North Richland Hills, TX - The Fort Worth Christian Cardinals are just two days away from starting their 2025 season. After a full week of intersquad scrimmages, the team is ready to hit the field for real. The Cardinals will open their season this Friday against Prestonwood Christian Academy at Graham Field, before their home opener on February 4th against UME Prep.
The week leading up to opening day has been busy for the team, with intersquad games giving players a chance to sharpen their skills and build team fundamentals. The coaching staff has used these scrimmages to evaluate the roster and make fine-tuning adjustments for the season.
For senior Jack Ude, this season is especially meaningful as it marks his final year as a Cardinal. Ude has been a key contributor for the team over the past few years and is determined to make this season one to remember. When asked about what he’s most excited about for his last season, Ude said it’s not just about winning games, though that’s certainly a goal. “I’m excited to win but I’m also excited for the bus rides with my teammates, the team dinners, and making memories,” Ude said. “It’s stuff like that I'm excited for.”
Assistant coach Curtis Wilkerson shared Ude’s enthusiasm, especially for the senior class. “I’m excited for the seniors to have a great year,” Wilkerson said. “They’ve got a lot of potential, and we believe this group can do something special. It’s important that they enjoy every moment and finish their high school careers on a high note.”
The Cardinals have high expectations heading into the season, and the strong senior leadership from players like Ude will play a huge role in guiding the team to success. The team has a mix of experienced players and newcomers who have quickly blended together, and they’ve been working hard in practice to build a winning culture.
As opening day approaches, the team’s anticipation is building. Everyone is eager to see the hard work from the fall practices and intersquads pay off when they take the field against Prestonwood on Friday. The season ahead looks promising, and the Cardinals are determined to make it a memorable one.