Basin Gridiron Training Camp: Compass Cougars

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The Compass Cougars are coming off a 9-2 season, but they know the road to another successful year will be tougher in 2026.

Compass enters a new district with a more challenging schedule, giving the Cougars another opportunity to build on the progress they've made under third-year head coach Boe Smith.

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Smith has watched the program grow since taking over, and he said the players' work ethic has been a major part of that progress.

“You see the facilities, but they never make any excuses,” Smith said. “To them, that's just their home, and they show up every day, they work hard, they play for one another, and that's all you can ask for in a team.”

The Cougars will also benefit from continuity on both sides of the ball. Compass is moving to a run-pass-option (RPO) system on offense, while the current group will run the same offense and defense for the first time in four years.

Smith said that familiarity should allow the Cougars to focus more on the small details that can make a difference on Friday nights.

“It's the execution of it. It's the understanding of it, fitting where you're supposed to when you call an offense,” Smith said. “It's knowing where that sixth step is instead of five, and attention to detail. So, those are real big things for us this year.”

Senior captains Kasen Smart and Remington Hinesly will be among the leaders for the Cougars this season.

Hinesly said the offense has the potential to be more dangerous this year, particularly with an improved wide receiver group.

“I feel like we have a better wide receiver core and we can kind of air the ball out more,” Hinesly said. “We feel like we can really get the ball moving this year.”

Defensively, Hinesly believes Compass has the talent to make life difficult for opposing offenses.

“I feel like we have the best defense we've ever had and we have an elite linebacker core and defensive backs,” Hinesly said. “So I feel like it's gonna be really hard to run the ball on us and our DBs are gonna make sure they can't throw.”

Smith said the Cougars will also expand their defensive approach, adding more coverage and blitz packages as the players become more comfortable in the system.

With a tougher schedule ahead, Compass knows it will have to be ready early.

For Hinesly, who is entering his senior season, the goal is clear: make the playoffs and make the most of the final season with his teammates.

“I want to play to the best of my ability, and I want to be able to help our team grow, not only on the team, but as brothers and as family,” Hinesly said.

The Cougars open the 2026 season against Crane, giving Smart an early opportunity for revenge after the Golden Cranes ended his season a year ago.

Compass will look to build on last year's success with an even deeper playoff run in a new, more competitive district.

Dave Campbell’s Texas High School Football Magazine predicts the Cougars to place fifth in District 2-3A Division I.

Compass kicks off the season on August 28 on the road against the Crane Golden Cranes.

To see the full season preview, watch the video above.