Selma High’s varsity football team enters the season with intense pressure as they turn things around from last year’s challenging record. The team is working hard to maintain a lead for the games to come, with a current record of 3-2.
This is Mitchell Francis’ first year as head coach at Selma High. He and the assistant coaches have pushed the team on and off the field to secure victories.
Coach Francis explains,
“The boys,” Francis explains, “have been working extremely hard in practice after school and in the weight room.”
This persistent work has been evident as the team kicked the season off with back to back wins against Cabrillo and Fresno High.
Selma faced Cabrillo High on August 23, 2024, winning a close game 29-26. The touchdown to claim the win was made with seconds left on the clock, making it an equally intense yet satisfying triumph. This momentum was carried into their following game against Fresno High. Selma scored their first touchdown mere seconds into the game, setting the tone of victory as they defeated Fresno with a score of 29-7.
“I scored a 60-yard touchdown last game [against Fresno High],” shares Kayden Berry, who has the position of running back and linebacker “That was my highlight.”
These past wins are not only victories for the football team, but victories for Selma High as a whole. School spirit has intensified as students, SHS band, SHS cheer, and parents, fill Staley Stadium, bringing it to life.
Dress up themes such as Camouflage and Country wear have been a unique way to keep students engaged for the games. Props such as stickers, glasses, and photo frames have allowed students to interact and capture memories at the games as well.
Football comes with wins and loses. Jacob Hernandez, who has made a name for himself to secure touchdowns, explains that you can’t allow losses to affect your mentality.
“You can’t be perfect so you can’t let those mistakes deter you and because you messed up once you can’t let that mess you up later,” Hernandez explains.“I overcome those challenges with the help of teammates and coaches supporting me.”
The success of the team is reliant on the team’s chemistry. Francis explains that it takes all 11 players to work together to successfully accomplish a play. To achieve this, the team is constantly supporting one another.
“Yeah our team chemistry is really high,” Berry adds. “At practice we’re just motivating each other, going at it every day.”
The team’s shared focus and uplifting mindset was seen in their most recent game against Reedley High, where the Bears secured another victory of 20-8.
Additionally, student athletes face the challenge of balancing the pressures from games as well as the pressure of maintaining their academics.
“It motivates me to keep my grades up, and it’s fun to play Friday night in front of everybody,” shared Brayden Francis, who plays middle linebacker.
Transforming pressure into motivation has brought the team together to achieve the same goal: winning, while still enjoying the experience. Coach Francis explains that although winning is naturally a main goal, having fun remains a priority. In each passing game, the team walks away ready to keep pushing forward for the remaining season to come.
Come watch Selma High’s football team at their next home game against Immanuel on October 4, 2024.
