‘Spirit Mode’ encourages greatness in players

Meagan Carpenter
October 19, 2009
Filed under Sports

During football season, Friday nights do not seem to come quick enough.  The tradition of Friday Night Football is one that has been upheld for as long as East Meck has existed. 

Hard-core fans come to school on Fridays dressed in camo pants, school t-shirts, and their other blue and gold apparel, putting students and staff in spirit mode. Some students and staff choose to put on face paint to really bring their outfits over the top.

As all the students anticipate the arrival of the final 2:10 bell to ring, the familiar sound of the drum line can often be heard coming down the hallway in a spirit march.  With the whole football team running down the hallways, there is no better way to get people pumped for the game ahead.

One thing that pumps up AJ Gore, senior wide receiver, is tons of students in the student section.  The front row is filled with seniors who always come out with a positive attitude and excitement for the game.

“When I can’t hear Olen Little say hike, or if I can’t hear myself talk, that’s what makes me excited,” said Gore.

Seniors Olen Little and Rockford Stone are just two of the varsity players who are starters for this year’s team.  Little has been playing on the varsity football team for three years, while Stone has been starting linebacker for all four years.

“I choose to play because it is more intense, more fun, and you meet more people,” said Little.

Stone was unable to play for the first three games due to a lingering knee injury from last season.  The time spent recovering from his injury allowed Stone to gain a new perspective for the game. Time off has not stopped Stone from going after his dream of having a state football championship under his belt.

Both Little and Stone agree that team bonding is by far one of the most important parts of being on the football team.

“The whole team bonds together.  When a player does something good, we all bond, and feed off everyone’s energy,” Little said.

Without coaches, the team will never get far.  Offensive line coach Eric Oates takes pride in the offensive line, including its four starting seniors. 

“Go over assignments, do their best, be aggressive,” said Oates, citing his advice to the football team before games.

This season, the Eagles continue to feed off the energy of the fans, currently with an overall record of 4-4, and a conference record of 0-3 after recent losses to Mallard Creek, Independence, Myers Park, and Butler.

Although this season has not been one of the best, the Eagles still fight on and will finish off the season strong.  For many players, this season is their last and they don’t know where or if they will be playing next year. Stone however, takes it all in stride.

“Play every play like it’s your last play,” Stone said.