Keeping the Faith

By Justin Braden

Union, KY –

“When we lost the state championship that was a real big hit for me because I knew we could have beat them.”

Colton Graham knows the expectation for next season - nothing but a state championship will do for him, his team, and his community, but he has overcome the disappointment of that loss by focusing on his faith.

“God just got me through that loss, and through the hard times.”

Graham, a sophomore defensive end at Randall K. Cooper High is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, but Colton and his family relocated to northern Kentucky about 8 years ago, and one of the greatest differences he has noticed is how more seriously football is taken in his Kentucky community.

“It’s definitely more competitive in football. We have a lot of people, a lot of supporters with us. After the championship run, we were getting a bunch of free things, free dinners, you know, free signs and stuff. We were treated like kings. It was pretty sweet.”

Despite the competition level at the defensive line at his school and the caliber players in 5A across Kentucky, Graham was in the top 20 in defensive sacks in his state, and he credits a new coaching staff with adding to his intensity. 

"Our new head coach. He pushed us to want more this season. I just like the environment and the discipline he brings, and good friends and success both come with that.”

After an 8 game win streak, the Randall K. Cooper Jaguars (12-3, 4-1 District 6-5A) made it to the state championship in 2023 before faltering in a 28-14 loss to Bowling Green, but the loss has served as motivation for Graham and his team to continue to better themselves heading into the next season.  

"It just pushes you to be better. It pushes you to try your best and do your best no matter what. If you fall, you just have to get right back up, and keep going."

Colton's drive and self-discipline are rooted in his current coaching staff, and although he had different coaches during his freshman and sophomore seasons, the differences in coaching styles empowered him to understand what he looks for in a college as he takes his game to the next level. 

“Right now, I want to know that that team can actually win with the coach they have and know that the team has discipline. I want to go somewhere in life after college, and I want a plan.”

Colton has a strategy heading into his junior season. He is developing his agility and speed while adding on the muscle mass that he will need to play at the collegiate level, and his mindset has developed into a hit-or-be-hit mentality that offenses are going to fear next season. 

“I like to hit, not be hit. I like physical contact. I just like the idea of defense too, stopping a big guy, before he before he makes a big play.

Watching Colton on the field, his fast playing style shows when he beats tackles around the edge before sacking the quarterback, or when he closes a huge gap on a running back and saves a touchdown run.

Graham’s future is promising, and his performance on the field is attracting interest from local universities and he continues to create opportunities for himself by building new relationships within his area football community.

“I talk to coaches and scouts at practices. I'll be talking to them even if they're not there for me. I'll try and make a connection. Right now, it’s important to me to be with the right crowd. Connections are key.”

Colton is undoubtedly surrounding himself with a support group that is smart and successful and he notes the character of his team and the people that he is seeking out as people that will be positive influences on his attitude and achievement. 

“We are a really good Christian team. We pray before every game. We say the Lord's Prayer and then we'd have our own our own sort of prayer. I'm a big Drew Brees guy. I enjoyed how he played, and how he kept it good and clean. He was a good Christian guy. I want to be a role model like that and he is someone that I aspire to be like."

Colton Graham's faith will continue to be his foundation for success, and it is evident in the motivational words he gives to other student-athletes who might find themselves in his position.

"It doesn't matter about your size. I wasn't big enough to be a defensive end, but then I worked on it. I put in that work. I tried to perfect my position and we went to state and I was top 20 in the state for sacks. What it really comes down to is who wants it more.”

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