Eighth Grade Panthers Go Undefeated!!

What an experience for the 8^th grade football team this past season as they finished 5-0 for the first time in nearly 10 years!  The team deserved to have this kind of success as the players were hard working, cooperative, coachable, reliable, and skilled from the first practice right up to the final play of the year.  That combination of character and football skills is what it takes to achieve phenomenal seasons like this.  It was a fun and exciting school experience!

To begin with, the Panthers success had a lot to do with very good athletes in the backfield and on the ends.  These people had speed, elusiveness, and ability to catch and run with the ball.  They also executed their plays with timing and precision as compared to most players their age.  This goes back to their work ethic and willingness to be coachable.  Hard to believe but the Panthers scored 224 points this season in just 5 games which averages almost 45 points per game –WOW!

 The other cog that made this team go was in the line.  Many of these linemen played both ways and, as a result, they became experienced, knowledgeable, and aggressive as the year progressed.  The backs would not have moved the ball down the field so consistently and effectively if those people in front of them were not doing their job.  Believe it or not, this team did not have an off sides penalty the entire season – that is unheard of in junior high football!  Another amazing point to be made is the fact that this team did not punt the ball the entire season!  That’s moving the ball forward and “moving the chains.”

In conclusion, it was a great season and experience for all who were involved.  The coaches were very impressed with the player’s efforts and desire to succeed.  Thanks so much for the parental support that was evident throughout the year.  Best of luck to these student-athletes as they move on to a higher level of football and life.