Cal Lanouette
Sports Editor
When the leaves fall in the autumn, it’s time for football. With a new group of freshmen entering and last year’s seniors gone, the program looks to build off its nine wins from last season.
This year’s Varsity opening roster consists of one freshman, five sophomores, 24 juniors and 19 seniors. The team’s goal is almost always to bring home a State championship and beat Kirkwood in the Turkey Day Game.
Varsity posted a 9-3 record last year, but it wasn’t the team that won the Turkey Day game. That would be the JV.
JV Coach Dwight Kirksey said about the team’s goal this year, “Their goal is to win every game they play including Turkey Day.” With hopes that Varsity will go to State, JV looks to play in yet another Turkey Day game this November.
An obstacle this year’s JV team faces is the lack of numbers with 10th graders. “We must be conditioned very well to play all four quarters of a ballgame.” said Kirksey.
“It is very important to prepare these young men for Varsity. Aim for state championships on Varsity and the development on the lower level is very vital,” said Kirksey “We train them mentally and physically by putting them through drills and situations to get them prepared to play at a fast level full of discipline.”
Kirksey said at this point in the player’s high school careers, they just need to learn the game’s fundamentals, and if they can accomplish that, winning will take care of itself.
The teams have struggled out of the gate with both freshmen and Varsity starting 1-2 through the first three games. Looking to turn the season around, Varsity will play at Parkway West Oct. 4, and both the freshmen and JV will play Parkway West at Moss field Oct. 7.
