​TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Taking the first steps in building a program can be tough and rewarding.For the Tyler Lions, getting back to the postseason for the first time in four years has us heading in the right direction, but there is still plenty of meat on the bone for this pride of Lions.
Tyler Lions finish 2026 spring football with annual Blue and White scrimmage “Going to the playoffs was a success in that we needed to get there, I felt like we left a lot on the table though, a lot of close games that we couldn’t close out but the improvement is still there and we have to continue to do that,” said Tyler head coach Rashaun Woods. “I think this year we’re going to be able to do that, so the same thing, continue to build the program and continue to take those steps to being a perennial playoff team as well as a team that can compete for a state title.”The Lions have plenty of explosive playmakers returning, including star running back and Oregon commit Cadarius McMillen, who set the school’s single-game record for touchdowns last season, and is a home run threat every time he touches the football.”Pretty big for me, I know my role now; I’ve got to lead the younger guys,” said McMiller. “I know if I do my job, they’ll fall in place, know what you’re doing, if you know your job, it makes the game go slower.””Poised, we’re poised to have a really good year, and we’ve got a really, really good group all around,” said Woods.For the past three seasons, Caden Granberry was the starting quarterback for the Tyler High Lions; this year, senior Raykell Ford will take over the reins. He’s embraced the opportunity to lead this high-powered offense, as well as continue the excellence that’s expected for Cujo football.”It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s not really that hard,” said Ford. “In practice, we just have to push through everything, the heat and everything, yelling; it comes with it.””Expect the same thing, right? Everybody that we’re training to play, we want everybody to continue to collectively get better; quarterback is no different, and I think we’re getting there with Raykell, and I’m excited to see how he progresses as a player,” said Woods.The Lions have raised their expectations and now have their eyes set on bringing a district title to Tyler.”I’m going to enjoy, it’s the last year of high school ball,” said McMiller “You ain’t ever going to get to do this again.””I want to graduate and leave a name for myself, to leave a name for the football community, for Tyler High, just trying to leave a name for myself, and make sure we win and we go out good,” said Ford.”Some thing we talk about every year, we fell like we could win a district title last year, this year is no different, we’re going out as a coaching staff and getting these guys in a position, coaching these guys with a though in mind, tin win every game, and so, whether it’s a district title or just a non-conference game, we’re coaching as hard as we can for these young men so that we c