Big Steps

I know that football is a crazy game. A lot of folks believe three years is enough time to become a great team. Those people are not alone. Players and coaches feel the same way. However, we are still very young and need to remember that success is measured in "baby" steps. After two tough losses against Huntingdon and Union, the Eagles took some of those steps Saturday against #11 Shorter.

Last season, Shorter blanked us 49-0. Coming into Saturday, everyone expected more of the same. For the first time, Faulkner showed how well they can play as a "TEAM". From offense, defense, and special teams Faulkner pulled together to show the home crowd that we have taken steps in the right direction.

Defense, once again stepped up to lead the way. Shorter has a very strong offense, but the Eagle defense rose to the challenge.

The defensive line was very active on Saturday, including scooping up a fumble and came close to "housing" it.


J.T Barker does what he does best in the secondary. Picking balls and crushing wide-outs.


One of the biggest improvements, was the Eagle ground game. The running back trio of Edwards, Taylor, and Cheatham ripped off chunks yards on their way to one of the best Faulkner ground attacks in school history.

This is something that Faulkner has to have if we expect the spread offense to work. When you can run at will, the pass will open up. There was no doubt that it did just that.

Special teams stepped up all day. From Corder punting the ball to, new comer Triston McCathern's 99 yard kick return for a touchdown. This also led to Triston grabbing the Mid South special teams player of the week.

There is no doubt that football is a team sport and in new programs this is the hardest thing to teach. Steps were taken Saturday that showed these guys have bought into Coach Bakers goals and ideas. From a coaching stand point, I was proud to see our guys fight for a chance to win. I won't take anything away from Shorter, they are a great team and won this game. However, we were in this game. If we had scored on that fumble recovery from Willie Mixon, it would have made that a 8 point ball game in the 4th quarter. It sounds like I'm grasping at straws, but these are the little victories that players, coaches, and fans need to grab and build on. Now, the key is, building off of this game. Can we carry it over into the next game. That's another step we need to teach these guys. I can't wait for Saturday and I hope you all feel the same way.

GO EAGLES!