Kickoff: Mariner, Cape High football teams get ready for season

From page 40

Expectations from the team on and off the field?

“Is to carry themselves with a lot class That means character, setting an example in school as well as out on the ball field And to get that chemistry right as teammates so we can look out for each other It's a family thing It's one of the most important things when it comes to a group of young men trying to play a sport, is unity ”

How do you plan to build off of last season?

“Growth Experience And getting to continue to know the players. Our relationship is so much better now The energy and hard work they put into this sport is phenomenal ”

How would you describe your coaching style/team identity?

“My coaching style is more of a father figure; let them know that I'm going to try and keep them on track the best I know how And I'm not going to lead them astray I want them to stay on track and we talk about staying in our own lane A hardnosed guy, a motivation guy When the energy is down, to get it back up. I expect a lot of positive energy from them They know they have to refuse to lose and our goal is to win the district ”

What do you hope to take as a whole from this upcoming season?

“We're trying to get it back where it once was Where when we step out on the field, we know our job We don't get away from our job When things get tough, the tough get going And no matter what happens, win or lose, as long as you know you did your very best, in my book you're still a winner ”

Expected challenges?

“Our district I think our competition, you respect them, but want to out-work them Everybody's goal is to win Our goal is to out-work them and expend energy that they can't handle If we can go undefeated in our district, no doubt we'll be on top We work hard to get to the postseason ”

Players to watch this year?

■ Maddox Howerton, TE, 2024

■ Markus Solano, RB, 2024

■ Derrick Oge, 2024, LB

■ Joshua Kelly, 2024, DE

What has the team chemistry been like so far with the team?

“Our team, we've bonded during the off-