With a 3 and 5 record going into Homecoming, Rams players remain optimistic as the season winds down.
We asked a few players how they think this season has differed from others.
“Our team is a lot younger this year and there are a lot of kids that had to step up that haven’t had a bunch of experience,” explained Jaden Morales, ‘25.
Last year the team lost a lot of seniors that had played together all four years, leaving us with a fresh set of starters.
“It has definitely been a year of learning compared to other years where we had a lot figured out,” added Morales.
We asked the same question to a couple of our sophomore players since this season is still vastly different from their experience as freshmen last year.
“I’m really young and there is a lot of pressure on me because I am a big part of the team and I just try to be a good teammate,” said Malik Grissom, ‘27.
“I just wanted to fill the void of the starters we lost after last season,” said JaShawn Staples, “This year I was our starting running back.”
When interviewed about their favorite memory of the 2024 season so far, they gave us several different points.
“Probably the game against Carbondale, late in the fourth quarter, I got an interception to win the game,” stated Grissom.
Grissom is only a sophomore, showing great talent on the field.
Morales said, “Going to different seven-on-sevens and different camps over the summer with the team.”
Players enjoyed making memories and training for the season at the 2024 Offensive Team Camp at Oakville High School in Missouri.
“Breaking the record felt great, I didn’t even know I was close to it,” added Staples.
Staples broke the record for most single-game rushing yards as a sophomore in the game against Granite City just a few weeks ago.
The boys had some good advice for other student-athletes out there.
Grissom explained, “Don’t put your head down when things get rough, you can’t always be on top when you are trying to improve.”
“Always do your school work first, football comes second,” said Morales.
Having a good support system is a big part of motivation when it comes to school work especially when it comes to playing your sport.
We asked the boys how they handled it all and if there was someone in their life that gave them the support they needed.
Staples said, “It can be really difficult, but I got people to help me, like Katie Burns.”
“Probably my mom, she is always there watching and encouraging me to do my best,” stated Ryder Rhoades, ‘26.
Even though the season didn’t end maybe how we had hoped it would, Rams players keep their heads up, hopeful for a strong comeback next year.
