts. The Gobbler Basketball team welcomed Salesian College, an international squad from Melbourne, Australia, winning the match 52-44. The Lady Gobbler Basketball squad, who finished the season State Runner-up in 2025, looks to build the young program back up to state championship levels. The Gobbler football team wrapped up their impressive season with a record of 12-2, although they faced heartbreak in the State Quarterfinal game against Sinton, falling just short with a 42-45 final score. The team received several honors with 22 players receiving All District honors, 12 Academic All District honors, and 4 Academic All State honors. In addition, Jaxxon Marie was named Offensive MVP for the District, Walker Dietze named Wide Receiver of the Year, D’zayvion Bonner named Offensive Newcomer of the Year, and Kaden Johnson named Defensive Newcomer of the Year. There were two players who set new Cuero High School records during the 2025 football season. Marie had 55 total touchdowns and 2,939 passing yards, and Dietze had 99 receptions, 26 touchdowns, and 1, 642 yards.
In conclusion, Cuero sports teams showed tremendous perseverance and exceptional talent throughout 2025, uniting the community through passion, teamwork, and fierce competition. As the seasons continue, fans can only look forward to what these dedicated athletes will accomplish in 2026.
Senior Bailey Staten digs the ball against San Antonio Memorial. Photo courtesy of Courtney Kubesch
