The varsity football team will kick off their first game of the season in a home opener against Oak Park High School at 7 p.m. in the District Activities Center. The Falcons are ranked No. 32 in Missouri football and will be playing to defeat the No. 16 ranked Oak Park Northmen. The team plans to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to Oak Park last season that knocked them out of the playoffs.
The Northmen feature a high-powered offense that includes speed and physicality in the backfield, receivers and at the line of scrimmage. Not only do they have a talented offense, but they also include a defense known for their speed. The Falcons will hope to succeed in their home opener this week as the clock rolls closer to kickoff.
“The first approach is making sure the players understand the environment of the first game and the jitters that go along with that,” defensive coordinator Jeff Lyster said. “Just focusing on their job is going to help them block out the noise and perform.”
Lyster said the teams that tackle better, have fewer penalties, and get off blocks better will have the best shot to win the game. Not only with a big and physical offensive line, the Northmen offense is also known for their speed.
“The tricks to the game are just playing with great pad level and having great leverage when teams are fast,” Lyster said. “You don’t want to let them get outside.”
Lyster also emphasized how the energy of the defense will help to drain the willpower of the Oak Park offense. From sideline energy to thrilling plays on the field, this game could end up being won or lost from the mental part of the game.
“I expect to make the opponent face the other direction at the end of the play and have them feel our energy,” Lyster said. “When you play defense that builds energy on the field, and headbutts and high-fives each other and makes it about us, the more that builds confidence in the game.”
Coaches and players agree that a win against a rival team to start the season might be a great spark to get the team going.
“It would be a huge win for me and for our team tonight,” defensive back coach Jackson Newman said. ”We’re looking forward to this opportunity and all the work that we put in would come to flourish, and this is a rivalry I’ve been a part of 9 out of the 15 games, so I know it very well, and we’re looking for a big victory tonight.”
With Oak Park earning a record of 11-1 last year, the game isn’t declared an easy win by any means.
“The past week we’ve zoned in on some adjustments and ways we’re going to play Oak Park this week,” Newman said. “It’s a science; it’s taken day after day with excruciating effort and all that is going to shine through tonight.”
