Florida High football has bounced back from early-season adversity to post an 8-2 record, earning a district championship and securing a spot in the postseason.
“I don’t think in the seventh week, we did the best job we were capable of doing. But I think that they responded to that really, really well and understand that. It is hard to stay focused for a long time, but I think that they heard a very good message this week, and they’ve responded really well,” Head Football Coach Jarrod Hickman said.
The team stays motivated after their losses to University Christian and Rickards, and they use their strengths to maintain a winning streak.
“Our team is very connected; we’re all friends, so we just uplift everybody, tell everybody to keep their heads up and keep pushing,” junior Dahmetri Ross said.
The team does pre-game rituals that help them stay focused before every game.
“We listen to music a lot, but we also pray together because I think of a team more as a family, so you have to pray for your family,” Ross said.
While football is a team sport, junior kicker Tucker Campbell has a large impact within his team. As a kicker, he keeps his focus on each game, playing a major role in their season.
“I contribute to the team by making good plays like game-winning kicks against South Walton, and just being clutch with punts,” Campbell said.
As the postseason approaches, Campbell gives his team advice about how to handle the pressure.
“Just stay in your own world, be yourself and don’t let the outside noise around you distract you,” Campbell said.
The football team has had an outstanding season, showing their teamwork, consistency, and determination on the field. While districts are very close, the players are focused on building their success and preparing to compete at their highest level.
“If you have a job to do, focus on that job, and be the very best at it every single play, every single day. You have to be really, really good at practice all the time,” Hickman said.
