On September 19 The Central Kitsap Varsity Cougars went up against The South Kitsap Wolves. With both teams bringing their all, CKHS ultimately ended the game with a loss of 29-12.
In preparation for this game and the upcoming games they have been working very hard on stopping on the run. Some other goals from practice have been to run defense and assignments/executions; players knowing where they are meant to be, holding themselves accountable for their roles and communication on the field.
“It’s definitely been emotionally and mentally different,” Wide Receiver Vincent Fabrega (#17), said. “We realized where we are at as a team and all [that] we have to do to be able to compete against good teams. So we’ve been practicing a little with a little bit more focus and energy than we have been in weeks prior.”
The team has mutual goals like play execution, defense, chemistry, and pride while each individual player has their own goals like having better plays for building their athletic resumes for potential collegiate play.
“I don’t just want to know my position, I want to be a leader on the team and make sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing,” Wide Receiver Mason Raty (#6) said, “When someone might be having a rough game, pick them up and move on because nothing good ever happens when you’re stuck crying about something that can’t be changed”.
Surrounded by teammates, the atmosphere becomes electric as the community gathers to support Central Kitsap . Family and friends in the crowd cheer the team on as their heart rates rise in the middle of game tension.
“Your heart is beating quickly,” Wide Receiver Cal Huish (#11) said “You see everyone come from around the community. You know what you’re playing for a lot of pride in the game and things like that, so I feel a lot of adrenaline, a lot of pride, and you just gotta know to take deep breaths and know what you’re playing for.”
The Central Kitsap Cougars ended the game with a score of 12 points, thanks to an early touchdown scored by Leo Bosh (#2). The second touchdown was scored by Larry Williams III (#9) within the last few seconds of the fourth quarter.
“After a tough start to the season you may expect the energy to be down, but if anything, I think it has motivated us more for this game to come out and show the community and our fans that we’re not going to just give up from a couple losses,” Raty said.
