By Caitlin Wolfe
While all eyes are on the varsity Coffee High Trojans this weekend, let’s not forget the freshman Trojans. For the first time in 42 years, the freshman football team went undefeated.
Kentice Brockington had an extraordinary first year as head coach. According to Coach Brockington, a 2007 Coffee High School graduate, there are three rules that are instilled in the players throughout the season. The simple rules as he refers to them are: always give 110 percent, be respectful, and of course, always have fun. Coach Brockington, along with assistants Zac Coe, Pernell Smith, Alex Lehky, Brian Wilder, and Kam Collier pushed through weeks of practice and hard work to help these boys achieve an undefeated season.
Coach Brockington says they practiced Monday through Wednesday with games on Thursdays. He states they even practiced through holidays with no complaints. “They really put in the hard work. They didn’t argue or complain and they showed up,” says Coach Brockington when speaking of the determination the football team had throughout the season.
According to Coach Brockington, one of the star players this season was Tresean Smith, wide receiver and cornerback. Tresean had a great season: 28 receptions for 533 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 7 rushes for 18 yards. Tyler Dowling, a running back and quarterback, also had a very promising season. Tyler had 78 rushes for 440 yards, 4 touchdowns and 6 receptions for 98 yards. He was 3-7 passing for 60 yards and a touchdown. Demeterius Williams, cornerback, had a great season with 17 tackles and 5 interceptions. Quarterback Aiden Eldridge also finished out an impressive season; he was 36-62 for 714 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also ran 11 times for 38 yards and a pair of scores.
When asked how it made him feel as their head coach to wrap up the season in the way they did, Coach Brockington states, “I’m prouder that they stood together and followed the rules. It was an outstanding experience and just added icing to the cake. I thank God for it and I’m so proud of them.” Coach Brockington also wants to give his thanks to the parents and says they couldn’t have done this without them. He also gives props to varsity head coach Mike Coe, the community, and the freshman campus. “They really took care of us and believed in us,” said Coach Brockington.