BRIDGE CITY, Texas — New year, new coach, same expectations.
The Bridge City Cardinals brought in former Orangefield Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Josh Smalley to lead their squad beginning in 2024.
As for Smalley, coming back to the place where he played football during his high school days feels fulfilling.
“Coming back home to kinda end my coaching career, this is year 29 for me [and] to be able to end where it all started is special," said Coach Smalley.
The Cards have not had it easy in some time.
Just over the past six seasons, the Cardinals have not seen a winning record.
The 2021 season holding a 4-6 overall record represents their best year over that span.
A lot of changes to the coaching staffs over the years is one of the factors Smalley wants to put an end to.
“The only thing that's really been consistent around here lately is change, new head coaches, new A.D.'s [Athletic Directors], I'm coming here to stay," said Smalley.
Within every season holds a senior class ready to make a life-long memory for their senior season.
At Bridge City, Smalley says there are about 30 student-athlete seniors this season.
That's just the seniors, Smalley also mentioned how the Cardinals have around 160 total student-athletes ready to make some noise this fall participating in football.
Coming from 3A at Orangefield, Smalley had to get accustomed to the large number of players at first.
"It's something I've never experienced as a head coach, that's about double the amount of kids that we had [at Orangefield]," Coach Smalley said about the amount of players at Bridge City. "So there's going to be some competition for some spots, which is a good thing! Hopefully that pays off on Friday night."
Bridge City opens the 2024 campaign with a scrimmage away at the Silsbee Tigers on August 15, and will begin the regular season at home against the Buna Cougars on August 30.