We’re ready for the Backyard Brawl. We’re well conditioned and I know that we are going to give Bellwood a run for their money. We know that they are working hard but be sure that we are going to hang with them.
As I look back at camp, our major problem is lack of senior leadership. We only have six seniors and a bunch of juniors have had to be thrust into leadership roles.
We know going into the game that we have to hold on to the ball and not make mistakes. We’re as prepared if not more prepared than we were last year.
This camp has been tough for me. I suffered a sprained MCL early in camp and hopefully will be ready to play next week against Huntingdon.
It is tough to be a leader when you can’t be on the field with the rest of the team. I try my best to encourage everyone when they do things right or help fix things that are wrong. My teammates know that I am there for them even though I am injured.
I am not sure what role I will have when I get back to playing. The line is the foundation of our team. I hope to get some work in at tackle to give Ralph (Van Allman) and Ron (Miller) a break. I just hope to hit someone and make a contribution to the team.
Coach Franco reminded us the entire time in conditioning camp of the numbers 17-15…. last year’s score. All you heard him yell was 17-15, 17-15. It has been a motivator to push us even harder.
We have to execute the little things. Snaps from center, ball fakes and staying in lanes on special teams are some of the little things we need to execute. I know that we are up to the challenge.
It hurts not being to be able to play in the Tyrone-Bellwood game. I was hoping to be back for the game. If I had just got hurt a little sooner, I would be ready to play. It will be tough standing on the sidelines, but I know that I will be there for my teammates in the biggest game of the year.
Compiled by John Harlow
