Cane Bay Football Looking To Get Back On Track

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Summerville – The last two football seasons have been sub-par for the Cane Bay Cobras but veteran head coach Russell Zehr believes the pieces are in place for a potential resurgence.

The Cobras finished the last two seasons with three wins each but did win a region championship in 2024. Zehr and his staff have worked hard in the offseason to develop some up and coming talent. They did so through the weight room and spring practice.

“We had a good spring overall,” Zehr said. “We were missing a handful of guys due to track but we had good numbers. We spent a lot of time getting everyone up to speed. It was an opportunity for us to see younger kids that are coming up and find out who can help us this season. We had about 80 kids during the sprng and about 75 of those have been consistent in their workouts over the summer.”

The Cobras will have a new quarterback this fall. Zehr says senior Coran Houpe is moving from running back to run the option offense this season.

Returning in the backfield are Mayson Samuel and Sam Rolston, with some talented backs coming from the lower levels. The offensive line returns two starters, Isaac Siefken and Eli Taylor.

Junior JJ Rose is back as the leader along the defensive front, with ends Devin Cobbs and Brennen Shokes also returning. The linebackers will be new starters with only Jackson Williamson returning with experience.

The secondary could be a strength with returners Tyrell Bess, Zion Bryant and Caeden Wilson.

The kicking game is a solid strength with senior Aiden Thorne returning. Thorne is a deep threat on kickoffs and field goals.

“He’s got a leg and can be a real weapon for us,” Zehr said.

Cane Bay participated in weekly 7-on-7 passing league scrimmages during June and will play at The Citadel event in July.