From Struggles to Strength: Varsity Football Journeys Through Challenging Season
Quarterback William Forte ‘26 sets up a play against Eagle Academy on Sept 14. Photo: Boys Varsity Football Team
By ZEINA IBRAHIM and ABDALLAH HUSSEIN
The clock ticked to zero as the final whistle blew, the scoreboard signaling another defeat for the Hornets. With feelings of exhaustion and desperation, the players stood in silence on the field. While the season has been difficult so far, Coach Anthony Odita was quick to remind his team that success isn’t always measured in wins. The scoreboard may show the final chapter, but what about the journey in between?
In their first home game against Eagle Academy Sept 14, the team faced its first defeat of the season. However, they managed to bounce back with a close 28-24 victory against New Utrecht Sept 21.
Now, with a record of 1-5 after a narrow loss to James Madison on Oct 26, the Hornets still have hope that they can find a way to turn their season around.
“We’re not playing to the best of our ability, but I have a feeling we’re going to bounce back,” said lineman Naseem Parker ‘26.
“I would say we’re hard working,” said junior Kenny Wu. “Even though we have our losses, everyone comes together and we lift each other up.”
The Hornets have had some strong campaigns in recent years, going 5-2 in 2022-2023 and making the second round of the playoffs, but this year, a lack of players has caused the team to struggle to find its rhythm.
“The biggest challenge was not having enough people on our team,” said Wu. “Nobody gets a break between each play, so we have to help each other out and be there for each other.”
“It’s a challenge,” said Mr. Odita, “not having as many players as most of the teams we play against.”
Maintaining team chemistry through the bumps in the road is part of the challenge.
“Learning how to work together, especially through losses, has been a struggle,” said cornerback Lincoln Phillips ‘25.
Despite this, the players have been like threads of the same football — each one holding the team tightly in place. “As we got older, we’ve built a stronger bond, which makes us brothers, rather than just teammates,” said star running back Elijah Lee ‘26, who is averaging over 6 yards per carry.
A good relationship between the coach and players is just as crucial. “I just felt like [being a coach] was the best way to have a positive impact on student athletes from a holistic standpoint,” said Mr. Odita. “As a coach, you spend several hours, several days a week with the team; it’s a more profound relationship.”
During times like this, there are several key responsibilities that team captains carry to ensure the well-being of the team overall. Maaz Ali, a senior defensive end, said, “As a captain, I have the responsibility to help my team do their best. Even if the team is in absolute crumbles, I always have to encourage the players to do better.”
Quarterback William Forte ‘26 also reflected on his first year as team captain. “My role as a captain is kind of challenging this year,” he said. “I have to be more of a role model, coordinate my team, and make sure everybody’s on track, but it’s all worth it.”
Mr. Odita usually reminds the team to be “less outcome-oriented and more process-focused,” encouraging the boys to acknowledge their gradual improvement rather than just their rank in the standings.
Forte and Parker talked about their parallel experiences working their way up to where they are now, offering potential lessons for underclassmen.
“My freshman year, I was not in good shape or in a position to play,” said Forte. “I tried out sophomore year, the coaches were impressed, and I made the team. From there on out, I’ve been quarterback.”
“I’ve improved a lot since last year,” said Parker. He mentioned how he used to be “afraid of making any tackles or hits” but has overcome that fear this season, including himself in each play as much as possible.
No amount of losses or obstacles can crush the Hornets’ dreams for the rest of the season and seasons to come.
“I hope next year we better our performance and make it to playoffs,” said Tyson Jourdian ‘26.
“It’s a challenging season,” said Mr. Odita, “but I respect and admire their resolve, because the expectations for their performance have not changed.”
Along the way, the team has gained some invaluable lessons. “I’ve learned a lot of things from my teammates and coaches, more than just football,” said Jourdian. “I look up to my coaches; they’ve taught me important life lessons.”
They may not be champions on the scoreboard, but in their hearts, they’ve come away with something much more important -- reliance and unity that will last long after the final whistle.
“I love all these guys on the team,” said Parker. “I support every single one of them, and I hope we all do better in the future.”