Now in its third year since moving from 11-man football, the team has now had a variety of experiences within the 8-man football world.
However each time, ending the year in defeat, the championship title being taken from their grasp two years in a row now, the Eagles are now ready for the ring on their finger.
In the fall of 2014, the Eagles made it to the Championship game versus the Kings Christian Crusaders, having won all of their other games, except for one. Yet their ring was not to be. Last year in the final game, they were up by 28 points at halftime, and in the second half, lost their lead, losing it by one, 57-56. This turn of events has left the team with more determination and drive than ever before.
Head coach Mick Fuller is looking forward for the rest of the season and hopes to put a strong team together this year.
“We have a very large team this year, 31 players, with good speed and athleticism,” Fuller said. “We hope to put packages of athletes on the field who will be able to work together and make big plays on both offense and defense. It is not my style as a coach to project false confidence or make predictions. Instead I teach the players to give their best effort, with proper technique and the right heart I will be satisfied with their results. With a large class of seniors, we have a number of strong leaders who will encourage and challenge their teammates to strive for excellence.”
Captain, and senior Tyler Breedlove is confident that the team has the ability to achieve a title and is ready and is eager to be a leader and captain to his teammates.
“My goal is to lead by example,” Breedlove said. “I will cheer on my teammates despite their mistakes and to play to the best of my ability as quarterback. Last year we had a good team, but this year, we are going to exceed everyone’s expectations. We have some great senior leaders this year that will step up to the plate. Who will lead by example, leading with their words and actions to the rest of the team.”
The motto for the this year is “Passion, Pride, Purpose” Those three words remind us that we are to pour ourselves into what we are doing, have the proper attitude toward ourselves and others, and realize that our ultimate purpose in football and in life is to bring glory to God and enjoy him forever. –Mick Fuller.
Unlike Breedlove, defensive back and wide receiver Julian Castro believes that the team is of the same skill and abilities as last year, however the team has grown in experience.
“I think we have the same abilities and skills as last year,” Castro said. “Losing last year’s seniors set us back a bit because they were the leaders of the team, but that happens in every sport, you lose leaders and you gain new ones. As this is our third year so far in eight man football we have gained more experience each year, and with this under our belt, and the drive to win, we will make it far. Hopefully we will make it, but my focus is for the games to be great, where the team plays to the best of their ability, executing every play cleanly and efficiently. With this in mind, if we keep to this mentality then this season is going to be a blast.”
Fuller hopes to give the athletes a motto which they will keep for life, which will drive them and help them for the rest of their adult life.
“The team verse for the year is Colossians 3:23:,” Fuller said. “Whatever you do, put your whole heart and soul into it, as into work done for God, and not merely for men–knowing that your real reward, a heavenly one, will come from God, since you are actually employed by Christ, and not just your earthly master. (JB Phillips version). Our focus throughout the season will be on giving our best effort all the time because what we do is for Christ, not just for our team or for ourselves.”
These players have been practicing all summer, preparing for the season, with a little luck and all of the skills which they have been practicing, they will be more than ready for the games to come. Improving after each game to become a team which everyone will remember.
