We have all heard the phrase “confidence is key.” Whether it’s playing sports, getting a promotion at work, or even asking someone out on a date, you have to possess the confidence and mindset that you can accomplish anything.
Every Monday, Coach Jacob Campsey and I engage in a conversation about the team. This week he shared that he didn’t see the guys playing with the same amount of confidence they had earlier in the season.
As I reflected on the game against McGregor, I understood Coach Campsey’s outlook. After several unfortunate plays which included failing to recover a kickoff, watching the Bulldogs go up 14-0 and having a kick return touchdown called back, the Tigers appeared as if the life had been snatched out of them. With all of these hiccups occurring in the first quarter, they had a look of defeat on their faces.
One thing the guys have to learn is to roll with the punches. Every time they get down on the scoreboard, I witness bickering and negative body language. They have to learn that everything will not go their way in both the game of football and the game of life.
Another lesson the guys need to understand is that they’re going to get the best effort from their opponents. Opposing teams aren’t going to lie down just because you have the name “Rockdale” printed across your chest. With a 2-3 record, teams might begin taking Rockdale for granted when they see them on the schedule.
It will be up to the players to change that narrative with their play and attitudes. Somebody on that field has to lift the guys up when the chips are down and be a leader. This requires more than Coach Campsey encouraging the guys to keep fighting. Within themselves, the players must be self-motivated to play with more heart and to end this losing streak.
There’s no need to sugarcoat anything. Everyone has to perform better. There is too much talent and heart on this team for them to not play at a high level. The Tigers’ first half play against the McGregor Bulldogs was the worst half I’ve seen them play all year. However, they still managed to comeback and make the game close. This tells me the desire to win remains unchanged.
For the players, the same energy released during the second half must be evident from the first whistle until the clock hits all zeros. The Tigers cannot wait until they’re down by four touchdowns to decide to flip the switch and give it their all.
Watching the game, I do not believe that McGregor was the better team. They just fought through adversity and played a smarter game. Rockdale has all the pieces to be a contending team. It’s a matter of pulling all the heart and desire together in order to fulfill their potential.
The guys need to believe in themselves. They cannot allow these three losses to dictate who they are as a team. District play won’t get any easier and no team will hand over a victory. They will have to earn every yard, every catch, every tackle and every touchdown.
It won’t be until each guy on that field decides that he is tired of losing that something will change. Each player has to put the team before himself. Yes, looking cool in the nice Nike uniforms and posting individual highlights on Twitter is fine, but none of that matters if they continue to lose.
With the Cameron Yoemen coming to town, to come out playing carelessly and lackadaisically would be a mistake. The Yoemen are a good team and will make them pay for it. With five games left in
With five games left in the regular season, I still have faith that this team can turn things around. It will be up to them to play with some confidence and be great, or watch Cameron celebrate with the bell on their home field.
It’s time for everyone to remind the Texas high school football world who Rockdale is and what it is they stand for. Having a record of 3-3 sounds way better than being 2-4. Play time is over. It’s time to take what you want and win.
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