Ben Whitehead
VELMA — Words like leadership, courage and integrity describe many good people.
You can add the Velma-Alma senior football players to that list.
As the Comets (9-2) prepare to hit the road this Friday night to take on Cashion (11-0) in the second round of the Class A playoffs, the six seniors are preparing to play like it’s their last game.
That’s because it just might be.
“It’s been fun and tough at the same time,” said running back Trenten Files of his time at Velma-Alma High.
The senior football Comets have enjoyed four years of high school football all while trying to reach their goal of a state championship. It’s something they’ve been practicing hard for and they hope this year it pays off.
When the group was asked what their favorite memory from high school football was, they all agreed that that has yet to come.
“We have had a lot of good memories,” said quarterback Dustin Sloan, a three-year starter. “But we don’t have our favorite yet. We hope that happens this year.”
Each of the boys understands the importance of being a team leader on and off the field. Since the time they were playing junior high football for Velma-Alma in sixth grade, they have seen six other groups of seniors walk the high school halls and lead their fellow peers on the
football field.
This year was their turn to leave their legacy on Velma-Alma.
Cord Gothard, son of Comet head coach Greg Gothard, said it does not seem like he should be a senior.
“It’s been real special and an honor to be one of the leaders of this team,” he said. “I just can’t believe this is my senior year.”
The Comets have a crucial game Friday night and the seniors know they must go all out to make sure everything is left on the field. Focusing on the Wildcats doesn’t seem to be a problem right now.
“We have to take care of business,” said wide receiver and defensive back Frank Johnson. “We need to make sure we have our assignments and be very physical. We have to out-hit Cashion.”
Johnson is just glad to be back on the field playing with his teammates. He has not played the past three seasons, but wants everyone to remember him for his hard work.
Luke Norton, another wide receiver/defensive back, hopes that his teammates think of him as a good leader and a hard worker as well.
After asking each of the guys what they wanted to be remembered for, you got the sense that each of them wanted to be known for the hard work they put into this team. After all, the hard work is what has gotten them this far.
“I’m very proud of our seniors this year,” said Coach Gothard. “They have really been a great asset to this team. They have come a long way since being in the sixth grade. Coming through this program, you are expected to be a winner and these guys are winners.”
Files, Sloan, Gothard, Johnson, Norton and Aaron Albertson will walk out on the field Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. There won’t be any time to take in the sights and sounds of Friday night football in Cashion. There is no second chance in the playoffs. You either win or you go home and this group of seniors is not ready to turn in their pads.
