Football season is one of the most exciting times of the year for Chapin High School and the whole town of Chapin. The bright lights screaming fans, cheerleaders, and spirited students make it all worthwhile.

The team made a number of great plays throughout the season and never failed to speak positively about each other.

“I think Devin Lawerence was one of our best players because he was a good role model on and off the field,” says senior running back Josh Sanga.

This season the team added a lot of new players, Coach Gentry, and an amazing group of seniors that contributed to many victories. Most of the players made some really excellent plays this season.

“Josh Sanga is really athletic and always played with all his heart. I truly admire him for that,” says Senior Jamison LeGrand.

The underclassmen agree with him and realize how much they are going to miss the leadership and ability of this year’s seniors.

“Jamison Legrand made a lot of good tackles this season, even though he was one of the smaller ones on the team,” said junior Tyler Till.

“Michael Weimer was a very good quarterback and contributed to every win,” added junior Eric Scheble. The team created a bond with each other that will not be broken even as teammates come and go.

Other players had some fond memories of their own.

“At our game against Clinton, I broke off a 75 yarder that was one for the highlight,” Sanga said.

Many players and fans are heartbroken after playing their last game in Woolbright stadium but the remaining players are eager to improve on this year’s success.

“We are going to have to get stronger and better, and hopefully our seniors next year will become as good as they were this year. We are going to try our best,” said Junior Adam Taylor says.

Head Coach Gentry says, “I agree with Adam we are going to have to get bigger, faster and stronger next year […]. I think I brought a different style to the team, and I tried my best to be a positive role model on and off the field.”

This year the Eagles won five games and lost six. Overall it was a hard fought season and the coaches are very proud of their players. They practiced nearly everyday and worked hard for each victory. They also learned some from each defeat.

One of the biggest changes for this year’s team that will continue to reap the benefits is Coach Gentry’s presence.  His impact on the team along with new strategies contributed to the team’s revived morale after last season’s demoralizing departure.

“He was like a father to us, and no matter what he never gave up on us,” Till adds.

That feeling of camaraderie coupled with competition led the team to the playoffs but lost to Seneca. The loss at Seneca was devastating but the Eagles tried their best and never gave up.

“I tore my MCL at the playoffs but I gave my everything in my last play,” Sanga says.

This kind of effort is what makes Chapin Varsity football unique.  The team will continue to improve and next year should be even better.