South Eugene High School is in the midst of a determined effort to restore its football program to a place of pride and community spirit. Head coach Eric Scott gathered his players after a recent practice to stress the importance of discipline and mutual reliance, reminding them that success on the field begins with a shared commitment to push each other forward.
Hands‑on drills teach more than technique
The team’s blocking sled, a battered piece of equipment that has seen better days, became the centerpiece of a lesson in accountability. For the first time this season, the entire squad—not just the linemen—took turns pushing the sled across the field. Freshman Trae Ford, a 5‑foot‑6 safety‑in‑training, helped lead the effort, showing that even the smallest players can make a big impact when they give their all.
“We needed everybody to know that we have to count on each other,” Scott said. “Everyone has to continue to push this thing—not just the sweat literally, but push the program and keep pushing it forward, no matter how much resistance we get.”
Building character for life beyond football
The coaching staff stresses that the program is about more than touchdowns. “We care about them on and off the field,” Scott added. “We have to show them that we want to earn their trust and that we trust them, show them that we believe in them and keep on trying to bring excitement to the football program.”
Assistant coach Maleec Jannah notes that many of the players are experiencing football for the first time. Overcoming the fear of tackling is a central theme, and the coaches aim to give each youngster the confidence to face that challenge head‑on. “Having that fear and overcoming it is big and key,” Jannah said.
Fresh faces give the Axe new hope
Ford’s determination quickly earned him a starting role at safety, a position usually held by senior quarterback Colby Yeager. With a roster of just 21 players, the coaching staff has had to be flexible, giving underclassmen opportunities to step up. Ford’s first big defensive play came against North Eugene, where he read the quarterback’s handoff, broke down the ball carrier’s knees and secured his first tackle. The room erupted in cheers as teammates shouted his name.
Freshman wideout Fisher Anderson also shone, catching three touchdowns in the same game, including a spectacular grab that reminded coaches of a classic NFL highlight. Senior running back Daniel Jetty and linebacker Theo Unruh, among the eight seniors on the 23‑man roster, will soon graduate, leaving a gap that the incoming class must fill.
Looking ahead
South Eugene’s season has been unconventional. After a pandemic‑era hiatus, the school cancelled its varsity schedule and opted for junior‑varsity matchups to rebuild confidence and depth. The team’s recent loss to Crater highlighted the danger of overconfidence, but the coaches see each setback as a teaching moment.
“We have to continue to show kids that it’s more than just football,” Scott said. “We want to earn their trust and keep bringing excitement to the program.” The focus on character, family values and perseverance aligns with the community’s desire for a strong, faith‑grounded youth program.
As the Axe moves forward, the combination of disciplined drills, supportive coaching and fresh talent promises a brighter future for South Eugene football.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
