Many ask, what is Spring football? Spring football is one game that our varsity team practices for two weeks in preparation. Our team will face off against Oviedo High School on May 16, 2024. Incoming seniors will now be at the top of the team, and this game allows them to lead the underclassmen. It also creates a buzz of excitement around the school for the upcoming season.
Considering that this is our rising seniors last Spring season, emotions are high. This year we ended our fall football season on an amazing note (8-3). The Spring season gives our athletes a fresh start for next year and a renewed sense of competition.
“I remember my first Spring season when I was a freshman. It is bittersweet to know this will be my last Spring game. I’m happy about this game but also a little scared,” junior Henry Dorcelus expressed.
“I feel like the time has gone by really fast, like I was just a freshman playing on varsity not even a year ago. I’m going to soak in the good times and try to be [a] leader [on] the team, like seniors before me,” junior Parker Moss said
“To be honest [it’s] a little nerve-racking, I remember my first practice in the summer of 8th grade going into high school. [This] would be my last summer practice, last fall season, and last year as a high school football player. I’m a little nervous,” junior Xzion Mathis explained.
With every new season comes expectations and personal goals. These athletes set expectations for themselves, to get prepared for the big upcoming game.
“I’m trying to set the bar high for the kids after me and show [an example of] how a leader should act. Also, [be] best player I can and work hard,” Moss explained.
“In Spring [I] expect for us to dominate on all sides of the ball as a team, and to come out strong with a good win,” Mathis expressed.
“I am just ready to play with my team,” Dorcelus said.
This game is huge for our football team. They get to showcase their talent and demonstrate their development as players over the years. Allowing our underclassmen to get more comfortable with important roles. Depending on how a player plays during Spring, can determine the role they might play in the fall. They are now a different team because of the number of graduates (over 30), as a team they must learn how to work together to fill the shoes of the past seniors. This may become a challenge though.
“I feel like the hardest challenge for the team will be us finding our new roles as leaders. Since we lost a lot of seniors who provided those leader and mentor roles. Also, overcoming the underdog stories due to us losing those seniors. But if I’m being honest I don’t think it’s going to be too big of a challenge,” Mathis explained.
“I feel like not playing with the same amount of players we had last fall and getting new players will be a challenge. Also having to play more than one position will challenge me,” Dorcelus points out.
“I think the challenge for me this Spring is mostly being a leader on the team. Since I’ve been on the team longest and have been waiting to lead the team the way I think we will exceed at,” Moss expresses.
Besides all the expectations and challenges, our football team will work together and overcome anything they will face in the future. We can’t wait to go out and support our Titans, crossing our fingers and wishing our team good luck in the upcoming game.
