Argyle kicker sets national field goal record

Although Cole Hedlund is a mere 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, he now stands alone in the national high school football record book.

The sophomore kicked field goals of 29 and 36 yards Friday night to help Argyle (Texas) defeat Monahans (Texas)  34-14 in the Class 3A Division II state semifinals.

As a result, Hedlund now owns the national single-season record of 23 field goals, surpassing the record of 22 that was shared by three players. This year he has made 23 of 28 field-goal attempts and 72 of 74 extra-point attempts. His longest field goal is 42 yards.

"It's the most amazing feeling ever," Hedlund told MaxPreps. "It's like a dream, almost. I'm just glad we're at the state (finals). Most of the people who broke it were seniors. I didn't think this would ever happen."

Hedlund said he didn't feel any pressure, despite knowing he entered the game one short of tying the record.

"It's awesome," Argyle coach Todd Rodgers added. "I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments. He works really hard at his art. He has a great demeanor and is a self-motivated kid. He's real low-key. He does his work on the sidelines and prepares. He's very young; I expect Cole to go through a growth spurt, get bigger and stronger."

Even though he knew his young kicker is "a special talent," Rodgers admits he did not expect records from Hedlund. He took over kicking duties this year from his brother Chad, a two-year All-Stater who now is at Wake Forest.

Rodgers credits most of Hedlund's few misses on bad execution from either the center snap or the holder.

Hedlund acknowledged, "Probably one or two (misses) were actually my fault. The only reason I would miss is if I rush myself."

Cole and Chad both played soccer as youngsters, and Cole followed his brother into kicking at the end of his eighth-grade year.

Comparing the two, Rodgers said Chad was more physical, but Cole is more accurate at the same age. He hopes for one more big game from his rising star this coming Friday when the Eagles (14-1) seek their first state title against unbeaten Wimberley (Texas).   

MaxPreps Texas 3A Division II state brackets