Sunday, August 15, 2010

With only 14 players, it's almost impossible for a football team to compete, let alone fill all the positions on the field.

Curtis Baptist was in that position last year, winning just one game. But this is a new season, and with 21 players on the roster, the Crusaders are talking about not just competing, but winning.

In order to do that, though, they're going to have to look past the numbers on the other sideline.

Senior Jase LeGrand says, "You want to be physically in shape and prepared for games, but I think more for us, since we're smaller, it's important mentally to walk in and not be intimidated by the bigger teams."

Increasing numbers on the roster hasn't just changed the attitude of the team. There's a physical aspect as well.

Last year, the first team could only go against pads. This year, actual players are across the line from them.

Senior Cameron McConnell says, "Now we don't have to play against air in practice. We have people so that we can actually see how other teams will line up. We don't have to use the pads, so it really helps a lot."

The Crusaders' record for wins is three. The new numbers and a favorable schedule could change that this year.