The freshman, JV, and varsity football teams complete their seasons as league champions. After a long season the Carlsbad football program was able to not only take home the league title as Avocado Champions, but also grow together as a team. This year’s sweep highlights the talent across the entire football program.
With the thrill of taking home an Avocado league championship, players realized that the team isn’t based on trophies alone. Players raised their standards during intense practices or conditioning.
“It felt great that my first year we won an avocado league championship,” freshman David Boyack said. “It really insisted in me that this program is a winning program.”
To uphold a strong team, many preparations go into practices and drills. Stepping into the program for the first time showcases the training that is spent to provide for success.
“The biggest challenge adjusting to high school football [was] the intensity,” Boyack said. “Nothing is comparable to the intensity of the games and practices.”
For varsity players, there was a defining moment later in the season. After their loss to rival La Costa Canyon the team had to refocus to earn redemption.
“My favorite part was beating La Costa Canyon to advance to the open championship,” junior Archer Provo said. “Our toughest challenge was losing to [them], it set us back, but also pushed us to come back stronger.”
Though the program is competitive, strong bonds are built to ensure success. Older athletes help mentor the younger players which strengthens all three teams.
“We support the younger players by always keeping them involved,” Provo said. “Wether it’s during drills, in practicies, or in the weight room.”
Since football is such a demanding program here at Carlsbad, mentality is important. Even though football is a team sport, each player was able to improve individually to strengthen their team.
“I personally grew from last year by improving my mentality with learning the plays,” sophomore Reese Withers said. “Being reliable when the ball was in my hands.”
On the field, football is a whole different place for the players, without their bonds the team would not be where they are today. Even with long practices and daily operatives, team bonding played a significant role in their performances on the field.
“JV dinners were definitely the things that brought us closer,” Withers said. “ We would eat and joke around with each other.”
Whether an athlete that grew up in the community or is a new player, winning a league title carried a deeper meaning. Each team faced their own hardships but it is the culture that made each team special.
“[Winning] means a lot for the program because it helps inspire future athletes to come to Carlsbad,” Provo said. “And [for athletes] to be a part of something great.”
