The Coronado Cougars football team wrapped up their 2025 season with an uprise of momentum for the future, going from 0-10 two seasons ago, to 3-7 last season, and now to league champs has been an incredible turnaround.

Thanks to the incredible seniors and the rise of two standout athletes who finished the year ranked No.1 in Colorado at their positions: Thomas Buckmiller (QB), Class of 2026, and Lyrik Smith (WR), Class of 2026. Buckmiller played his heart out this year with one of the most efficient and explosive seasons this program has ever seen. He threw a miraculous 3,540 yards with 42 passing touchdowns and a 69% completion rate, along with 3 rushing touchdowns. His ability to extend plays and command his offense helped the team turn the corner and transformed Coronado into a serious team with some optimism for the future.

Luciano “Lucky” Taraborelli, Class of 2026 starting linebacker, led the team in tackles with 114 total; he accounted for 12 tackles for loss along with 99 solo tackles and 15 assisted tackles. His leadership on the field doesn’t account for his amazing leadership traits off the field.

Beyond the numbers, Coronado’s season was fueled by resilience, faith, and passion. Oliver Bushman, Class of 2026, reflected on what kept him committed to the team all four years of high school through criticism surrounding the program. When asked how he stayed focused, he shared, “I stayed committed through all the criticism because my love for the game and the people beside me—my coaches and teammates—always outweighed the noise, even in our toughest 0–10 season.”

With leaders like Buckmiller, Smith, Taraborelli, and Bushman setting the foundation for the future classes to build on, the future sure looks bright as the program potentially moves to the 4A CHSAA division.