The 7th Grade Lions football team started off with a harsh 0-2-1 record, and now is the time to bounce back. After two very hard fought losses against Atascocita and West Lake Middle School, the Lions tied 20-20 against Humble Middle School. The Lions are looking to change their attitude and bounce back for the second half of the season.
The coaching staff of Woodcreek Middle School is highly prestigious, with coaches working with many professional athletes in leagues such as the NFL, MLB, and the NBA. Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Coach Jonathan Mallard, shared his perspective on how the season started.
Coach Mallard stated ”I know that we can play better than that but I know guys are still learning how to bend, how to move, how to tackle, how to throw. It was a good base, us actually tying the game was actually a big step for us. Although the two losses were not what we planned for, we showed growth in those two games and when we tied. Now we’re winning games, so that’s a good step.” Coach also said, “I feel like every day is a learning opportunity to learn what to do, and what not to do. So I feel like every day we come, we have an opportunity to work hard and get better”.
Coach Mallard is new to the school coming from C.E King high school and making the big switch from High school to middle school, Coach Mallard was very eager to express what kind of impact he would like to leave on us players, Coach Mallard stated, “Yeah, I’m here to make a difference. I want to eventually be able to prepare kids for 8th grade and affect them for the better for high school.”
The 7th grade Lions want to change their attitude and move on from this past record. The Lions have been building a brotherhood and want to play together as one.
Anthony Torres, quarterback of the 7th grade A team, shared his goals and how he wants to turn this season around.
Torres stated “I would like to have an awesome season and have the whole team be injury free for this year” Torres however really enjoys the brotherhood side of football and said “I love the brotherhood that we have created and we have gotten seriously close”.
Torres believes this season can turn into one of our biggest learning seasons as he states ” We have to play as a team and have love for each other”.
Torres wants to make this season a meaningful one. He said “We can turn this season into one of our best by having fun and playing our best with our whole team”.
The Woodcreek Lions face a decision: shall they test their mental abilities or ride out the season to eventually a losing record. While the Lions prepare for any challenges to come, they carry lessons of perseverance, brotherhood, and teamwork. With their coaches guidance, they could possibly turn this season around and have a winning record.
Despite this, the Lions recognize that their hard start to their season calls for more than just a change in attitude but a change in their everyday life such as commitment, digging deep, and working together even better than they have. The team has already moved past their current record and their toughest opponent, Autumn Ridge Middle School, will be coming up shortly on October 21 meaning they have to work even harder if they would like to win this game and possibly finish the season with a winning record.
The Lions believe that this commitment to working harder isn’t just about winning but about improving their game, getting better, and also building a better bond with their fellow teammates. The Lions have built an awesome relationship with their fellow teammates and look to carry that on throughout their middle school years and even throughout high school. The Lions have built something they could never take away, memories.
