This year in football, we had high expectations going into the season due to our success last year going 9-3 and winning a playoff game. Going into the season I knew that I was stepping into a big role and that I needed to come with a different type of focus. For me, the season started as soon as summer hit, going to every workout, working on chemistry with the team, and getting better and stronger mentally and physically.
The start of the season, we came out strong winning 49-10. I played well throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for one. The week after our success continued against Warren, winning 47-0.
Week 3 is were the challenge was: we play Fort Leboeuf, our rivals. Last year we lost in close a game 19-13. This game was our first test and we came out fast, although giving up a touchdown on our first drive, we scored tying the game. The game got out of hand towards the end of the 2nd going down 31-13. We came back in the second half, but ended up coming up short 31-29. I thought we showed a lot of promise and proved that we were capable of beating them. The next week we played Girard in our home opener and we dominated, winning 40-7.
The next week we played General McLane in another highly-anticipated matchup due to that me and their quarterback were the top two quarterbacks in the district. That game the team was not ready; we were in our own heads and went down three scores in the first quarter. Then on an offensive drive, I took a sack scrambling and popped my AC joint out of place. Due to that I was forced to sit out the rest of the game and we lost. I later missed two more home games, unfortunately.
Due to constant work in physical therapy, I was able to return in our senior night match against Fairview. Although I was good enough to play, I didn’t feel as good or confident as I did before. The next week I felt better but didn’t have a great performance against Harbor Creek, even though we won 28-7.
We ended up making the playoffs and got matched up against Fort Leboeuf. We all believed that we were going to win. Once kickoff hit we were able to stop Leboeuf and get a fumble recovery. We weren’t able to put points on the board that offensive series. After another stop, we drove down the field and scored, going up 6-0. Fort Leboeuf answered back, tying the game 6-6. After stopping us on offense, they scored again, making the game 12-6 with fewer than two minutes left in the half. We drove down the field and scored, tying the game at 12-12. Coming out of the half we slowly started losing control of the game due to stupid mistakes by us. We ended up losing 29-12. It certainly wasn’t the result we wanted, but we still had a very successful season, and I was very grateful that I was able to return and play.
I ended the season with 1135 yards 20 total touchdowns and 4 interceptions. I had a pretty good season. I am certainly going to miss playing with my friends and playing for this school, but I am very thankful for the memories and friendships I made.
