CHINA SPRING, Texas — The sun wasn't even up yet, but the lights at Cougar Stadium were bright as the boys got ready for their next matchup.
"I just want to have fun my senior year. Leave it all on the field and not let anybody get me down. Play full and give it all I've got," said Quarterback Cash McCollum.
McCollum transferred to China Spring from Wimberly last year and stepped into a leadership role. The growth has been phenomenal says Coach Tyler Beatty.
"His dad is one of our coaches and I think Cash growing up in the locker room, he was able to see not only the benefits of really good teammates, but also when things do go awry or south in the locker room. His ability to grow in that role is really really big," Beatty said.
"You have leaders who do the screaming and yelling and the guys who do the quiet confidence and picks you up when you're down. He's done a really good job with those relationship and I think that transfers out in the field with his performance," Beatty added.
In just 23 games with the Cougars, Cash broke the all-time China Spring record of touchdowns held by former Baylor star Shawn Bell. Cash's new record is 70 touch downs, six of which he scored against La Vega.
"We don't play guys or call plays to break records. We call plays to win football games and we've been very fortunate that in doing so, he's broken those records," said Coach Beatty.
"It was my goal, but I'm more focused on winning the games we need to win and a state championship, but really it's the O-line and the coaching that got me that. Our play calling is unbelievable and they set me up for success and our receivers just make plays," said McCollum.
Humble and kind, Cash always has time for little Cougars that just want a picture or a quick high five.
"In what we do as a football team, he'll always be remembered. It's his persona, humbleness and graciousness," said Beatty.
Cash heads to play for the University of North Texas next.
"I hope he's able to take the confidence he's had here in China Spring. The support and the characteristics that he's built here," said Beatty.
And as for the one dollar bill that's attached to Cash's back pad every game, it serves as a good luck charm, but the harder you work, the luckier you get.
"I got it as soon as I moved here so I guess it's good luck," said McCollum. "I just left it on there and it's become something bigger than I thought."