jordan tolbert
Three weeks ago, MC football played their first game of the season against Olympian High school. The following week, the Sundevils conquered Escondido in a vicious defeat that ended 43-10. The loss to Mira Mesa at our first home game put them at 2-1, still an impressive record.
Although the loss was unexpected after a perfect beginning, the players remain hopeful. Senior Brandon Hopkins is enthusiastic about his team, win or lose.
“We came out with a lot of energy and we knew what we needed to do as a team, and that’s what makes us great, not winning.” Hopkins said.
It may appear a simple game, but Friday nights mean a great deal of pressure resting on our football team to please the crowd, their coaches, and themselves. Although winning is ideal, it is not necessarily the goal.
“We try to play everyone. We try to have it not be about a certain ‘star’ on the team, but give everyone a chance to show us what they’ve got.” Senior Jordan Gochenour said.
Hands down, the team chemistry in any sport is crucial to the success of a team.
“The team is so close, we are like brothers,” quarterback Lucas Johnson said. “We all complement each other really well.”
The team is composed largely of juniors and seniors, and a scarce few sophomores. With such an upperclassmen-stocked team, the future varsity members have talented role models to look up to.
“We have the opportunity to leave a legacy and be leaders,” Gochenour said.
Without a doubt, The Sundevil football team has been making plays and taking names for years. However, the tides of the Red Sea seem to have turned in our favor this season.
“We have begun incorporating a more diverse set of players who haven’t been playing a lot in the last couple of years,” Johnson said.
The rising football star, senior punt returner guard Brandon Hopkins, divulges the secret to a successful team.
“It’s when you stop worrying about your own personal gain that you become a team player,” Hopkins said. “We work like a family, we fight and argue and experience hardship, that we find victory.”
As the Friday night lights illuminate the stadium, and the red sea cheers, remember the hard work and dedication our Sundevil football team shows. This goes beyond a win, but extends to their character and causes us to understand the true meaning of the Sundevil way, which is teamwork. The football team alone is not composed of people in helmets, but also the support system of dedicated coaches, parents, and of course, the student body.
