Cardea Collier Shines in Thriller at The Star

If you haven’t had the chance to watch Cardea Collier in action, you’re missing out. This young man is putting on a show week after week, and if you’re anywhere near where his team is playing this Friday, you need to be there. I had the pleasure of catching his game at The Star last Friday, and let me tell you—it was electric. Cardea took a moment to join me for an interview to reflect on last week’s matchup and to look ahead to the next challenge. Here’s what he had to say.

Facing a Tested Opponent

Collier and his team squared off against Panther Creek last Friday, a team with plenty of playoff experience. Despite Panther Creek’s two losses this year, their history as a state semifinalist loomed large. “All week, we were just telling each other that we’re the better team coming into this game,” Cardea said. “I feel like everybody believed that, and it showed. They’re a good team, but adversity hit, and we persevered through it.”

Rising Above Adversity

Adversity did strike during the game, particularly after a critical turnover at the one-yard line. For many teams, such a mistake could have been a backbreaker. Not for Cardea and his squad. “That fumble was on me,” he admitted. “I should have had more security on the ball. But my teammates trusted me to come back out. I had to step up and be the leader they can trust, and that’s what happened.” That leadership paid off. Cardea helped guide his team to a thrilling double-overtime victory, solidifying their undefeated record and advancing them deeper into the playoffs.

Senior Year Spotlight

As a senior, Cardea is savoring every moment of this special season. When asked about how it feels, he said, “It’s been fun. It’s been going how every senior would want it to.” But the job isn’t done yet. This Friday, his team faces a hot Sulphur Springs squad in the third round of the playoffs. Cardea knows they’re in for a battle.

“They’re a good team. They’re here for a reason, but we are too,” he said. “I’ll take us a hundred times out of a hundred. The work we’ve put in this offseason, throughout the year, and during the bye week after Glen Rose—I trust our team completely.”

Eyes on the Prize

With trophies from previous seasons on display behind him, Cardea made it clear what the goal is: another championship. His confidence, coupled with his team’s preparation, suggests they’re ready to rise to the challenge yet again. Cardea, thank you for taking the time to chat. Best of luck this Friday and beyond—your fans, myself included, are excited to see what’s next!

Alvarado will play Sulpher Springs at 7:30 pm Friday at Mesquites Memorial Stadium. Watch the full interview on our Youtube Channel.