During the last five Saturdays, as Southern’s wide receivers huddled — after victories and before they gave praise to their Maker — they’ve talked about the next game.
“We can’t dwell on the victory we (just) got,” senior Gerard Landry said. “We have to look forward. And we can’t stop looking forward until we win the championship.”
This is solid advice, but the thing is, No. 25 Southern (5-0) is breathing rare air.
Landry, a captain, has never been here before.
The Jaguars were 3-2 when he was a freshman and again last season and 2-3 at this point when he was a sophomore.
Photo: Southern's FS Jarmaul George is only player remaining from 2003 Jaguar SWAC championship team.
In fact, Southern has only one player, senior free safety Jarmaul George, who is left from the 2003 team that started 7-0 and went on to win the Southwestern Athletic College and black college national titles with a 12-1 mark.
So, by and large, players on this team have never been here before.
Most of this team is from the last two seasons: 4-5 in 2005 and 5-6 last season.
That is to say, most of this team is starting to learn how to win, starting to take ownership of winning, starting to develop a feel for what it takes to win.
“You see the attitude starting to change in our football team,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said. “We’ve come from a point where a lot of individuals didn’t think we had a chance to win any games to now being 5-0. A lot of them are gradually starting to believe maybe we can get to that championship game.
“I see the enthusiasm and passion they’re playing with, and also the attention in practice is starting to pick up.”
QB Bryant Lee has played like an All-American in first five games for SU.Winning, though, isn’t a burden. This is fun stuff.
“It’s great being 5-0 coming out,” Landry said. “I see our team developing as a complete team and beating as one heartbeat.”
For guys who have been through all the tough times, getting a chance to savor a football season is sweet.
“There’s really no secret,” senior strong safety Glenn Bell said. “It’s hard work. We dedicated ourselves during the offseason.
“We knew, with all the players we were losing, we had to stick together as a unit and defend Southern University. &hellip Now we’re just reaping the benefits, but we’re not going to be satisfied until we reach the ultimate goal, which is the championship.”
More than half of the season remains, starting with Saturday’s homecoming showdown with defending SWAC champion Alabama A&M.
Meanwhile, Southern is starting to feel good about itself, and with good reason.
The Jaguars gave themselves a chance by playing for one another, starting in smaller units and extending from offense to defense.
“A lot of people trusted in each other,” senior running back Darren Coates said. “That’s where it all starts.”
So, Southern U. has established that kind of special start.
Now, what about the ending?
No comments:
Post a Comment