High expectations are set for the freshmen football team.
Forty-two freshmen make up the team; almost double the number of freshmen last year. Assistant Coach Ryan Pietsch said,
“I am excited about the numbers this year, we are able to practice with a first and second team, on both sides of the ball. There is a better opportunity for talent to emerge with the big freshmen class this year.”
Pietsch believes they can carry their winning mentality from the Junior Longhorns Program, in middle school, to their season this year.
“The main goal of the season is to be physically and mentally prepared to win every contest,” Head Coach Zaven Nalbandian said.
“We have the potential for growth with hard work and dedication, there is no limit on what this group can achieve on the field.”
The two captains of the freshmen team are quarterback Jack Martin, and Tight End/Middle Linebacker Drew Seers.
“Practices are going well and so is the team chemistry, which is important if we want to be successful,” Seers said.
Seers is also a kicker on varsity, as a freshmen.
“There is a lot of pressure to preform well but I am also excited at the same time,” Seers said.
The freshmen team started off the season with a win, 14 to 6, at Seckman, on August 31.
Key parts of the game included a goal line stand late in the game by the Longhorns to stop the momentum of the Jaguars. Touchdowns resulted in a pass from Martin to Seers, and a run by Judson Martin.
“After yesterdays game, the players and coaches know there is room for improvement with every aspect of the game, I am very proud of the work the team has done so far,” Nalbandian said.