Football season begins

Calum Shank
Video Editor

Fall football season begins Aug. 27, and goes through Nov. 25, when the Statesmen play Kirkwood in the annual Turkey Day game.

“Our players continue to demonstrate a tireless commitment to improving themselves and our football program as a whole. I am proud of who they are along with what they are accomplishing each day,” head coach Matt Buha said.

The Varsity team recently lost its first three games of the season, 42-0 against Vashon on Aug. 27, 20-14 to Parkway South on Sept. 2, and 14-10 against Oakville on Sept. 10. They play Lindbergh on Sept. 17, at 7 p.m.

“Each year I have been fortunate to have three or four really solid leaders. This team is different because our senior class is loaded with outstanding leaders and mentors for our younger kids to emulate. James Jones, Joel Lazarow, David Mansco, (junior) Qwame Miller, Will Roberts, Will Sheppard, Roy Smith and Sam Travers have all served as captains in some capacity thus far,” Buha said.

Buha also believes he has some very talented underclassmen that include sophomores Jackson Torbit and Qwalan Miller on defense, and sophomore Trevion Hulsly and freshman Sean Patrick Keegan on offense.

“I am just excited to be able to play football this year. It is a big deal for everyone on the team to have somewhat of a normal season. I am most looking forward to being able to take part in the Turkey Day game against Kirkwood, especially with missing out on that opportunity my freshman year,” cornerback, Torbit said.

Last year the Varsity football team was only able to play three games, all ending in losses.

“I feel good because we’re hopefully going to get to play a full game schedule which we were not able to do last season.  These guys have worked hard so just getting to play this fantastic game is a blessing,” assistant coach, Chris Johnson said.

“Just getting to be around a new set of guys who are working as hard as they do, has really motivated me to do my very best everyday. I was lucky enough to do my best every day. I was lucky enough to be a part of one Turkey Day game as a coach. Being able to be a part of the tradition is something I can’t wait to do again. Knowing that my Thanksgiving is already booked is exciting,” Johnson said.

Calum Shank – Video Editor This will be Calum Shank’s first year on ECHO staff, but he made several contributions while taking journalism class his freshman year.