Cade Golden
A flashback to middle school days in Coupeville. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
One came back.
Back in 2016, Coupeville Middle School football coach Bob Martin had a roster full of talented players.
Then life stepped in, with at least six of those guys departing.
Two chose to attend high school in Oak Harbor, while four left Whidbey Island after family moves.
But now, in a pleasant plot twist, Cade Golden — the big-armed quarterback from that group — is returning to finish his prep career where it began.
After playing three seasons in Alabama, the last two for a school which won back-to-back 7A state titles, he will suit up as a senior for Coupeville High School when the pandemic-shortened season begins March 29.
The move back to The Rock reunites Golden with former CMS teammates such as Ben Smith, Sage Downes, and Dakota Eck.
“I’m extremely excited!!,” Golden said. “I can’t wait to see everyone and get to work.”
After his family returned to its Alabama roots, moving to be closer to relatives, the QB played at several schools, finishing his run there at Thompson High School in Alabaster.
Golden was the backup to Thompson QB Conner Harrell, who threw for 3,400+ yards and 40 touchdowns this season, against just three interceptions.
While he didn’t start for the state champs, Golden’s work ethic and talent (plus a 4.0 GPA) has attracted a fair amount of college heat.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, he has offers from schools such as LaGrange College, Clarke University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Norwich University, Birmingham-Southern, and Sewanee: University of the South.
He also has Preferred Walk-On offers from at least two NCAA D-1 schools, Florida State and Tennessee.
While Golden is excited for the return to Coupeville, the feeling is equaled by his former (and future) teammates.
“With how minimal this season is, it’s great to have him back there,” Ben Smith said. “Especially with how crucial this season goal is, and his work ethic for goals like that is what we need on this team right now.
“I’m happy to have him back and he’s gonna do great things here once again.”
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