The American high school experience. When this phrase is said, most people think of school dances, final exams, after school clubs, but most importantly high school football.
Football at the high school level is something that most students look forward to on Friday nights. But when their teams are struggling the atmosphere changes.
The GlenOak Football Team has taken huge strides this year, being top contenders within the Federal League with a 4-4 record. This success has been produced with leadership under coach Scott Garcia.
“It’s been a process, we’ve done a lot of the same things but really stepped it up this year. Just by increasing time in the weight room we’ve improved a lot this year,” Garcia said.
Physicality within football, especially at the high school level, is crucial for a successful team. And while this plays a huge role, team chemistry and atmosphere is what takes a program to another level.
“It’s definitely better than last year, we are communicating more and hanging out with each other after school,” senior Katour Ashcraft said.
This year the GlenOak has taken down top teams including Hoover, Jackson and Louisville. Moving on into the postseason mentality and morale is high.
“We’ve gotta keep our head down and focus on the next play every drive,” junior Quincy Jones said.
“The next play” is a key to success on the football field for the team, and this will be huge taking on their next opponent, McKinley who is ranked 16th in the state.
Moving on into the off-season and into the program’s future, things are looking up for the Eagles with a strong season to expand off of.
“This senior class has done a great job on how to do things in the offseason and throughout the summer, this will help our underclassmen follow their initiative and leadership they’ve provided and reciprocate this for the future,” Garcia said.
Through a continued effort to provide great team chemistry, discipline, and hard work, the football team hopes to continue their success into further seasons.
