Season's End

As the Warriors traveled to Spring Lake, NC to take on the Overhills Jaguars in the first round of the playoffs, all those that made the trip were shocked by the outcome. Taking a loss never feels good, especially when it’s in the playoffs, where it has an added sting. What happened in the postgame huddle showed why the Western Alamance football program is second to none.

As most of the seniors were hit with the realization that this was their last high school football game, the tears of disappointment started to flow. After myself and the other coaches addressed the team, Coach Snuffer opened up the floor to whomever wanted to speak. For the next 15 minutes, this year’s seniors spoke about their teammates, coaches, and experiences that they had had over their four years in the program. The emotional honesty that was shared showed what Western Alamance football is really all about. Most sports programs are solely based on wins and losses, which is important, but having the opportunity to impact the lives of young men and show them the right way to do things, in my opinion, is what makes Western Alamance football special.

As the postgame huddle broke, I had the chance to speak with Coach Snuffer who was visibly disappointed with the game’s result. I shared with him that in all my 13 years at Western, the reason I continue to come back is football at Western Alamance is about much more than football. I went on to add that I would rather never win another game and change those young men’s lives, than go undefeated and see them slip through the cracks and be misguided. Knowing that the players leave the program with character will surpass anything they do on the field. That is Western Alamance football.

As another football season comes to an end, I want to thank the Class of 2013 for their dedication both on and off the field. Continuing the tradition is very important and I am happy to say, the tradition continues.