In the first football game of the season, the Pounders lost 27-6 to Notre Dame. Central played decently offensively, but they failed to execute offensive and defensive lines well, allowing Notre Dame to score 27 points.

As the next game approached, the boys went into the match with strong energy. However, as the game progressed, the boys began to feel intimidated. This year’s team is younger than usual. Imagine a 15 year old on the offensive line, protecting their quarterback, while the other team has an 18 year old playing against them. These boys did not have confidence in their skills as players.

In just the first quarter, the boys were down 20-0, with not even a touchdown in sight. Despite that, the second quarter rolled around, and Senior Hunter Jones scored a touchdown in hopes of turning the game around. The Tyner Rams continued to score touchdown after touchdown, finishing the second quarter with 28 points.

Then, the third quarter commenced, and while Tyner only scored 6 points, Central failed to gain any additional points. The last quarter soon approached with the Pounders scoring three more points as a field goal made by Senior Jameson Willard. In that same quarter, Tyner scored another 13 points, winning the game 67-10.

“The boys didn’t play very well; we played like the young football team that we are. We did not play with confidence and did not execute the game plan,” said Coach Jones.

Two students that made good plays were seniors Jones and Willard, who scored both sets of points for the Pounders.

The boys seek to improve in areas all over the field. They constantly want to be the best competitors and the best team out there. By executing better in both their tackling and their blocking, the defensive line would be allowed to hold the other team’s offense and the offensive line to protect the backfield.

Like the iconic NFL safety,  Ronnie Lott, has said, “If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.”

Going into the game against Sequoyah on Friday, September 6 with confidence will be key to winning this football game. Believing in what these boys are capable of could prove to be really influential and will show in their game play.

Anyone who wants to support the Purple Pounders should attend the next game at Sequoyah High School.

Readers can view the latest sports updates on the sports center page. This is where schedules, scores, and rosters will be posted.