Park football looks for improvement

Varsity seeks first win at Park Center

Varsity+football+players+watch+their+teammates+during+their+Homecoming+game+Oct.+7.+

Mira Swartz

Varsity football players watch their teammates during their Homecoming game Oct. 7.

Park aims to break their winless season as they face the Park Center Pirates, Friday Oct. 13, on the road.

Park Center’s season has been highlighted by a single win against Bloomington Kennedy on Sept. 2. According to Park’s head coach Ben Wolfe, the team looks to build off certain parts of the Homecoming game loss to Irondale in order to propel them to victory over the Pirates.

“I think at times we played really well. We have to focus on playing the whole game, not just stretches of time,” Wolfe said.

According to Wolfe, the team focused heavily on playing a complete game at practice this week. Wolfe said his team has worked on its offense, defense and special teams to prepare for the game against Park Center.

“Just really playing one play at a time; next play mentality. Not necessarily winning the game, but playing the game. Really focusing on every single play, and realizing you are only as good as your next play,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe added that to come out with a win in Friday’s game, it is necessary to get the ground game working early to spark the offense.

“Having a good running game helps get things early, having explosive plays right away helps. It is about getting all 11 guys out there understanding their responsibilities,” Wolfe said.

Senior offensive lineman Jordan Hernandez, said Park Center’s offensive line will challenge the Orioles defense.

“Park Center has a good passing game and a pretty big offensive line, which will make it tough to get the quarterback,” Hernandez said.

Junior running back, Kai Mckee, who has been sidelined because of a concussion, said he has witnessed a significant increase in effort from being around his teammates this week.

“I’ve noticed everyone has been a lot more serious because we have been losing,” Mckee said.

Wolfe said he hopes the team plays as talented as they are and realizes their potential in the remainder of the season.  

“We need to come out ready to play and play like we know we are capable of. We still feel like we are a good team and we have some winning football in us,” Wolfe said.
The game will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 14 at Park Center.