When you play a sport, you tend to form a special bond with your teammates and coaches. These are the guys you’re around all the time. You laugh, cry and go to battle with these guys every week. It can feel like more of a brotherhood and family than just a normal friendship. No matter what direction each person chooses to take in life, the memories of playing on the field will last a lifetime.
On Friday against Caldwell, Coach Jacob Campsey entered the game with a heavy heart as he dealt with the passing of his father, Donald Erwin “Butch” Campsey.
In an awesome display of solidarity, the Tigers walked out of the tunnel holding a No. 23 Rockdale Jersey. The No. 23 represented the jersey number worn by Butch Campsey during his playing days. It was heart-warming to watch the interaction as Coach Campsey thanked the guys and as they embraced him with hugs and love.
This public display demonstrated a perfect example of what a team should look like. At that point, it wasn’t about the scores or stat lines, but a team being there for each other in one’s time of need. It showed the heart, class and brotherhood of this Tiger team and I felt proud to witness it.
As the game began, it felt like the guys were playing for Coach Campsey. I watched the offense have their best showing of the season as the Hornets had no answer for them. Cam’ron Valdez showed why he’s a top recruit by ripping the Hornet defense with one long run after another. Kobe Mitchell, Anthony Dansby and Kesean Raven all put up big numbers and played at a high level. Their 55 points on Friday tied for their highest score total this season.
The defense continued to impress as well. After making some adjustments at halftime, the guys once again showed what can happen when they all play together as a team. They were able to make key stops and get off the field on third down.
Another great moment from the game was watching senior receiver Cedric Mitchell make his varsity debut. Mitchell, who transferred to Rockdale this year, was declared ineligible to play this season due to University Interscholastic League (UIL) rules. Early Friday afternoon, Mitchell announced his eligibility to play via Twitter. He received a great amount of support from the Rockdale fan base.
While awaiting eligibility, I watched Mitchell play on Thursdays with the JV team. Being a senior, most athletes would have had too much pride and been embarrassed to play on the JV team. Not Mitchell. He was humble and decided to play JV as an opportunity to get on the field. This is a testimony that showed his tremendous character and love for the game.
In Friday’s game, watching the guys cheer for Mitchell after he caught a 42-yard pass in the second half was awesome. It’s been a long time coming and I couldn’t be happier for him. I hope he continues to make an impact for the Tigers this season.
As a spectator, it is a great feeling to see the Tigers clicking on all three phases of the game.
As Rockdale enters the final stretch of the regular season, I am impressed with how this team has turned a positive corner. After things looked bleak a few weeks ago, the guys seem to have gotten their swagger and confidence back.
The past two weeks, the guys have looked like a team that can win a state championship. They must remain hungry and continue to play every game like their season depends on it. The Tigers now control their own destiny in the district and must keep their play at a high level. The guys have fought through so much adversity this year and have shown the mental toughness to overcome anything thrown their way.
Whether it’s the injury to Jace Robinson or the passing of Coach Campsey’s father, the guys should have more than enough motivation to play as hard as possible in their remaining games.
I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds. I hope they enjoy their off week and give their bodies time to heal as they prepare to face the Academy Bumblebees next week at home.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Campsey family at this time. Go Tigers!
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.