Middle School football is one of the several Junior High sports offered at Fair Grove that has started off its season to provide experience for students looking to play the sport in the future.
William Reed, Assistant Coach of middle school football, and high school physical education teacher, explained how starting to play football in middle school is a beneficial way to begin preparing for the sport at higher levels. “Middle School football is a great stepping stone and preparation time for athletes interested in playing football in high school,” stated Reed. Reed also explained that one of the biggest benefits of playing football in middle school is that it teaches players the terminology and the offensive and defensive systems of the game.
“It is also an excellent way to develop friendships,” said Marc Green, middle school Principal and MS football’s head coach. Being a member of either team can also develop in students the skills needed to reach individual and group goals.
Students who participate in middle school football will have a background in what the program for the high school team is like due to their similarities. “Our middle school program mirrors much of what our HS team does,” said Green. He explained how the same terminology is used for both programs.
Both coaches expressed their expectations of the teams improving their skills throughout the season. They also expect for the athletes to be able to play up to their full potential during games.
Green explained how there is a talented group of students on the 8th grade team: Logan Wilson (running back), Talon Skouby (defensive lineman), Trey George, and Austin Azeez (both linebackers). Some key players on the 7th grade team include Jacob Ahnen (quarterback), Trace Davis (who plays on both the offensive and defensive line), and Grey Pritchett (who can play running back, receiver, and outside linebacker).
The middle school football teams have one more home game for the season on October third in order to finish out their season.
