The first game of the year is judgment day for all the players and coaches. It’s the day where all the coaching and all the preparation come into effect. Whether it’s from “two-a-days” in 100 degree heat, to long days in the weight room, or nights in front of the white board with coach, all come in to play for the first game.
The Broncos came into the season opener with intensity and aspiration, but were disappointed. The varsity’s first game of the year against Keller Central High School did not go as the team had hoped, losing 6-19. The rain delay seemed to cause a change in momentum for the team and could have been the reason for some dropped passes in the ensuing part of the game. However, the players don’t blame the delay for the loss.
Varsity scored on their first drive, taking fewer than four minutes to do so. Their offensive game plan was executed just as they’d wanted it to, mixing the pass and run very well. The explosive running game was a reason for the first score.
“We ran the ball consistently, which I think took the defense by surprise. I think they figured we’d pass it because of the receiving core we have,” wide receiver, Rodney Whitmore said.
The defense was lined up against the two tight end,two running back, and one slot receiver formation most of the game. The offense repeatedly ran the ball against Legacy’s 3-4 defense, fatiguing the line and eating up a lot of the clock. Their running game consisted of short gains, but enough to move the chains and drive them downfield for a touchdown.
“We had it to where it was first down, second down, third down, and then they’d get a first. And By the time they’d finished their drive, it was the end of the first quarter,” defensive end Kole Knutson said.
The Broncos were pleased in the way they had played. The offense was moving the ball efficiently. Despite giving up a score, the defense was optimistic that they could make adjustments to get a stop on the next drive.
“I honestly thought after the first quarter we had it in the bag. It was looking good for us,” Knutson said.
Unfortunately, that attitude was stalled by a two hour rain delay. One that caused both teams to hit the locker rooms until the bad weather subsided. It gave time for both teams to reminisce over the game and for coaches to make amendments, but it had a toll on the team’s morale.
“Before the delay we were driving down the field and I know we would have scored, which would have given us the momentum into the half,” center Clint Canoe said.
After the delay, the game ensued. Legacy began to make mistakes more often from missed assignments, to dropped passes. Though it was tempting to blame the rain delay, the players put it upon themselves for the second half struggle. Whitmore dropped passes in the game, but did not charge the rain delay for the reason.
“There’s no excuse for that. It was me, a lack of concentration. I was thinking of the end zone before I secured the catch, and it killed me,” Whitmore said.
The team has learned from their mistakes and tends to win tonight’s game against Mansfield High School.
“Football is football, stuff happens. The mentality is way up for the next game. We’re ready,” Canoe said.
