Durant is having a great season. The Cougars are 7-1 overall. The last time they won seven games was in 2017 when they finished 7-4. This season, their lone setback came to Newsome in the district opener where they lost by a score of 17-7. Durant is scoring 37 points per game while the defense is only allowing 8 points per game. The ground game is Durant’s bread and butter. As a team, they have 2,123 yards on 302 carries (265.4 rushing yards per game) and 27 rushing touchdowns. The offensive line is taking care of business. Through the air, they have gained 832 yards on 48 completions (104 passing yards per game) and 12 touchdowns. Durant hosts Middleton (3-4) this week and then finishes the season at Plant (5-2). Here are their top performers so far this season.
2022 QB Marcus Miguele (6’1” 165 lbs)
Through the air, Miguele has completed 46 out of 82 passing attempts for 813 yards (56%) and 12 touchdowns. He has thrown 5 interceptions with 4 coming in the Cougars’ loss to Newsome. On the ground, he has carried the ball 78 times for 426 yards (5.5 ypc) and 5 touchdowns. He is an athletic dual-threat QB who has done very well managing the offense.
2023 RB Calub Connell (5’8” 144 lbs)
The junior running back has carried the ball 101 times for 678 yards (6.7 ypc) and 11 touchdowns. He also has 51 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Connell is a north-south runner with a great burst through the line of scrimmage. He breaks arm tackles and fights for extra yards.
2024 RB Alex Daley (5’7” 168 lbs)
In six games, the sophomore has carried the ball 52 times for 473 yards (9.1 ypc) and 4 touchdowns. He also has a 60 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Durant run game is clearly in good shape going forward. Daley is quick and elusive. He displays good vision and instincts. He is doing great things as an underclassman and definitely has a bright future.
2023 WR Jeremiah Gines (5’10” 170 lbs)
Gines is Durant’s leading receiver. He has 19 receptions for 347 yards (18.3 yards per reception) and 7 touchdowns. He does a great job stretching the field for the Cougars when needed. His presence and scoring ability help keep defenses honest.
2023 LB Jacob Reed (5’10” 195 lbs)
Reed leads the team with 88 total tackles and a very impressive 76 solo tackles. He also has 8 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 recovery. He has also contributed on offense and has 1 rushing touchdown. He is a sure tackler with great awareness. He has a motor and flies to the football with urgency.
2023 DE Leo Tabakovic (6’2” 205 lbs)
Tabakovic leads the defensive line with 38 total tackles, 25 solo, 14 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovery. He has also forced a safety. The junior gets off the ball well and has a great motor.
2025 CB Jayden Cornelius (5’6” 140 lbs)
The freshman has proven to be a ball-hawk right out of the gate. Cornelius leads the team with 5 interceptions. He also has 8 tackles. He also sees some time on offense. He does a nice job of tracking the ball and making a play on it. He will only get bigger and faster over the next few years.