By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham Central Bears football team, under the guidance of Coach Little, is entering the new season with renewed energy and optimism. After what has been described as the best off-season since he took the helm, players are eager to showcase their growth and determination on the field.
A New Energy
The off-season has brought a wave of enthusiasm among the players, many of whom have been part of the program for multiple years. Senior Nick Glover noted, “We just got a lot more people than we had the year before and I think we just working a little bit harder.” This sentiment was echoed by his teammates, who feel that the increased numbers have fostered a more competitive environment during practices. With more players vying for positions, the team has been able to push each other to improve daily.
The players also expressed their excitement about the upcoming season. Brooks Albright, who is set to take on the role of starting quarterback, shared his commitment to refining his skills. “I’m just trying to get the little things right and keep working hard,” he said. This focus on fundamentals is a recurring theme among the players, who understand that attention to detail can make all the difference in close games.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Leadership on the team has become a focal point, with players stepping up to guide their peers. Glover emphasized the importance of being vocal and motivating teammates. “Football isn’t really a big thing here; everybody else plays other sports. So, I think just talking to the guys helps a lot,” he explained. This approach is vital in fostering a cohesive team spirit, especially in a program where many athletes are relatively new to the sport.
The coaching staff, including defensive coordinators Coach Tab and Coach Barner, has played an essential role in developing the players’ understanding of the game. Sayvion Burnette, who plays both receiver and defensive back, highlighted the importance of learning techniques and strategies. “They really got to explain everything to us,” he said, underscoring how the coaches have helped build confidence among players who are still learning the intricacies of football.
Embracing Competition
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they are also looking forward to facing a new set of opponents. The players are keen to embrace the challenge, with many expressing a desire to be competitive in every game. “We can probably compete with most every team on the schedule we have this year,” Albright stated. This mindset reflects a shift in the team’s culture, as they aim to break free from the struggles of previous seasons and demonstrate their growth.
The players are aware that the past few years have been tough in terms of wins and losses, but they are determined to change that narrative. Glover noted, “We just want to focus on ourselves… making our team better is a big thing.” This commitment to self-improvement is a crucial step towards achieving their goals.
Learning and Growing Together
Many of the players admitted that their love for football has grown significantly since joining the team. Albright, who initially had reservations about playing, now finds himself thinking about the game daily. “I really didn’t like football before I came to Central, but now I think about it like almost every day,” he shared.
This newfound passion for the sport is not unique to Albright. Bryson Alston echoed similar sentiments, revealing that he was not originally inclined to play football until he was encouraged by his peers. The team’s camaraderie and shared experiences have helped cultivate a supportive environment where players can thrive both individually and collectively.
The Importance of Every Play
As the players reflect on their past performances, they recognize that close games have defined their recent seasons. The team has experienced its share of narrow defeats, which have served as valuable learning experiences. “It just lets us know that it can be one play that just wins us the game,” Glover remarked. This awareness of the significance of each play has motivated the team to approach every game with intensity and focus.
The players are determined to break through the barriers that have held them back in previous seasons. They are committed to making the extra play that could turn a close game into a victory. “Every play matters and you can’t take breaks,” Austin emphasized, reinforcing the need for constant effort and dedication.