After making the playoffs for the first time in five years, the Bronco football team plans to raise expectations even higher. These goals are set up by having two scrimmages, two-a-days, and even ice baths every week.
“The sooner we can get hot playing against other teams, the more prepared we will be for week one against Justin Northwest,” senior Sam Kleinjan said. “I think if we get rolling the first week, our momentum will help us for success through the season.”
Prior to this year, the football team only played one scrimmage before the season along with spring football. Because of changes regarding spring ball practice, the Broncos were permitted to face two teams before week one.
“Going against Timberview definitely helped me get a look for how our offense and defense works together,” Kleinjan said. “It also helped show how our game weeks and preparation is going to look during the season.”
According to the players, as class starts back up, full pad practicing during the period, watching film and going to the weight room after school is relentless work all week. However, it represents how they set themselves apart from their opponents in the preseason.
“Doing football all week is pretty exhausting work, but knowing us as a team is taking every chance to get better brings confidence to how I think the season is going to go,” senior Parker Nintzel said. “Doing everything we can to outwork other teams in our district brings a new level of motivation.”
Setting up for a great chance to succeed and perform remains a common idea distributed amongst the offense and defense to create unity and to accomplish their goals. Even if setting up means going outside everyday despite sweltering obstacles, to even taking ten minute ice baths the day before games.
“The ice baths we have had to take so far were definitely rough, but gave us a taste of the next 11 weeks,” Nintzel said. “They [icebaths] helped strengthen us mentally to end the week off for sure.”
According to the athletes, these physical and mental workouts during the preseason helps the Broncos excel past the bar they’ve ultimately raised last year. To go, execute, and win when it comes to the playoffs.
“I really think we can succeed by how we are looking so far,” Kleinjan said. “Everyone is on the same page and we all understand how important it is to accomplish our goals.”
