I just wanted to take the time to extend a heart-felt thank you to all of you who travelled to a game, cooked meals, stood outside the exit and cheered as we left the school, attended home games, gave encouragement and prayed for our young men. It was a difficult season but not because of wins and losses but because of the task these young men had to taken on. With anywhere from 11-15 players for a game all year they went out and competed with all of their heart. Some were playing for the first time and others were just learning what it took to be a leader. I really and truly think these young men will be better in the future because of what they endured this season. It was filled with a lot of high points, including our first two wins in school history. Many individuals did themselves proud. I especially want to show love for the guys who played in every game and attended every practice, Kevin Garza and Eric Crofut. Both of these guys stood as examples of what it takes to be a football player and how to hold yourself accountable. They are the foundation on which this program needs to be built. Spencer Tergliafera definitely took on a role of our most vocal leader and our most consistent performer. He has a bright future ahead of him and I am really proud of the way he has taken the reigns as a leader on the field and in the school community. All of this and he is only a sophomore! Ronnie Hughes did a little of everything for us this year and as one of two seniors on this team, he and his classmate Jason Maben epitomized the phrase whatever is needed. Jason Maben was definitely our most improved player. From the beginning of the year where he could barely figure out how to line up he improved to play several games on both offense and defense the entire game. As a coaching staff we all marveled at what he was able to grow into. Joey Kelly did a solid job as a late addition to the squad playing receiver and defensive back and Nick “Squirrel” Wheeler was really one of our tireless workers on the field and improved a lot. “Smalls” aka Austin Shields definitely gets attention because of his size but he showed a ton of heart this year. He took several big hits every game this season and always got up and was able to continue. He finally caught his first pass in our final game with his grandmother in attendance. He has a bright future ahead of him if he just continues to improve and keeps that heart! Josh Jude played a solid DE and OL for us and he became a guy we moved around to fill holes on our team and Corey Steineker is another one of our young guys who has a bright future ahead of him if he continues to work hard. Edward Washburn left us for a while and came back late in the year and really tried hard. I hope that he sticks with football because he could turn himself into a good center if he chose to. Max Jones “WHO?” Max Jones was a pleasure to be around all season. He is such a dedicated young man in the classroom and on the football field. He never played nor even seen football before this season and he was called upon a lot to help us in time of crisis. Ernest Hampton was a kid who I really thought was a lost cause, a cancer, anyone who is around him knows how infectious his personality can be, positively and negatively. I believe he was done and was going to take an option to go down the wrong path but to his credit he “did his time” and came back with a different attitude. He still has miles to go before he sleeps but the effort in changing has not gone unnoticed by our coaching staff. So much that I nominated him for athlete of the week last week. Athletically he has a chance to be a special football payer if he continues to do the right things. We lost a few along the way and of course that never feels good but I believe we have built a solid nucleus of guys that understand the expectations of a high school football player. When you see these guys around keep encouraging them to get better and strive for excellence on the field and in the classroom. Once again thank you and GO PANTHERS!
