Seniors Stepping out from Underneath the Friday Night Lights

Maria Giovanna Crocco

Captain’s toss: Football captains taking a step up to the field against Lyman Hall, September 16, 2022.

          The four senior captains of the football team went into the season with passionate recollections and lessons from past years. Co-captains Cushman, Gaetano, Miller, and Cobain, all have been playing football for a number of years. Each captain states how appreciative and happy they are to be captains this year. 

          Head Coach of the football team, Coach Drew states, “Each captain brings their own unique experience and skill sets to the leadership position that makes them effective.  As a teacher and coach, I could not be more proud of how hard these kids work both on the field and off.” 

          Miller states, “I feel honored and I definitely took pride as soon as I realized I was becoming a captain.”

          Jack Cushman vividly remembers the Thanksgiving football games against cross-town rival Jonathan Law High School; Matt Miller talks about the friends he has made on the field. Jimmy Cobain recalls the Weston game that went into double overtime.

           Joe Gaetano puts the past games into perspective by stating “It’s all about how you respond to those downs that make the ups so enjoyable.” 

          All senior captains have been playing football for a number of years. All four captains would like to play football in college. 

          The captains explained one hard moment was when Covid-19 hit; it took a big toll on the team overall. There wasn’t much of a game to play at the time. The next year was a new start because everything was becoming normal again, and the new season was back on track.

          Foran’s captains have had a great positive mindset throughout the season. Each captain has stated that, even if there was a bad moment or play, they will always have many more chances to come.

          The football team has three games left until the season ends. Currently the teams record is undefeated, standing as 7-0. Each captain’s goal for the end of the season, is to make states. The captains are all confident on accomplishing their goal.

          Being a captain can be very challenging and stressful, but there’s always ways to push through it. 

All eyes on the end zone: Jack Cushman’s pass takes Matt Miller’s hands into the end zone, October 7, 2022. (Maria Giovanna Crocco)

          Gaetano advises that, “No one’s perfect and you should always play everyday like it’s your last. Try to come in with a positive attitude because it will always have an effect on the other teammates.”

          Leaving a high school sport can be very difficult for some people, and can lead to stress and other feelings. As a captain, or a graduating senior football player, leaving the team at the end of the season can be difficult.      

Cushman says, “It’s definitely gonna be really sad and emotional especially because we’ve all been playing for the full four years.”