By: Madison Kim, Staff Writer
River Hill High School’s annual Homecoming game is set for this Friday, September 25th, at 6 p.m, as the Hawks take on Long Reach. With homecoming excitement all around, this game is especially important for our football team to come together and show the progress they have made throughout the season. Despite a challenging start, players remain focused on improving, staying positive, and preparing for Friday’s game.
This season has started rough for our football team with a record of 0-3. When asked as to why this is, many players had their thoughts. Junior kicker Kian Alavi expressed “We lack professionalism and we don’t always stay focused at practice.” However, they refuse to back down and continue to stay optimistic and ready for this upcoming game against Long Reach. Junior wide receiver Jackson Moore conveyed the team’s mindset “When the tough is tough we don’t back down. We respond back positive, we lift each other up, we keep the same level of energy through everything.”
Behind every play and every practice is a group of leaders setting an example for the team both on and off the field. This year’s captains, senior Landen Araojo, senior Logan Schatzer, and junior Max Toone have been prime examples of what it means to be a captain. Junior Oliver Grasty expressed his gratitude for Araojo: “Landen’s awesome, he keeps everyone focused and constantly helps everyone with everything.”
Many expressed how their captains have led by example, pushing one another to work harder and harder. While also not giving up hope or losing composure under pressure, their work ethic never disappoints and it reflects in the way they lead others. Junior Adrian Mendonca described Schatzer as a hard hitter who always keeps the team hyped, no matter what. Toone’s leadership has also made an impression on his teammates. Junior Matthias Clarke voiced ““Max Toone always keeps us focused and is a really good friend all together, he’s always there and keeps everyone lifted.” The impact of a good leader is clear to their teammates, Landen Araojo shares his own perspective on being a captain, “I try to lead by example and bring energy every day. On the field, I try to communicate, encourage my teammates, and hold myself and others accountable. Off the field, I try to be someone my teammates can count on.”
While the captains have helped lead by example throughout the season, every player has participated in their role in pushing the team to improve and prepare for future games. Mendonca explained how he has helped the team: “I watch a lot of film to help me know what we can improve or what I need to work on.” By watching film together, players continue to improve and work on their plays on the field. It allows players to identify their mistakes and make adjustments before game day. Grasty says, “I try to do a lot of events, hang out with them as much as possible outside of school.” This allows players to built trust, develop team chemistry and strengthens friendships.
All the preparation and hard work both on and off the field only really matter when put to the test. With Friday’s homecoming game rapidly approaching, the team is ready to show exactly what they’ve been working towards all season. Grasty set the bar high when asked about the expectations for Friday’s game. “40-0.” With the homecoming buzz, the players will have their change to turn their expectations into reality and prove it on the field.