Due to the hard work of the coaches and teammates, Chapman High School’s varsity football team is going to playoffs.

Senior Tyrell Oglesby is ready for playoffs and is willing to do anything for his team to reach its goal of winning state.

“Going to playoffs is very exciting because we get to compete as a team again and we know it won’t be our last time together,” Oglesby said. “In order for us to win our team has to play hard and come together.”

The coaches have been very encouraging to the players to keep them focused on the game.

Quarterback coach Grey Ramsey constantly has a smile on his face due to Chapman’s accomplishments.

“We use lessons that we encounter on the football field and apply them to their daily lives off the field,” Ramsey said. “Football is a unique sport in the sense that it allows you to experience some of the greatest feelings you will ever receive. However you don’t experience those if you give up.”

Ramsey is blessed to be the quarterback coach.

“Fortunately I’m blessed to have someone (like junior quarterback) Colton (Bailey) who shows up to practice everyday with a work ethic that I, as a coach looks for. My job as his quarterback coach is to make sure he is prepared in every aspect for every game,” Ramsey said.

Head football coach Mark Hodge has always believed in his boys.

“I always knew we had the ability to not only make the playoffs but to have the potential to win every game we play,” Hodge said. “It takes determination, hard work and focus to be successful.  When we fail to succeed, it’s due to under performing in those areas. I am proud of the young men for being able to continue to strive for success and not settle with simply being good.”

The players make sure they always live up to the expectations of their coaches to never let not only them down but their team.  

“I try to do the best I can and work as hard as I can. I try to make the team grow and lead by my actions,” junior Patrick Phongsat said. “I do everything I can to conquer the goals Coach Fusaro has for me and the team.”  

Hodge couldn’t be a happier coach without all of the hard work his team has done.

“I am proud of them and love them. They have invested a lot and grown tremendously. I am blessed to be able to coach a great group of young men,” Hodge said. “My prayer is they realize the greatness within them that I see, not just on the field but in every area of their lives.”