This is the first year at Skyline High School that the football program has given freshmen the exciting opportunity to have their own team. This is a great addition to the program for freshmen who play the sport, and who would like to try it out for the first time. However, building a team isn’t always easy.
“As their coach, I expect them to come to each practice and game ready to learn and give their best effort,” says freshman football coach Scott Hoffmann. “I want them to challenge themselves, try new things, and step out of their comfort zones.”
Hoffmann arrived ready to challenge the freshman team this season, and has had high expectations in order for them to grow as a team. “This season, my goals for the team are to help each player improve at football, work well together, and build their confidence to be ready to play varsity football in the future,” says Hoffmann. “I want them to enjoy the game and learn important things like teamwork, discipline, and not giving up.”
The team’s first few games of the season were rough, and they ended up with a record of 0-4-1. They lost to Pioneer, Dexter, Saline, and Monroe, but fought hard against Chelsea, tying them 3-3. They are determined to keep their heads up and not let setbacks affect their playing. Improvement also comes with the experience that they will gain through their high school football career. “I would love to improve on getting together and keeping up our heads even when we’re in tough situations,” says freshman running back Ty Wren (‘28).
Beyond the field, the freshman players learned a lot about attitude, mentality, and growing relationships with coaches and teammates. “I would like to improve on getting closer to teammates and have great relationships,” says Wren.
Playing football has also taught them many valuable lessons about what it takes to be an athlete. “We focus on basic skills, working together, and having a positive attitude,” says Hoffmann. “Seeing them grow as players and as young people makes coaching them rewarding for me.”
Although the Varsity team and the Freshman teams practice separately, the freshman get to have a look at what the culture is like on Skyline Football and can learn important things from Varsity. “Of course it’s a big gap between freshman and Varsity,” says Varsity Head Coach Broderick Smith. “But they are getting a first look at how we are changing the culture at Skyline and they want to be part of the change.”
The freshman report that they are feeling confident, and are excited to improve on keeping their heads up and getting closer through playing football together. “They are excited to be Skyline Eagles,” says Smith.
