As Thunderbird Football is getting ready to close out the season and get ready for playoffs, we have to shine a light on the accomplishments they made in the regular season. With a huge upset, the Titans delivered Northwest Christian on their homecoming night, our rankings moved up, and we look to close this season out on a high note.
With the excitement of the postseason slowly approaching, coach Nalette had this to say, “With the possibility of hosting not one but two playoff games, our team has been working harder every day to succeed.” With one more game on the horizon against Saint Mary´s, they look to dominate that game and move on to the postseason.
With the school and student body supporting this football team, defensive star Brian Costa had this to say: “We want to put on a show for the people who have supported us through thick and thin.” Brian Costa has been a varsity player since his sophomore year and earned the nickname “Coast to Coast Costa’ after numerous pick-sixes over his career.
Thunderbird is now ranked 5th and finished the season with an outstanding 8-2 record, one of the senior defensive captains Micah had this to say. “Work hard. Execute. Win. That has been my mindset all my life.” This is a strong mindset for an even stronger player, physically and mentally.
Furthermore, a historical run for this Thunderbird football team has now come to an end. This team won their first home football playoff game for the first time in over 20 years with a score of 17-16 against Bradshaw Mountain, they traveled to Arcadia to play one of the greatest games in high school history. A 28-31 loss in overtime caused our Titans to come up short. With an outstanding game from this talented and well-coached team a player that stood out to anyone who watched the game for even a few minutes was junior running back and cornerback Elijah Little. With playing both sides everyone would expect him to slow down, but he had the same intensity all game rushing for 314 yards with only 28 carries, tacking on a touchdown, and 3 tackles on the defensive end. This kid was giving Arcadia trouble all night on both ends and started off the first play of the game with an 80-yard run resulting in a touchdown.
Other players that were playing every down like it was their last were Senior Wide receiver and cornerback Brian Costa with 5 catches, 106 yards, and 2 touchdowns on the offensive end, and 6 tackles and one interception on the defensive end. Costa truly left everything he had on the field and stated this. “No matter the outcome of the game I’m blessed to have played with amazing teammates and coaches, love everyone who helped me along the way.” A player that truly loves the sport and his team.
With the football season coming to an end, This team truly showed what can happen when a group of strong and great young men put their blood, sweat, tears, and love for the sport on the table to win and show the greatness we call Thunderbird Football. Head Coach Nalette had this to say, “These boys showed up. As a coach, you always want to play till the last game, but no matter what I’m proud of these young men, and I am blessed to have coached such a great group of young men.” A coach like this teaches more than just football to these young men. With ending the season on a final record of 9-3, the expectations for next year are high and we can’t wait to see what this team will do.
