Striving for Greatness
(Michael Belcher / EagleTalon)
Eagle football is off to a hot start as the new season of football has started. In previous years, they’ve won no more than three games with last season being the highest at four. Last season, they reached the championship in their division but only came out with a silver trophy because they lost by one point. In 2022, they went to the championship as well but lost and got another silver trophy.
This season is different for them because they hope to win more than four games and reach the championship game again, but this time come out with the win and the gold trophy.
Defensive and offensive tackle Jonathan Holloway, one of the main elements of the team, rated the team so far.
“I would rate the success of the team so far a seven out of ten,” Holloway said. “I believe my performance aids the team in that success rating because I’m a part of the offensive line, so I have to protect the quarterback and on the defensive line I have to get after the opposing quarterback.”
Holloway has had high praise for the team so far and believes they can finish the season with eight wins and only two losses.
Another player, half-back Michael Belcher, has been battling an injury throughout the season but is eyeing a return to the field of play soon.
“The team is holding up really well while I’m injured,” Belcher said, “It makes me happy to see them winning and competing on a weekly basis in practice and at games.”
(Michael Belcher / EagleTalon)
Although Belcher sees future success for the team without him being there, there are still some things that he wants to improve.
“I feel the team is missing communication to get to perfection,” he continued. “We would be undefeated if we communicated better. I can’t really project what the result of the season is, but I see us winning our first state title in Eagle football history because everybody on the team is dedicated to getting better.”
Most players play both sides of the ball to ensure the team’s success, but not all of them play on all three levels of the game.
Running back Charles Johnson is one of the few players who play on offense, defense, and special teams.
“Taking one play at a time, deep breaths, full effort, remembrance, and knowledge,” Johnson said on how he manages to play each level without slowing or getting tired. “I believe this team this year has the talent to achieve all things if we follow our coaches’ orders and give it our all. In the end, I want a state championship. Bump the other side, Eagles gon’ ride!”