Does Travel Distance Really Matter?

It is highly unlikeley that the Stratford Elks (northernmost) will soon meet the Santa Maria Cougars (southernmost) in a regular season contest much less a state title game. The distance between them is over 850 miles.

But Santa Maria HC Isaiah Gracia, in his fifth year, fully expects his Cougars to do better in 2024.  The Cougars have been 3-2 for two consecutive years in district competition. Gracia has high hopes since several lettermen return, including lineman Angel Lara and quarterback Migual Alani

 The Cougars have posted a record of 3-2 in district in back-to-back seasons. This year, they're looking to improve and take home a playoff win.

The Cougars compete in District 16 of 2AD1, which includes Three Rivers and “the so-called "Stratford of the south,”  the Refugio Bobcats.  Fortunately, the Cougars host the Bobcats on October 11th, with the Bobcats having to travel the 177 mile distance between the two towns. 

The Cougars close out their regular season on Nov. 8th, at Premont, a week after they have travelled to Three Rivers, another tough district opponent.