It’s that time again, crunch time, make or break, all or nothing. That’s what it comes down to when the first game is this close. All in all it has been a better camp than last year because of the hard work and perseverence that every one on the team has put forth.
From the second string junior varsity team players to the first string varsity players we have all made our way through the tough part of the season. Three-A-days are a tradition where the “steel” is made through the process of fire. Coach Franco has really pushed us and that combined with the extreme heat and humidity — that every Tyrone player loves — the steel was formed. This has made the team as a whole a stronger unit physically and especially helped the team unite. This has made the leaders known and their presence shown it practice and our scrimmages.
There are only a few seniors this year and the junior class that I belong to really has stepped up. This year will be much different than last year, because I will have to step it up and become a much more active player than I was as a sophomore.
We’re at less than 48 hours until game time against Bellwood-Antis. We know that they are working hard up there and we have something to prove. It has been three years since we beat them and our season is Friday night. The Big 8 is its own season, but Friday night is a one game season with the community pride on the line.
The final full practice is over. All that is left is special teams and a walk through on Thursday. I really believe that we are more ready this year than we were last year.
We have some big shoes to fill. With Mert (Tyler Mertiff) gone, Brandon Maceno and Leonard Wilson have to step up and lead the offense. They are working hard and we have a good supporting cast around them to help make their transition to varsity quarterback better.
Coach Guthoff has us ready to hit on defense and we’re going to leave everything on the field.
Coach Franco keeps reminding us of the score last year. He keeps saying 17-15. It helps motivate us to be ready.
No mistakes, no penalties, no turnovers is the goal and to play every play like it is the last play of the state championship game. That is our plan Friday night. When we leave the field, we will know that we gave it everything we had.
Compiled by John Harlow
