Last year, JV Sophomore football ended the season with only two wins. This year, they’ve played five games so far, and they’ve only lost one game. Their most recent win was against Carterville at home Oct. 2.
Sophomore Shaun Dooley plays guard for the JV Sophomore football team.
“I’ve seen a change in our team because we’ve become stronger mentally and physically as a team,” Dooley said.
Dooley said that the team has really stepped up their game and haven’t lost faith as easily as last year.
Sophomore Isaia Robinson plays safety, kick returner, and running back for the JV Sophomore football team.
“I see a change in us not wanting to lose. The coaches last year said to us a few times that we just aren’t an athletic team, but this year, every single coach we have really showed us what we can do just by listening,” Robinson said.
Robinson said that he and his teammates can all say that they are tired of losing and want to have some respect put on their class.
Sophomore Braxton Welge plays fullback and outside linebacker for the JV Sophomore football team.
“I’ve seen a change in our team because we’ve become more of a family,” Welge said.
Welge said that the team has started pushing each other a lot more compared to last year.
Dooley said that he has become stronger and more athletic than he was last year as well.
“I have seen myself improve because I take responsibility for the things I do wrong on the field,” Dooley said.
Robinson said that this year, he plays more with his heart because his coaches are pushing him to be better.
“I’ve seen myself improve just because the coaches trust me and I trust them. They push us all to keep going, don’t quit when you think it’s over. They always tell us, refuse to lose,” Robinson said.
Welge said the most important thing is having a team to help build himself with.
“We could improve on helping each other out more,” Dooley agreed.
Dooley said that sometimes they argue with each other but they always have to resolve it and continue being a good team. Robinson concurred.
“Our team could improve on not wanting to argue and fight with each other as much. I think anything you do to your own teammates like slamming them, hitting them, or even just making fun of them, there should be repercussions,” Robinson said.
Welge said that the team just needs to keep playing hard no matter the score.
“I’ll use the Du Quoin game as an example. We we’re up 30-6 at half and we thought it was over, but they ended up coming back and almost winning,” Welge said.
Dooley enjoys the physical component of the game.
”The thing I like about the position I play is getting to be physical and having fun,” Dooley said.
Robinson said he also enjoys playing safety because he has to read the entire field and stick to the job that he is given. He added that it really shows how football smart a player is. But safety isn’t his favorite.
“Running back is my favorite position I play. Not only do you get to score sometimes when you get the ball, you are also able to block for your teammates,” Robinson said.
