By JH Coach Zachary Marengo
Coaching junior high football was an absolute privilege and blessing this year. Spending hours teaching the best game in the world to young men is a vehicle to growth and maturity athletically, but also mentally and socially. We had a great bunch of eighth graders with Jayce Schroeder leading the offense at quarterback in his first season there. He also led the defense playing middle linebacker where he could be a vocal leader for both sides of the ball. Also, in the class was Duke Blankenship who led the offensive line playing center and defensive tackle. Snapping the ball was new to him and he adapted well and did great. Zach Jones was another leader of the team playing tight end, wide receiver, outside linebacker and some quarterback. He would play anywhere we needed him and was very selfless. Isaiah McMullan was our defensive back leader at safety where he led the team in getting interceptions. He also played wide receiver and brought a lot of energy to the squad. Lastly, in the class of eighth grade was Kail Irish who was a force running the ball at running back. Also at middle linebacker he was our leading tackler as he brought intensity to everything he does. What a great class, I’m so excited to see what they can do next season on the high school team!
With our seventh grade class, we had fewer players, but had some great kids. First, Reuben Kinzer was asked to move positions this year and his development was amazing to see in that transition where he played fullback, some tight end and defensive end. Next, Baylor Kuhbacher played wide receiver and outside linebacker where he made some amazing tackles. Also, Aiden Roberts played offensive line and defensive line for us. It was really great to have him on the team, he is a great kid in a great bunch of kids for his class.
Lastly, the sixth grade class. This class is dear to me as I work with them regularly throughout the week. First in this bunch is Logan Capp. He has loads of potential, will do anything without complaining and has tons of heart. He ran the best routes of the whole team! He does the little things right, which is everything at this level. He played tight end, guard, and defensive end. He had a great catch against Ekalaka on a boot play! Next in the class is Kordell Schonenback. He brought great intensity to our defensive and offensive fronts, especially towards the end of season he really figured it out. Great size and potential and a great kid. Next is Kyler Day. He never lacked hustle or energy and always was ready to go. He played wide receiver and safety and developed so much throughout the season, he will be a special player in lots of years to come. Closing out our team is Justin Aye. I was honored Justin came out and tried football and I was very impressed with his raw athleticism and hunger to get better. He is very tough and a great vocal leader pushing his team to get better.
Overall we only played three games, and had no wins on the scoreboard, but as I told the guys every day, wins come through knowing you did your very best and the score will take care of itself. Every one of these young men is a winner. I hoped they learned through practice the value of mental toughness as we did over 100 up downs together in one session multiple times, which I would do with them. Learning that everything we do has a purpose. Teaching them accountability, that your actions affect yourself and the whole team. Learning and practicing the value of loving our team as family, which includes discipline. Junior high football is preparing them for high school football, but it’s also preparing them to be men, fathers and husbands. What a great vehicle for discipleship, I hope to do this again next year boys!
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