Adversity and storms: NGU football is not backing down
Photo courtesy of Devonaire Willoughby
Kelsey Watson, Sports Editor
While North Greenville University’s football team has not started out the way the team had hoped, these Trailblazers are working every day to bring wins to the Ville.
Head football coach Jeff Farrington is excited about the season moving forward.
“Obviously, we would like to be 2-0 at this point. However, we have played two quality football teams early, and I think that will benefit us as we move forward with the season,” Farrington said.
The Trailblazers lost in overtime to Keiser University 23-20 and to The Citadel 54-0. While this is not ideal for the team, junior defensive back Jerrick Foster said he knows the team has gained a lot of experience for conference play.
Going into their game against Mississippi College, there are different ways NGU is preparing.
“This week I’d say the big difference is just being overly intentional with the little details,” said Foster.
Farrington said that every week the coaches teach the fundamentals of football. Win or lose, that does not change.
Even though the season started out on the wrong foot, Farrington said he is proud of the team’s work ethic.
“The guys are really working to improve, and the coaches are working to get the right combinations on the field. We must protect the football and create some turnovers on defense,” said Farrington.
Morale is up for the Trailblazers. This adversity is not shaking them as Foster said Farrington had them awake at 5:45 a.m. the Monday following their game against The Citadel, saying, “no one feels sorry for you” and “everything we want is still in front of us.”
Foster said an important thing the team needs to focus on is being intentional and working hard.
“Specifically on defense we’ve emphasized creating turnovers and block shedding,” said Foster.
The team still has seen some positives throughout the season.
“Our attitude is positive, and we have a hungry football team. I really believe they care about each other and are trying to grow as leaders,” said Farrington.
As coaches specifically, Farrington’s staff is working on being motivating mentors for the young men on the field.
“We’re always trying to teach, coach, motivate, mentor and lead with ways that meet our players’ needs. Our coaches try to do a great job of being intentional to connect with teaching the game’s fundamentals, off the field academics and life. We are always evaluating personnel at each position and schemes for offense, defense and special team units,” said Farrington.
There is experience in losing. Farrington said the new players coming in are gaining experience playing against two solid football teams during the first two weeks of the season. He says he appreciates the encouragement and support he sees from his players.
Foster said the team has faced adversity and now knows how to respond to it.
While it is easy to get in your own head when staring out the season 0-2, Farrington is confident in his team.
Farrington said, “It’s always going to be good when you win. However, we grow through adversity and storms.”
