Sonora Broncos Quarterback Named "Ford Tough" Player of the Week

SAN ANGELO,TX- Jim Bass Ford awarded Kaden Cordell, Jr., a junior and quarterback for the Sonora, Texas Broncos for being selected as the 2016 Built Ford Tough Texas High School Player of the Week. A trophy presentation took place on Sept. 30 during a city-wide parade and pep rally. 

Like many teams, Sonora issues helmet decals for outstanding play. But the Broncos quarterback Cordell insists upon redistributing his to teammates.

“Without my team, I can’t do what I do,” he says. In Sept 16’s 51-14 blowout of Jim Ned, for example, Cordell hit on 15 of 22 passes for 364 yards (including a 70-yard strike, his longest of the season) and five touchdowns, a typical performance in Sonora’s 4-0 start.

The 5-10, 156-pound signal-caller is well on his way to surpassing his 2015 numbers (2,446 yards and 26 TDs). The Broncos led last week’s game 51-0 before Jim Ned scored twice against the Bronco reserves. Cordell also excels from his safety spot on defense, with two interceptions, including an 80-yard return that was called back. 

Cordell, who also plays basketball and runs track, holds a 4.0 GPA in his academic studies, is a member of the National Honor Society and is a strong candidate for Sonora’s 2018 class. He’s heavily involved in the team’s yard cleanup activity, is a member of the FCA, takes part in the NRA banquet and is active with the youth group at the First Baptist Church. 

“He’s one of the very best I’ve had in my 24 years of coaching,” says Coach David T. Sine, “and on a cognitive level, he’s even better. His work ethic is beyond belief. He has never missed a workout and understands the concepts and coverages amazingly well. He’s totally disciplined going through his reads and then knows when to check down. 

Cordell led his team on five wins to open the Bronco’s season, including a 68-7 win over Crane on Sept. 23. Iraan upset the Broncos last Friday night in a 37-27 heartbreaker.

The Ford Motor Company recognizes outstanding leadership in high school sports. Dealerships in the region deliver the award. Among the criteria for selection to be named the “Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week” are:

• Individual performance on the field, including significant game statistics
• Contribution to the team’s success through individual leadership abilities
• Performance off the field, including academic success and good community citizenship

Cordell joins five other players to earn recognition last week. The other winners are:

• Class 6-A: Peyton Mansell, Sr., Quarterback, Belton,
• Class 5-A: Spencer Sanders, Jr., Quarterback, Ryan,
• Class 4-A: Omar Silva, Sr., Running Back/Defensive Back, Port Isabel,
• Class 2-A: Mark Adams, Sr., Running Back/Defensive Back, New Deal,
• Private Schools: Grant Gunnell, Soph., Quarterback, St. Pius (Houston)

Fans, coaches and media  nominate athletes at PlayeroftheWeek.com, as well as catch up with winners, view video clips of players in action and get the latest program details.