OM football team shows true strength and determination.

OM’s football season this fall was truly the definition of a “turnaround.” Our season started slowly but eventually grew stronger as the season progressed. Growth was shown throughout this whole season not only by our Varsity team but by JV as well. They constantly showed us what determination and practice can do. 

JV showed what they were capable of in their games against Atholton, Long Reach, and Guilford Park. Guilford Park was previously undefeated until they went up against the Scorps who played their hardest until the last second of the game. Our OM JV has a bright future, be sure of it. 

But the season for both JV and Varsity didn’t start quite so optimistically. During the beginning of the season, varsity lost six straight games. Many of our varsity players attributed the losses to many “mental mistakes.” Disappointed but not discouraged, the team went on to beat Atholton 27-20 during our rainy Homecoming game on October 14th. From then on, our football team hit a win streak beating the next five teams. Our football players, with the guidance of varsity coaches Browne and Speake, as well as JV coaches Rob, Gonzales, and Clifford, did not allow a few losses to determine the whole season. 

Players worked hard to get to where they ended up, like sophomore Shaevon Scott, a nbrunning back and corner, who started the season on JV and finished on Varsity. It was his first year playing here at Oakland Mills. Scott believed in his team and his coaches. His teammates pushed him to stay positive, and his coaches taught him to stay on track. One thing he made very clear was, “You can never allow a loss to determine the entire season.” He explained that you have to focus on what you can do better at the moment instead of dwelling on a past play that you can not do anything about now. Scott is determined to win as an individual, but he is also aware that football is a team game and he puts his trust in his teammates no matter what happens on the field. 

“It’s extremely important for the team to have a bond because… you cannot win a team game alone,” sophomore Simi Olakunle said. Olakunle was an OM wide receiver this past season. He continued saying ”We play the sport not just to become better athletes but to become better humans.” The team, both the players and the coaches, helped Olakunle achieve his goals both mentally and physically.

Coaches here at OM provide our players not just with football knowledge, but life lessons and discipline. Many of our football players would agree, such as Kris Rogers. He believes the coaches here are amazing and they are always looking out for the players. Rogers plays safety on varsity as only a sophomore. Rogers is constantly growing and capable of playing many positions including QB, RB, and corner. Coaches inspire everyone to reach their full potential and explore their capabilities. Rogers transferred to OM this year just like another player, JaKoby Bishop. Bishop plays linebacker, but due to an injury at the beginning of the season, he was not able to get on the field. Even though Bishop was injured, his work ethic is a prime example of pure determination.

OM football has helped each person on the team to grow on and off the field. When it comes to teamwork, keeping on the same page is a big part of achieving victory. “Everyone locking in with each other is a big step to winning and losing the game,” Sophomore Taamir Oliver believed. Corner Taamir Oliver is also a great example of determination. Last year he played on JV as a wide receiver. With his determination and the coaches’ guidance, he became focused on becoming the best version of himself, just like everyone else on the team.

Though the team was not able to take it all the way, they did make it to the third round of playoffs – an impressive feat after an underwhelming start to the season. OM’s football team was the model example of what hard work and determination can accomplish, and they made us all proud to be Scorps this fall season.