TCSTribune.com

They drive ridiculous distances to get to them. They talk about it all day long. They can’t wait for it. I’m not referring to the latest movie or concert. Nothing unites students like a TC football game. And who can blame them? After the first five games the team boasted a combined score of 135-81.

Austin Morelli, starting center for the Eagles, has high hopes for the team.

“I’m looking forward to a state championship because we have a lot of weapons on offense and defense.”

Even though TC lost to Orestimba, the team fought hard and could have won, had it not been for a few mistakes. The following weeks will prove exciting as the team takes on a few more teams before playoffs, the last one against rival, Denair. Coach Rusty Lyons says “I absolutely believe we can beat anyone we face.” Linebacker Garret Yagi has set the bar high saying, “I expect 100% of myself on every play.” The rest of the team is assuredly no different.

One team member playing a key part in this early-season high is Robbie Smallwood. In the first four games, he threw 27 passes for 539 yards and ran for 76 yards, one of the runs a 33-yard touchdown run against Jim Elliot. But as important as he is on the offensive side of the ball, he is just as important on the defense making four tackles in the Elliot game and coming away with a sack against Big Valley.

Team player, Cody Alldrin, arguably one of the most talented wide receivers in our league, has 308 yards on only 14 receptions. He scored all but one of the touchdowns in the Big Valley game, and never fails to make difficult plays. Along with Robbie, Cody also plays a key role on the defense, with 22 tackles and two interceptions.

Nikko Jennings, the main man in rushing, has racked up 126 yards on only 27 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. And although he’s the team’s best rusher, he is also one of the best on defense, with 36 tackles in four games, one of them a sack, the other an interception.

Lastly, one of the most important parts in a football game, the line, is made up of Colin Russell at right tackle, John Kim at right guard, Austin Morelli at center, Garret Yagi and Morgan McIntyre at right guard, and yours truly at left tackle.
Not to be forgotten is Geoffrey Retemeyer with 111 yards receiving and five interceptions, Garret Yagi on defense with 22 tackles and two forced fumbles, Brent Abraham with 17 tackles and a fumble recovery, James Riley with 174 yards and 29 tackles, and Beau Warda with two field goals and six kicks into the end zone.

According to Austin Morelli, before every game, the team talks for about an hour, going over plays and then ending with a prayer. Right before the game, they pad up, and mentally prepare. Garret attributes part of his success to his pump-up. “ Coach King yells like crazy. It’s so intense.”

By the time they take the field, everyone on the team is ready to play, ready to win, but most ready are the fans.

For current football scores and statistics click here