After making the playoffs for the first time in seven years, head football coach Jeff Hulme prepares the football team for their first playoff matchup against Southlake Carroll at Dragon Stadium on Nov. 15.
After coaching at Legacy for the past four years the football team had yet to see or feel the playoffs. According to the players, the high grit, consistent determination and demanding unity seem to be impactful reasons the team has been brought together for a playoff opportunity.
“I feel the number one reason was the dedication this team put in starting in January,” Coach Hulme said. “This group wanted to be the team that changed things and get back to getting in the playoffs.”
According to the coaches, having the senior class experience this opportunity for the last year in their high school football career is a very gratifying experience that is more impactful and influential than many can see. Having the expectation at the start of the season helped set them up for a post-season experience.
“It feels tremendous, and I’m so happy for these players,” Coach Hulme said. “What keeps me motivated is I didn’t want to fail these super young men.”
Having the team come together and push past their preseason expectations, they have left out their negatives and embraced their teammates around them. Considering the mentality changes, the team’s spirit has shown a major increase along with a better atmosphere on and off the field.
“The discipline this year is night and day from last year’s team,” senior Kolawole Oladiende said. “We are able to work together on the field much better.”
According to the senior players, making the playoffs was one of, if not the most important, goals the team put in place along with advancing with the opportunity.
“It feels amazing working for a goal for four years straight and finally achieving it in our last year,” Oladiende said. “This is something that I’ve always wanted. It feels surreal that it’s actually happening my last year.”
As the future players take the role of the seniors of this year and prior years, the attitude and overall morale of the team greatly increases. After this playoff season, the underclassmen continue to be expected to perform at their highest level and carry on what the seniors have left them with.
“I truly believe now that these young men know what it takes to get to the playoffs,” Coach Hulme said. “We will continue to get better and improve to get in the playoffs every year.”
