Friday Night Lights: The High School Football Grind

Football is in its prime during the fall and winter and The Brecksville Broadview Heights football team is gearing up for an exciting season. Friday nights are spent under the lights for students, families, and staff to cheer, watch and yell to friends and players on the field hoping for a win. 

From touchdowns to blocks, the team is scoring and tackling its way to a victorious season. This year more so than previous years, the team consists of many rising sophomores showing their skills.

The whole team has put a lot of work into the season. Over the summer most of the players attend the summer two-a-day’s lifting, practicing and making sure they know how it will feel to play in a game when the season comes. The work is hard, but it is definitely worth it for the players to do their best and have a successful season. 

The bees started the season strong with two back to back wins against Tallmadge and Aurora. The team has a strong connection this year that might improve their chances for more wins than previous years. 

Senior Quarterback Nathan Henegar reinforces this idea by saying, “I think everyone is very tight and easy to get along with; it helps with games to stick together and to never give up on each other.”  

The coaching staff is an integral part of having a solid team.  There are different coaches for each position on a team. Some of the players look up to the coaches as mentors and role models. 

Along with coaches, there are captains as well. The team consists of four senior captains, Carson Zabkar, Cameron Stephan, Owen Greiser and Nathan Henegar. Being a captain is a big responsibility for the boys, setting examples and teaching the underclassman. 

Each player on the team has a role and this year they are getting the job done. Getting the nerves out and putting all they have in the game ahead of them. “I would say I get all the nerves out before the game and once the first play happens it all leaves your body and you get in game mode,” shares senior Peter Chermonte. Having your head in the game keeps you locked in and focused on what challenges are ahead.

Along with being focused on football, the boys also have to focus on schoolwork. Many of the team say they try to use all their study halls and free time to get schoolwork done, so when it comes time to fully focus on football, they can give it their all. 

Students are showing up and supporting the team with every game each week. Students travel to away games to support the team and cheer them on as they bring home a win. Senior Carson Zabkar says, “The Student section gives lots of energy, especially when we are winning. It’s nice to know our friends support us and the school spirit is there.” 

The Bees Versus the Bears is the game of the year for students, players and family because it is the battle for the “Golden Shoe.”  The rivalry homecoming game took place at the hive on Friday, September 19. 

Coaches, players,  and fans look forward to this game every year. “So far it’s been a good season. We started strong with a comeback victory against Aurora, which is very impressive. After week two we were on a slide losing two games and hit a wall, but now we can set our eyes on North Royalton and get the season back,” says Coach Ron Wilson.

The Bees brought the golden shoe back to the Hive with a winning score of 22/15.  Students, families and staff cheered the boys to victory. The close game had everyone on the edge of their seats, ending the third quarter with the Bees down by one. In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Henegar led the team to victory, making big plays. Jacob Eterovich scored all three touchdowns for the Bees win. 

“I sometimes overthink when I’m on the field and don’t trust myself at times,” says Henegar. Everyone has their weaknesses, but they can’t let these stop them from performing. No matter what went through Henegar’s head, he didn’t let the team down on Friday night. 

 The team is 3-2 as of week five. The team has a long road ahead with more challenging teams such as Wadsworth, Stow and Hudson. Hopefully the team can keep up the good work and lead us to more victories in the next five weeks.