Weekly Editorial
September 14, 2006

We’re Improving!

Strong high school football programs seem to run in cycles. In 1999 and 2000 the HSPS Football Team made the playoffs, but in recent years we have struggled to win games. Changing coaches, fewer players participating and the lack of a viable off-season training program are all factors that have hurt our success at the varsity level. A key ingredient for the success of any program, particularly high school football, is leadership. We’re fortunate that our program now has this leadership with the presence of Sean Mallory, our new Head Football Coach. Appointed in May, Coach Mallory has worked tirelessly throughout the summer in building a strong foundation for a program. This work includes the following:

  • Selecting dedicated and capable individuals to build a strong coaching staff for each of the three levels, Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity.
  • Establishing a strong off-season weight lifting and fitness program involving players from all three programs.
  • Arranging for players to attend a team football camp.
  • Infusing a character-based learning component as a part of the weekly routine and regiment. The coaching staff recognizes they are shaping and developing young men, not just teaching football.
  • Through visibility and communication, establishing a strong relationship with parents and the coaches of the Pop Warner program.
  • Working with parents in running fundraisers (golf outings, sweat shirt sales, etc.) to ensure resources are available to build a quality program.

The efforts listed above are already yielding dividends with fifty-five players participating on the middle school and J.V. teams. The J. V. squad has also won two of four games (two very close losses).

Be encouraged! Our football program is improving! Coach Mallory and his staff are providing the necessary leadership and are moving our program in the right directions. Let’s come out to each game on Friday night to enjoy our band, appreciate the hard work of our football team and cheer them on to victory!