Cardinals return to semis in Schobel’s debut
COLUMBUS — Memories of 1993’s state semifinal could be a little sweeter for Matt Schobel.
He moved up to varsity as a freshman for Columbus’ playoff run that year — a common practice for coaches wanting to provide some experience to subvarsity players. But the Cardinals were blanked 32-0 by Cuero in that state semifinal.
Until this year, the program hadn’t been back. But in his debut season as head coach, Schobel has his alma mater on the “doorstep” of its first state championship game berth. Columbus has to get through defending Class 3A Division I state champion Grandview at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Round Rock’s Reeves Stadium.
“We had a lot of success back in the 90s, and like I’ve mentioned to these kids, they have a chance to leave their mark and have their legacy left here, and we’re right at the doorstep of doing something that’s never been done here before,” Schobel said.
Schobel, who graduated from Columbus in 1997, perhaps is remembered for transferring from Texas A&M to TCU, where he blossomed as a tight end. He also spent time in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles.
In Columbus, he’s just part of a big family residing 77 miles west of downtown Houston. It may be his first season coaching his alma mater, but he’s no stranger.
“I’m not sure it would be near as special doing it somewhere else,”
Schobel said. “I know a lot of these kids’ families. My brother (former NFL Pro Bowler Aaron Schobel) is on the staff. My old high school head coach is on the staff. My old offensive line coach is on the staff. It’s fun to come to work. It’s been real special to work with these kids and this staff. Our community is behind us. It’s been a lot of fun.”
It always starts with the ground game for Columbus, meaning senior Tyree Simcik this year. With double duty common in lower classifications, Simcik also plays linebacker and contributes on special teams as a returner.
If Columbus is on a dream run reminiscent of the 1990s, Grandview is a bigger roadblock today than Cuero was back then. Grandview (13-1), which rests between Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco, didn’t suffer much graduation turnover from last year’s team.
Schobel has no qualms about the challenge of getting past the state semifinal this time around.
“Obviously, for us to have a chance, we’re going to have to play our best football of the year,” he said. “That’s what we’re planning on doing.”