There is much excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming Mansfield Tiger Jr High football squad. Last season the boys experienced some ups and downs. This season though, the junior high team is looking like they are going to be a force to be reckoned with. Currently holding 27 boys on their roster, the pool is filled to the brim with unpolished talent. Already having two team camps under their belt, the Jr Tigers are competing well and holding their own.
“Our goal is to not lose ground, stay the course, continue player development, and to get bigger, faster, and stronger for the upcoming season,” expressed Head Coach, Tim Cothran. “Hard work and commitment to the “big” picture are some of our summer goals. We are trying to win ballgames, but we know that we are working towards championships on the next level (high school). We feel like our strongest positions will be in our backfield. We seem to be solid at our quarterback and running back positions and linebackers on defense.”
“The fun thing about coaching is every year is different, every group of players is different, and each group has its own identity. This group will be similar to last years in a lot of ways, but they will be different. Our offensive and defensive identities will differ. Offensively last year we were a team that lived and died on the big play, while defensively trying to be patient. This years group will show a lot of patience on offense while being aggressive and risk takers on defense looking for the big play or big turnover.” The junior boys will have one week left to work some kinks out until the mandatory two-week dead period starts June 24-July 5.
