“To me, football is so much about mental toughness, it’s digging deep, it’s doing whatever you need to do to help a team win and that comes in a lot of shapes and forms.” -Tom Brady, 6-time Super Bowl Champion

No one could have known what it would take to get Football back in a pandemic, but due to the hard work of so many of you, and a special few who really “dug deep”, we’re back. Schedules are being planned, equipment is being sorted, calls are being made, technology is being booted up, coaches are strategizing, parents are making plans, and most importantly players are getting hyped up for Dons Football!

All sports are special in their own way with their own unique pace, culture and aesthetic. They all are great ways to build confidence, stay in shape, and to learn the value of commitment to a goal. But Football is different. One player, no matter how talented, cannot make a team. Football is 11 players working together as a cohesive unit on every play. If one part fails, everything falls apart. In order to reach that level of cohesion, coaches build a trust and a brotherhood through hard work and commitment to each other. Football is family.

Let’s not kid ourselves though, Football is a physical, tough sport. It can be punishing at times and it demands a certain level of aggression in order to be successful. As such it builds toughness and resilience in our kids, teaches them to not back down from a challenge and believe in their own ability to overcome adversity. It also teaches them that preparation is the key to being able to face challenges and preparation takes hard work, in the weight room, on the field and in life. A fitting analogy for what we’ve all faced during this pandemic.

So let’s celebrate getting our kids back on the field playing the game they love. Getting ready to suit up in Blue and White on Thursdays and Fridays to go out and play for their school, their families, their community and their brothers. GO DONS!

“Football is unconditional love.”-Tom Brady

Scrimmage Game, March 6 Granada Matadors First Game, March 12 Monte Vista Mustangs …full schedule coming soon