AHS held their 1st football game on August 23, 2024, where they beat Ridgewood 13-10. This close win was the kickoff for another great season for the Armuchee football team. Their teamwork and excellence on the field showed how hard they worked for the win against Ridgewood. The football players had many amazing plays but the defensive plays were some of the best. Hayden Philips, senior, said, “Our defense played really well. We stopped them at the goal line when it mattered, more than once and we had a pick. Devin Davis got a pick for us.” Devin also made an interception and when Ridgewood fumbled the ball the players rushed to it and made a fumble recovery. Tyler Warren, junior, said, “We did really well running, moving our feet, and pursuing the football.” The players were ready to jump into action when needed and were always moving their feet and on their toes ready to react fast and quick to come out with a win for the Indians. Eric Belew, head coach, said, “Well we did enough to win the game but we certainly have a lot of things to work on on both sides of the ball. The defense really stood up to help us win.”
Even though the players played their hardest they still had some errors. Andre Neal, senior, said, “We definitely could improve on our blocking, our communication, and our tempo.” Many times in the game Ridgewood pursued the end zone from some of the players, not being focused, and not blocking as well as they could. The offensive line also made many mistakes during the game causing Ridgewood players to excel to the end zone. Walker Jenkins, freshman, said, “The offensive line needs to block better and be more focused to react quicker to whatever could happen.” Throughout the game it was a battle of defense. This makes our defensive line look good, showing that we can stop the other team when needed, but not our offensive line by not being able to get past Ridgewood far enough to make it to the end zone. Jake Pope, freshman, recalled, “Some people weren’t focused, so there was a lot of confusion; they didn’t know where they were supposed to be.” Even one person not being focused and confused really takes a toll on how well the whole team plays. Quick reaction time and mental clarity can have a positive impact on the game for either team and can affect the outcome of the game.
It’s also important for the players to prepare and get ready for the game so they can play to the best of their ability. Many players will take naps before the game to rejuvenate and be more focused. Hayden Philips, senior, said, “I usually sleep before every game and we all listen to music getting ready for the game; you know, gotta get hyped.” To get pumped up and ready to play and to be aggressive, some players listen to music together or by themselves. Blaine Ragland, senior, said, “I listen to music by myself and try to get in my own head space. I don’t talk to anyone; I just listen to music.” Preparing by themselves before the game, for some people, lets them focus on the game and play their hearts out for the win. Many coaches also take time to prepare for the game. James Rice, coach, said, “I watch a lot of films and see the best way to attack the other team. Watch films, come up with a game plan, and execute that in practice.” Coach Rise prepares for the games to coach his best for the football players.
There are many ways to prepare for a game. Every player has their own traditions but they also have different ways of celebrating after a win or loss. Tyler Warren, junior, said, “Most of the team went to McDonald’s and celebrated. Even if we did lose we still would’ve gone to eat together. After the games we make sure to all hang out and not hang our heads if we do lose.” Most of the players and student section go to McDonald’s or waffle house to celebrate the game. To hangout together and talk about the game. Another way players celebrate, since it’s so late after the game, is they go straight to bed. Andre Neal, senior, said “I went home and passed out from exhaustion from playing so hard.” When you’re tired from playing, you know you played your all and gave all you could to the team.
Next, we will see them play another game August 30, 2024 against Cherokee Christian High school. Hopefully, with the team’s dedication and focus, we will see them pull out another win for the Armuchee Indians.
