WIMBERLEY, Texas — The last time Cody Stoever took the field, he left everything he had out there.

The then-junior quarterback at Wimberley combined for over 400 yards and five touchdowns in the state semifinal game against Bellville. However, Stoever was stopped inches short of the goal line on a 2-point conversion late in the game and Wimberley lost 35-33. 

“To sit here and say I was a couple of inches short just kills me,” Stoever said after that game. “I got another year, but these seniors, they worked their butts off constantly and they picked me up when I’m down. All I wanted to do was give them a ring, so I’m sorry that I just fell short.”

That loss has lived with Stoever all off-season, but he’s back for his senior year with as much motivation as any player in the state to get back on the field.

“All off-season we’ve been working hard, putting in the extra work to get that 2-point conversion if it comes to it next year,” said Stoever. “It stings still, but that’s in the past.”

Stoever has one more chance to get to the top of Texas high school football. As a sophomore, he was a big part of Wimberley’s run to the state title game. But they lost that game to Carthage. Last year he was the leader of that team that came up just short. Now it’s title or bust for the Texans.

“That’s the only way I want to finish my senior year. I’m not coming out here to be a silver medalist,” said Stoever. “I’m going for the ring and the championship and every single person out here is.”

Stoever back at quarterback gives Wimberley a real shot at winning the title in class 4A Division II. Last year he combined for 73 touchdowns. He does it throwing and running and with a toughness that might be unmatched.

“Having a guy there you would follow into war is super special,” said Ty Thames, a TE/LB at Wimberley. “We wouldn’t have anybody else in the nation to follow to war with than Cody Stoever.”

“It’s just how I’m wired, in my head. Toughness and grit come to mind,” Stoever said. “I want everyone to look around me and say that he’s not going to give up.”

His teammates believe in him and Stoever believes in his teammates. He thinks this group could help Wimberley win their first state title since 2011.

“We might not have as much talent as we have in years past but I guarantee we’ll make up all of that with our heart,” Stoever said. “They’re not afraid to play hard. It’s a pretty good group of guys.”

Wimberley opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Canyon Lake.