Football players win more than just games

The school’s football players have to go the extra mile, playing on teams for Lincoln and Snyder high schools. Even when the teams’ records don’t show great success, the players find the experience rewarding.

Junior Isiah Roberts, who plays for Lincoln High School, has been scouted by colleges like Arizona State University and Temple University due to his performance on the field.

Roberts threw four touchdowns in one half this season. Lincoln, which made it to the state playoffs last year, currently has a record of 5-3.

Colleges have invited him to their football games and some have even invited him to their training camps, but Roberts said that the attention has not affected him.

“It doesn’t affect me because I don’t think, I just play,” Roberts said.

Mentor Clarence “Coach C” Collins said that Roberts deserves everything that comes his way. Roberts is a “phenom,” Collins said, he has a great attitude on and off the field.

“You are talking about a kid with great speed, agility and great football IQ,” Collins said.

Roberts credits football for teaching him dedication, determination and discipline.

“It has taught me that if I work hard enough I could achieve my goal,” Roberts said.

Senior Jeffrey Getugi, who plays for Snyder High School’s football team, said that football has taught him that “hard work can make a difference.” He said the season has not been so great for his team, but last week they won their first game. Snyder is currently 1-7.

“It felt amazing, it was my first win playing varsity football,” Getugi said.

Senior William Rivera, who plays for Lincoln, said that his most successful moment of the season was when he made 12 tackles in a game. Although his team is in a “hole” and have “30 to 50 percent” chance of making it to the playoffs, he said he loves his team.

“I love the team, because we don’t give up and that is the type of people you need in a football team,” Rivera said.

Assistant principal Michele Bruce said playing football is a great opportunity for students to participate in athletics and meet other students and coaches from other schools. She said this opportunity opens up their world a little bit.

“[They can] use this time and opportunity to help their future and possibly provide an athletic scholarship or if anything else, they will have memories that will last forever,” Bruce said.

Rivera said that he has gotten a lot of recognition and has learned a lot due to football. He said it has also keeps him in shape and, most importantly, it looks good in his college application.

Junior Olando Romero, who plays for Lincoln, said that his biggest accomplishments have been making the team, working hard to get better and becoming a better person on and off the field. He said football has helped him become more responsible, like being on time to practices.

“It has made me more respectful, because I take my anger out on the field,” Romero said.

Romero said that while this year has been rough for his team, they continue to keep their heads up.

“My teammates are always motivating and helping each other,” he said.

Collins said that he is extremely proud of these male students who have joined football, and advises them that school comes before football, because without good grades they won’t be able to play.

“Keep your eye on the prize,” Collins said.