Senior Edition: Friday Night Lights at South River

The room smells like hard work and history—the perfect place to meet nearly 30 seniors from South River’s undefeated varsity football team. We set the stage with a high-energy county rivalry week, a Chick-fil-A sales challenge, and a milkshake day that turns spirit into bragging rights. 

Across rapid-fire interviews, a picture forms of a program that wins on the details. Linemen talk confidence and technique with Coach Lucas. Defensive leaders describe film, fundamentals, and a standard that doesn’t bend. Special teams reveal a decade-long bond between holder and kicker. Transfers explain why they returned—choosing hometown legacy over comfort. And just about everyone admits the best parts live between the whistles: Thursday practice jokes, locker-room hype, and the way team dinners become glue. Parents and coaches show up as catalysts for culture, for life lessons, and for relentless refinement—while seniors pass down the playbook to the underclassmen – be consistent, own scout-team reps, and cherish every snap.

This is Hawk Talk is hosted by Tom Frank and Grey Frank, and brought to you by Chad's BBQ, Merrick Creative, and Maryland Remodeling Expert. Subscribe, Listen and Share the show on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, leave us a rating on Apple, help support the show at https://srhawktalk.buzzsprout.com, and spread the word Seahawk Nation. #WERSR

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Episode Transcript

SPEAKER_12 (00:00):
Welcome back to Yacht Nation.
I'm Tom Frank.
I'm Grayson.
And we're talking all things,South River High School Sports.
Hawk Top is brought to you inconjunction with the athletic
department at South River HighSchool.
Merit Creative, your end-to-endcreative agency dedicated to
amplifying brands' authenticitythrough branding, marketing, and
public relations.

(00:20):
Chad's Barbecue and MarylandRemodeling Expert.
Before we start with this week'sshow, gotta remind everyone to
go to Chick-fil-A this week.
It's the South River vs.
Southern Challenge as we headtowards their football game on
Friday night at South River.
Whenever you're at Chick-fil-Athis week, tell them you're a
Seahawk.
The school with the most salesgets crowned on Friday night.

(00:40):
Wednesday specifically is SouthRiver Milkshake Day.
So let's rack up those ordersand not only beat Southern on
the field, but off the field aswell.
Great.
We have a fun show today.

SPEAKER_11 (00:50):
Yep, we do.

SPEAKER_12 (00:51):
We are gonna we are live.
I don't know if I've ever beenin the wrestling room.

SPEAKER_11 (00:55):
Yeah, shout out class.
Shout out class.
Hopefully you're okay with this.

SPEAKER_12 (00:58):
Hopefully, hopefully he's cleaned it up for us.
But we're live from thewrestling room at the South
River High School.
And today we're gonna talk to uhjust under 30 senior members of
the undefeated varsity footballteam here at South River.
So buckle up, listeners, you'rein for a good one.
But first, we've got to run downour latest from all of our other
sports teams, alright?

(01:18):
Let's start with soccer.
We've battled back to a 5-5-1record with three consecutive
wins.
We head into last the last weekof the regular season with two
home games, Tuesday versusChesapeake and Thursday versus
North County.
If we can get to 7-5-1, watchout.

SPEAKER_11 (01:35):
Yeah, we could be dangerous.

SPEAKER_12 (01:36):
Just watch out, people.
Watch out, rest of the county.
The girls continue to playextremely well.
They sit at 9-2 with fiveconsecutive wins in the span and
in that span, they've only givenup one goal.
They'll finish out withChesapeake and North County this
week before heading into whatcould be a very interesting
postseason.
Our field hockey team is sevenand five.

(01:58):
They dropped a really tight onelast night on Friday to
McDonough.
They'll finish the season on theroad versus Chesapeake and then
at Southern this week.
Our field hockey team is sevenand five.
They dropped a very tight one toMcDonough on Friday.
They'll finish the season on theroad versus Chesapeake and then
at Southern this week.
I also have to give a shout-outto our JV team.
I have two daughters on theteam, so I make it to most of

(02:18):
the games.
Their coaches have done a greatjob.
The team is playing really well.
They had a tough loss to SavernaPark in the rain earlier this
week, but bounced back tonight,Tuesday night, against
Chesapeake.
They're 7-3-1 on the seasonbefore the Saverna Park game.
They had only given up fourgoals all season, and their
offense has been really great asof late.
So really impressed with thosecoaches.
Alright, volleyball.

(02:40):
Volleyball is four and six.
We have two more games to go,and I know they'll be actually I
think we have two more weeks togo, about four games, and I know
they're gonna be battling tocome out with a winning record.
I don't know if this coach hasever had less than a winning
record.
No pressure.
No pressure, but I'm saying itright now, they're gonna do it.
I agree.
And last, our football teamcontinues to put up big points

(03:00):
in route to a six and oh start.
They beat Crofton on Fridaynight at what was Crofton's
homecoming, by the way.

SPEAKER_11 (03:07):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_12 (03:07):
Not a good choice, Cardinals.

SPEAKER_11 (03:09):
At all.

SPEAKER_12 (03:10):
56-14.

SPEAKER_11 (03:12):
Wow.
I I believe it was 56-16.
56-16.

SPEAKER_12 (03:15):
You were right.
Yeah, I gave I gave him two.

SPEAKER_11 (03:17):
Um I mean, Crofton, that's what you get for trying
to mess with us and putting uson homecoming.

SPEAKER_12 (03:23):
It was a good game.
You were there.

SPEAKER_11 (03:24):
I was.
I mean, we dominated start tofinish, really.
Yeah.
I believe I believe it was 42-0at one point in the first half.
I think you're right.
So Crofton, uh you did that toyourself.
Yeah.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_12 (03:36):
Everyone played well, but I gotta give it up for
our quarterback, Ben Raigns.
Threw for 361 yards, and getthis.
Seven.
Seven touchdowns.

SPEAKER_11 (03:46):
That's electric.

SPEAKER_12 (03:47):
That was an electric game.
That was a lot of fun.
Um, you know, I think uh myprediction here, most points in
the history starting to lookgood.
Starting to look better andbetter.
I kind of like it.

SPEAKER_11 (03:56):
Um, before we move anywhere, I do want to
congratulate Bailey O'Connell.
Got Athlete of the Week lastweek for Capital Gazette.

SPEAKER_12 (04:04):
All right.

SPEAKER_11 (04:05):
Shout out, shout out Bailey O'Connell.

SPEAKER_12 (04:07):
Well done.
Well done.
And now we're gonna have alittle fun.
I'm gonna do something thatmakes me a little nervous.
I'm usually the host.

SPEAKER_11 (04:15):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_12 (04:15):
I'm gonna I'm gonna step off to the side here,
though, and and Gray is gonnarun down all of our seniors.
You played with some of theseguys.

SPEAKER_11 (04:23):
I've played with, I would say 75%.

SPEAKER_12 (04:25):
75%.
You know them probably all.

SPEAKER_11 (04:27):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_12 (04:27):
They're all seniors, you're a senior.
So everybody, have a little fun.
Gray, take it away.

SPEAKER_11 (04:32):
Enjoy.
Hello, boys.
How are we doing?
Hey, good.
I'm with uh Sean and Ben here.
So uh let's start with theinitial question.
Say your name, number, andposition.

SPEAKER_04 (04:44):
Uh Sean Cox, number 21, outside linebacker and slot.
Ben Keith, number 34, outsidelinebacker and wide receiver.
Okay.

SPEAKER_11 (04:52):
So if you guys had to describe your experience at
South River in three words here,how would you put it?
Oh my.

SPEAKER_21 (05:00):
Um memorable, impactful, and special.

SPEAKER_11 (05:06):
It's good three words right there.

SPEAKER_04 (05:08):
I'm gonna go memorable, and then I'm gonna
have a little combo.
I'm gonna go life-changing.

SPEAKER_11 (05:12):
Okay.
I like it.
Obviously, I know you guys, youguys are four-year players here.
Yep.
Throughout your four years, whathas been you think the funniest
moment?

SPEAKER_21 (05:23):
Oh my god, it's a hard ass.
Yeah, there's a lot.
Yeah, there's a lot, but I thinklike the film sessions are
honestly just one of thefunniest parts.
Like everyone's it like you usedto be scared of it, but now it's
just funny.
Like everyone finds somethingout every play and laughs about
it.
Right.

SPEAKER_04 (05:38):
I would say um now that like seniors, we know the
coaches a lot better, likepoking fun at them and just
poking fun of them at practiceis is always fun.

SPEAKER_11 (05:47):
Do you guys have a certain coach or teammate, maybe
a parent that has really pushedyou the hardest that you'd like
to shout out?

SPEAKER_21 (05:54):
Yeah, um, well, my dad's always been in my corner
pushing me, making me who I am,but also Eric's and Ercs has
always been in my corner helpingme as a freshman to get me to
where I am now.
So, especially Irx.

SPEAKER_04 (06:06):
My parents are obviously always there, and then
I would say Coach D, because youknow, yeah, he puts a lot of
faith in the linebackers and hereally pushes us to be our best.

SPEAKER_11 (06:14):
I like that.
And then if you had to say onething maybe to the underclassman
coming up trying to, you know,make a play, uh, what what would
you say to him?

SPEAKER_21 (06:24):
Buy in, take it all in, and just watch film and know
what you're doing so you'reready and prepared.
So you never know when you'regonna get in the game, you never
know who's gonna get hurt, catcha cramp.
So just be prepared and beready.

SPEAKER_04 (06:35):
Yeah, I'd say, you know, just give it your all
buy-in, and um it goes wayfaster than you think it would.
So just yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (06:42):
Yeah, no, 100%.
And then we'll end it with onefinal question.
What's next?

SPEAKER_21 (06:47):
Southern.
But um never know.
I mean, we just gotta focus onwhat's in front of us.
Don't get too far ahead, andit's just gonna be something
special on the road ahead.

SPEAKER_04 (06:58):
Yeah, one week at a time we'll you know, we'll we'll
see where it takes us.

SPEAKER_11 (07:01):
I couldn't agree more, fellas.
Yep.
Alright, alright, it's been agreat one.
Yeah.
Yes, sir.
Let's get right to it here.
I want each of y'all to say yourname, number, and position.

SPEAKER_07 (07:10):
I'm Trent Shipley, number seven in the starting
safety and holder.

SPEAKER_11 (07:15):
Greg Proud, number eight, starting safety, kicker
and punter.
Okay.
Uh I grouped y'all togetherbecause I know y'all kind of had
a special relationship the pastten years of playing.
Oh, yeah.
Kit you're his holder, correct?
Oh.
Yeah.
Since you bought like sixthgrade?
Sixth or fifth grade.
Yeah.

(07:35):
Wow.
Yeah, so it's pretty cool.
Um, if you had to describe yourexperience in three words for
South River football, what wouldyou say?
It's been fun.
It's been fun.
I mean, I just say amazing.
Like just being a part of thisprogram, just like with ERCS and
everything, like with thebrotherhood, it's just awesome.

(07:56):
Yeah, no, I agree a hundredpercent.
The brotherhood that's built,the bond.
Throughout your whole, becauseagain, you guys are also
four-year players, throughoutyour whole football career here,
if you had to put a pin onsomething, what was the funniest
moment?
The funniest?
It's a hard question.
There's been so many.

(08:16):
I would say freshman year, I wasjust playing with Demi and Trey.

SPEAKER_07 (08:21):
I just thought they were like the funniest, the
funniest people.
I'm gonna I'm gonna say anyThursday practice.
Because Thursday practice beforethe game, everyone's kind of
we're all locking in, but we'reall you know having fun out in
practice.

SPEAKER_11 (08:35):
So when you guys hang up the pads for this final
time, you know, what do youthink you'll miss most about
playing this sport?
Not running.
That's for sure.
I'd probably say the coaches.
Like the coaches here, I justlove them.
Like they always have our backand everything.
Right.
Call them when we need them.
Yeah.
I'd definitely say the coaches.

SPEAKER_07 (08:54):
Yeah, I'm gonna say I'd probably say the coaches,
and then also the brotherhoodwith this team, you know,
everyone's so close to eachother.
It's just like you can't reallyget that on any other team.

SPEAKER_11 (09:02):
Definitely.
If you could say one thing tothe underclassmen coming up
behind you, what advice wouldyou give them?
Don't slack off.
Be consistent.
Like, consistency is the key togreatness in everything.
Like, you could if you'reconsistent from day one and you
like set your goal for whateveryou want to be, and you stay
consistent to that, you'll beyou can go past your goal.

SPEAKER_07 (09:23):
100%.
Yeah.
And then if you if you stayconsistent, like what Greg said,
and then Yeah.

unknown (09:31):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_07 (09:32):
Consistency is key.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (09:33):
100%.
Greg, I have a question for youhere.
If the people want to know, whatwas in your final decision to
come back to South River?
I mean, yeah, I definitely likethought about it a lot.
I mean, I'd say part of it wasjust hearing that like Zach,
Ben, all of them were coming, Iwas like, I gotta come back.
And then the second part wasjust like, I really actually

(09:54):
missed like the brotherhoodhere.
I mean, it was cool over likeSFA, like everyone, we were all
like tight and everything, butlike the brotherhood here is
just something like you can'tforget.
It's it's beyond anything I'velike ever been a part of.
I agree a hundred percent.
Has there been like a coach, ateammate, even a parent that has
really, you know, left a mark onyou or just really pushes you

(10:14):
every day?

SPEAKER_07 (10:15):
I'm gonna say Coach Erks and Coach D.
You know, every day we get outthere and Coach Erks is just
excited to go and hypeseverybody up, and then whenever
just you know, on the sideline,I come off the field and Coach
T's just right there telling mehow I did good and I don't know,
it's just great.
Yeah, I mean, I probably say mydad.

SPEAKER_11 (10:35):
I mean, he's just been pushing me, sends me videos
every day of like what to getbetter at.
Right.
And just I say him.
One final question here, I endit off for you guys.
What is next?

SPEAKER_07 (10:46):
State championship.

SPEAKER_11 (10:48):
Navy bound.
What's up, everyone?
How are we doing?
I'm doing great.
Doing good, doing good.
Alright, uh, let's get thisthing started.
If I could get your name,number, and position.

SPEAKER_03 (10:59):
Um my name's Evan Paxton Mattis.
I'm 42 and I'm an insidelinebacker.

SPEAKER_13 (11:03):
I'm Jason Dammeer, I'm number 16, I'm a running
back and uh middle linebacker.

SPEAKER_11 (11:07):
Okay, so we got the middle linebackers here today.
Yes, sir.

SPEAKER_13 (11:09):
Yes, sir.

SPEAKER_11 (11:10):
Um throughout your whole career playing football at
South River, what do you thinkhas been the most meaningful or
funny moment?

SPEAKER_03 (11:18):
I think um I'm I'm gonna be honest, it's like it
sounds cliche, but like justevery practice, just like being
with the guys like like allyear, it's it's like the most
it's the most thrilling time ofmy life, I'm gonna be completely
honest.
I just I just I just love theguys and and making jokes with
them at practice and just likebeing around them, like it's
it's just a great feeling allaround.

SPEAKER_13 (11:37):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_19 (11:38):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_13 (11:38):
Yeah, about the same for me, probably just day before
game day.
Thursdays, it's it's always thebest.
Just calm and just getting readyfor the next day.

SPEAKER_11 (11:48):
What's kind of you know one thing the outside world
doesn't really see about thisteam that makes it special?

SPEAKER_03 (11:55):
Uh we're all pushing each other.
Like we're all we're all wealways go into the next week
with like an O and O mindset.
And um, I feel like a lot ofpeople assume that we're we're
like cocky, we're like, oh,we're 6-0 now, like we can go
win states, we're gonna go dothis, and and they see us as
like cocky, but but we we try toremind each other to like stay
humble and and not not get upall in our heads like that.

(12:17):
So right.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_13 (12:18):
Yeah, we're a very uh humble team, always trying to
look for things to get betterat.
And uh yeah, it just helps usget better each week.

SPEAKER_11 (12:26):
I love that.
Um is there a certain coach, youknow, a teammate, a parent that
has really inspired you?

SPEAKER_03 (12:33):
Um I'm gonna be completely honest.
Uh Coach D, Coach DeSantos, uhhe he's truly like a father
figure to me.
He he's like inspired me somuch, not even in just football,
but of course he's helped me alot through football.
I I have every every success Ihave in the sport, I have him to
thank for.
Um but outside of that, he'sjust taught me life lessons and

(12:54):
and views on the world, and andI I love the man and I'm I'm so
grateful for him.
Shout out Coach D.
Yes, sir.

SPEAKER_13 (13:01):
Yeah, I would say uh Coach Jamerson, he's always uh
he's always believed in me andand know that I've I have uh
good potential and that I can bea good player.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (13:11):
That's awesome.
If you could say one thing tothe underclassmen coming up
behind you, what advice wouldyou give them?

SPEAKER_03 (13:18):
Hey man, just just keep working, bro.
Like like while I was a when Iwas a freshman, when I was a
sophomore, and and I was lookingat our team, we we were nowhere
close to what we are this year.
And I would have never thoughtas a senior that that we'd be
undefeated, looking for apossible state championship run.
Like I that that literally neverwould have came into my head.

(13:40):
So I I I I would tell theunderclassman just just keep
looking.
Just keep looking out.
Keep your head up, keep yourhead up, be hopeful, keep
working.

SPEAKER_13 (13:49):
Yeah, about the same for me.
I just stay humble.
Um always look for things to getbetter at.
Just be confident and uh don'tlet other people bring you down.

SPEAKER_11 (13:59):
I like that a lot.
One percentage there.

SPEAKER_19 (14:01):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (14:02):
And um to finish it off for you guys here, what's
next after football?

SPEAKER_03 (14:08):
I it's a good question.
It's a good question.
I don't know.
Wherever the wind takes me, Iguess.

SPEAKER_13 (14:15):
Can't argue with that answer.
Yeah.
Uh next up for me, I think uhprobably wrestling.
Wrestling for sure.
Oh, I should probably shouldhave some.
No, no, no.

SPEAKER_11 (14:25):
No.
All right, fellas.
Well, it's been real.
Yes, sir.
Appreciate you.
How are we doing, fellas?
All right.
Pretty good.
First time on a podcast.
Yeah, it's uh pretty surreal.
Yeah.
Alright.
Um let's get started here.
Let's uh get your names,numbers, and position.

SPEAKER_25 (14:42):
Uh I'm Ivan Young.
Uh I wear number 60, I'm onoffensive line and defensive
line.

SPEAKER_05 (14:47):
I'm Dom Drain.
I wear number 74, and I'm onoffensive line.

SPEAKER_11 (14:51):
Love that.
First question I'm gonna ask youguys here.
Describe your footballexperience at South River in
three words.

SPEAKER_25 (14:58):
Three words.
Okay.
I would say family, uh fun.
Absolutely.
It's so much fun.
I love hanging out with theseboys, and then unforgettable.

SPEAKER_05 (15:09):
I like those three words.
Yeah, I would have to sayfamily, of course.
Brotherhood, right?
It's just so exciting to comeout here and play with
everybody.
Like this team is so fun, andit's just exciting to be around.

SPEAKER_11 (15:20):
Right here.
Couldn't agree more.
Throughout your whole highschool career in football, do
you guys have a personalfunniest moment?

SPEAKER_05 (15:30):
Um, I probably do.
Probably comes from last night,honestly.
Um we were running a play, and Iwas looking downfield to box
somebody, and all of a sudden Ifeel Ivan throw somebody into my
bag.
And I turn around and I see Ivanlaying on him.
I'm like, it's good block.
What just happened?

SPEAKER_25 (15:47):
It's like three or four times every game that
happens.
Mine would have to be uh anytimeDrew Phipps catches the
interception practice.
Great, great time.

SPEAKER_11 (15:57):
Yeah.
Oh yeah, that's not there been acertain coach, teammate, you
know, parent that has reallypushed you to become the person
you are today?

SPEAKER_25 (16:04):
Absolutely.
Uh my dad, obviously, but alsoCoach Lucas this year, I feel
like has really given me someconfidence in my game and talked
to me about it and walked methrough everything and just
helped me a whole lot.

SPEAKER_05 (16:16):
Yeah, I would also have to say my dad and probably
my mom too.
Right.
Um Coach Lucas, he's been a bighelp these past two years,
especially with my confidencelevel and just helped me get
better every day.

SPEAKER_11 (16:26):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_05 (16:27):
Shout out Coach Lucas.
Absolutely.

SPEAKER_11 (16:29):
100%.
When it's all said and done, andwhen you guys hang up the pads,
what do you think you'll missmost about South River football?

SPEAKER_25 (16:36):
Looking forward to practice every day, and looking
forward to these awesomememories I've made with all
these boys.
It's just been so much fun.

SPEAKER_05 (16:43):
I'd have to say practice every day and just that
rush of the feeling when it'sgame time and you see the ball
in there kicked off.
Absolutely.
That feeling matches nothingelse.
If you could say one thing tothe underclassman coming up
behind you guys, what would itbe?
Just believe in yourself, man.
Trust yourself every play.
Bad plays happen, you just gottamove on.
Yeah.
But believe in yourself to makethe next play.

(17:04):
Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_25 (17:05):
I totally agree with that.
And I was actually gonna saylike about the same thing.
But yeah, I totally agree more.
Just look forward to it.
Like you're gonna do good.
Exactly.

SPEAKER_11 (17:15):
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Final question.
What is next after South Riverfootball?

SPEAKER_25 (17:20):
I would like to go to the next level, but if it's
not there, I would like to go touniversity, major in uh like
finance or business or somethinglike that.
But obviously, football at thenext level is the the big uh big
goal.

SPEAKER_05 (17:33):
I mean everybody wants to go next level, but I
know that's just not for me.
So I'm probably gonna get intothe trades and go be a walder
right after high school.

SPEAKER_11 (17:40):
That's great.
All right, well, I appreciateyou guys having you guys on.
Absolutely.
Yeah, thank you, man.
Yeah, thank you.
How are we doing, everyone?
Good.
Pretty good.
Pretty good.
Um let's kick this thing offhere.
Let's hear your name, number,and position.

SPEAKER_18 (17:55):
Um Mason Kramer, number 73, all four years.
And I play uh defensive andoffensive linemen.

SPEAKER_20 (18:01):
Daniel Cannes, number 51, offensive and
defensive line.
Describe your footballexperience at Southover in three
words.

SPEAKER_11 (18:10):
It's a hard one.
Yeah.
Pretty freaking good.
What do you guys think?
I mean, you guys are funnypeople.
I know that.
I've been around you guys longenough.
What do you think your funniestmoment at Southover has been
playing football?

SPEAKER_18 (18:26):
Really any time when Coach D and Coach Lucas are
hanging out, just right next tothose two, hearing them spit at
each other.
Yeah, they are saying some wildthings.
Oh.
I don't think I'm allowed to sayhalf the stuff on air.

SPEAKER_11 (18:37):
Yeah, no.

SPEAKER_20 (18:37):
You it's probably better to keep it to yourself.
I would say whenever Coach Lucasis just like crap talking us.

SPEAKER_11 (18:47):
What's one thing the outside world doesn't see that
makes this team so special?

SPEAKER_18 (18:52):
I don't think they see half of what like the work
we put in.

SPEAKER_11 (18:55):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_18 (18:56):
I think they just see talent and not any of the
like behind the curtains.
Yeah, behind the curtain.

SPEAKER_20 (19:02):
I would say the intensity we bring to every
practice.
That's a good answer.

SPEAKER_11 (19:07):
I know everyone kinda has an inspiration to keep
going.
Have you guys ever had, youknow, maybe a coach, a teammate,
or a parent that you kind ofjust look up to and it just
makes you push yourself everyday.

SPEAKER_18 (19:18):
Sure.
Yeah, Coach Lucas is probablylike my main inspiration for
football at this point.

SPEAKER_20 (19:24):
I think my main inspiration is also Coach Lucas
because he actually takes thetime to get us better.
Right.

SPEAKER_18 (19:33):
Yeah, he doesn't overhype us either, which is
much needed.

SPEAKER_11 (19:36):
When you guys hang up the pads, what will you miss
most about South River football?

SPEAKER_18 (19:42):
Definitely playing with my teammates.
I mean I mean some of the peopleI've met here, the experiences
I've had, they're priceless.

SPEAKER_20 (19:52):
Yeah.
I would just say the camaraderiebetween us, because we're all so
tight.

SPEAKER_11 (19:56):
Yeah, I mean everyone's saying that answer.
I mean, it really shows that youguys are really tight together
as a team.
If you could say one thing tothe underclassmen coming up
behind you, what would it be?

SPEAKER_18 (20:07):
It's it's going by fast.

SPEAKER_11 (20:08):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_18 (20:09):
Make sure to take it.
Take everything you can get, getbetter.
Just focus.

SPEAKER_20 (20:14):
One step at a time.

SPEAKER_18 (20:15):
Yeah, one step at a time.

SPEAKER_20 (20:16):
I would say put every put a hundred percent in
every rep that you take.
Because you never know when it'sgonna end.

SPEAKER_11 (20:23):
I'll end you guys off here with one final
question.
What is next after South Riverfootball is over?
Ooh.

SPEAKER_18 (20:30):
Well, for one, we've got to graduate.
Yep.
College, I guess.
Go get an engineering degree.

SPEAKER_20 (20:37):
Probably I'm probably going into workforce.

SPEAKER_11 (20:39):
There you go.
Got two working men right here.
Appreciate you guys coming on.
It's been nice talking to youguys.

SPEAKER_18 (20:46):
It's a pleasure seeing you.

SPEAKER_11 (20:48):
Yeah.
No problem.
How are we doing, everyone?
Good, how are you?
Alright, uh, let's kick thisthing off here.
Let me get your name, number,and position.

SPEAKER_23 (20:58):
Uh, I'm Brennan Boyer.
I'm number 56, and I playO-line, D-line.

SPEAKER_09 (21:02):
And I'm Jack Killele.
I'm number 17, and I play D-lineand tight end.
Okay.

SPEAKER_11 (21:07):
Describe your football experience at Southover
in three words.

SPEAKER_23 (21:11):
Three words.
Say fun, right?
Okay.
Definitely everybody just comestogether.

SPEAKER_11 (21:20):
Yeah, so camaraderie, maybe.

SPEAKER_23 (21:22):
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Then the third one, just sayfriendship.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_09 (21:27):
I like that.
100%.
Say like brotherhood, uh fun,and you know, success.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (21:38):
Throughout your guys' whole career playing
football, particularly highschool, what has been your
funniest or most meaningfulmoment?

SPEAKER_23 (21:46):
I'd have to say this most recent win against Crofton.
I mean, everybody, they werejust together.
They were vibes were high.
I mean, it was just you couldfeel it.

SPEAKER_11 (21:56):
That's great.
Yeah, I mean, you guys, it was56-16, you guys dominated start
to finish.

SPEAKER_09 (22:01):
I'd probably go Urbana.
Uh after the winner of Urbana,they were talking a lot of uh
trash against us and we won.
You know, that was really thatwas crazy.

SPEAKER_11 (22:11):
Yeah.
Has there been a coach, ateammate, or a parent maybe
that's pushed you the hardest orinspired you the most?

SPEAKER_23 (22:17):
Yeah, I'd like to shout out Coach Lucas.
Like he just he just wants thebest out of you, and he's he's
gonna get that.
Yes.
Techniques, everything.

SPEAKER_09 (22:27):
Yo, and he's only been here like one year, but
Coach Nick, he's really taughtme up on the D-line front.
You know, he's been there, andyou know, because of him, I've
been able to play a lot more.
Right.

SPEAKER_11 (22:38):
When you guys hang up the pads and it's all over,
what do you think you'll missmost about South River football?

SPEAKER_23 (22:44):
Probably say like interacting with everybody, you
know, meeting new people, thecoaches that teach you
everything, just yeah.

SPEAKER_09 (22:52):
So it's just like mm the team in general, like the
teammates, coaches, like what wedo every day, just working hard,
getting better.
I'm gonna miss that.

SPEAKER_11 (22:59):
Yeah.
Um, if you could say one thingto underclassmen coming up
behind you, what advice wouldyou give them?

SPEAKER_23 (23:07):
Say just keep working, like coaches will see
it, they'll you know, they'llput you in there as long as you
just give effort every play.

SPEAKER_09 (23:15):
I think just l listen to the coaches' advice.
Whatever they tell you, youshould put apply that because if
you do, you know, they'llthey'll see you more, and also
you'll usually get betterbecause coaches usually like
They usually know what they'retalking about.

SPEAKER_11 (23:28):
Yeah, they do.
Yeah.
And then um one final questionhere for you guys.
What is next after South Riverfootball?

SPEAKER_23 (23:37):
College and you know, trying to just be a better
person every day and upliftingthose around me and I like that
answer.

SPEAKER_09 (23:46):
Definitely, yeah.
Same for me, college.
You know, what I've learned isjust uh I'm gonna take care of
like myself, you know, mentallyand physically after that's what
football's taught me, and justbe a good person to everyone in
my life.

SPEAKER_11 (24:00):
I appreciate you guys having you guys on.
Yeah, appreciate you.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_12 (24:04):
And we'll be right back.

SPEAKER_20 (24:05):
Welcome to Merrick Studios, where stories take the
mic and culture comes alive.

SPEAKER_12 (24:10):
We're not just a network, we're a family,
bringing you smart, soulful,unfectured conversations.

SPEAKER_20 (24:15):
And this season, we're bringing the heat with our
biggest lineup yet.
Whatever you're into, music,sports, business, we got you
covered.
Merrick Studios, where theconversation starts and keeps
going.

SPEAKER_12 (24:26):
Check out our full lineup, including Unglossy with
Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, andmyself, Tom Frank.
Now streaming atwearmerkstudios.com.
And now back to our show.

SPEAKER_11 (24:37):
Hello everyone, we got some Mayu people in here,
correct?
What's going on?
What's up, man?
Let's get your name, number, andposition.
Um, Kieron Barnett, and I'm 25.
I'm Jack McGrath.
I'm number six, and I playsafety.
Okay.
Um, if you guys had to describeyour football experience at
South River in three words, whatwould it be?

SPEAKER_24 (25:00):
Hmm.
Fun.
Say fun.
It's been a roller coaster, so Isay like crazy.
Yeah.
And you know, it definitely um Isay gritty.

SPEAKER_00 (25:11):
I like that.
A lot of grit.
Um, I would say enjoyable,chaotic, and just a blast, you
know.

SPEAKER_11 (25:24):
Yeah, you only you only get to live it once.
What do you think has been thefunniest or most meaningful
moment for you guys throughoutyour football journey?

SPEAKER_24 (25:32):
Um, for me was just like getting on the field for
the first time.
And like I didn't get a lot ofplaying time, especially like J
V, my freshman year.
I didn't get a lot of playingtime.
And then getting the opportunityto start J V, and then uh my
sophomore year, you know, it wasjust a fun experience, and then
uh my junior year comes aroundon my varsity, my first ever
snap.

(25:52):
It was just a blast, dude.
I enjoyed it so much.

SPEAKER_00 (25:56):
I would say probably last year, getting my first
tackle in a game, or probablygetting in corner for the first
time.

SPEAKER_11 (26:04):
Right.
Do you guys have a coach, ateammate, maybe a parent that
has really pushed you to keepgoing every day?

SPEAKER_24 (26:11):
Definitely Coach Irks, because there was a point
in time where like I was just Ididn't even believe in myself,
and then you know, he he went upto me um after a basketball
game, he was like, You're gonnago, you're gonna come see these
workouts, you're gonna work yourass off.
And I believed in him, hebelieved in me, and so spoke
into existence.
Yeah, exactly.

SPEAKER_00 (26:30):
I would either say either my dad or Coach Irx, you
know.
Last year I hated corner becauseI didn't know what I was doing.
Right.
Then for like the last two gamesof the season, he talked to me
as like trying to make me getbetter at corner.
God in.
And I just I just started tolove corner.
Always been pushing me.

(26:50):
Um anything I do anything I dowell, he makes me feel better.
If I do something wrong, he letsme know what I did wrong and
just helps me get better withall that I need to get better
with.

SPEAKER_11 (27:00):
Shout out Eric's.
If you could say one thing tounderclassmen coming up behind
you, what advice would you givethem?

SPEAKER_24 (27:07):
Definitely keep going.
Don't don't give up on theprocess.
You know, one thing in practiceis like being a scout team
warrior.
That's how you're gonna get yourlooks from coaches.
Coaches love that.
Right.
Coaches love the grit and thedetermination and the effort you
put in, go to these workouts,just keep going.

SPEAKER_00 (27:23):
I would say just w just work your ass off, you
know.
If you get on if you get on onput on the ground, just get
right back up immediately,because I was scout team running
back every single day, everysingle play.
On my ass.
I just had to keep just keep ongetting up.
Next go to the next play, youknow, just put in the work.
Yeah, you'll see results.

SPEAKER_11 (27:45):
That's a good answer.
Um one final question here foryou guys.
What is next after high school?

SPEAKER_24 (27:53):
For me, it's definitely um I kind of want to
become uh become become a coach,like coach irks.
So I might go to go down afrostburging coaching position
there.
Hopefully I can teach the teachthese young guys how Coach Erks
taught me.

SPEAKER_00 (28:08):
I'm going to Mount St.
Mary's for track.

SPEAKER_24 (28:10):
Oh, congratulations.

SPEAKER_00 (28:12):
Thank you, thank you.
And then for my majors and stufflike that, either ministry or
PT.

SPEAKER_11 (28:18):
I like that, fellas.
It's fire crazy.
Yeah, um, I appreciate havingyou guys on.
Alright.
Yeah.
Thank you, Grayson.
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you.
How are we doing?
I'm good.
I'm good.
Alright, uh, Drew,unfortunately, we're not here to
talk about your Ravens today.
Let's get uh your name, number,and positions.

SPEAKER_10 (28:35):
Uh I'm Drew Phipps, I wear number 40 and I play
safety.
Uh I'm Colby Sands, I wearnumber 29, I play outside
linebacker.
Okay.
Describe your footballexperience here at South River
in three words.

SPEAKER_14 (28:47):
Um, you know, it's hardworking, you know, it's kind
of time consuming, but it's veryfun.
Yeah, I like it.

SPEAKER_10 (28:55):
Uh I'd say fun, memorable, and impactful.
Impactful.
Okay.

SPEAKER_11 (29:02):
What's kind of been the m funniest or most
meaningful moment that you guyscan remember throughout your
whole football journey?

SPEAKER_10 (29:09):
I'd say just like before the games in the locker
room getting hype with the guys.

SPEAKER_11 (29:13):
That's like gets the adrenaline going.

SPEAKER_10 (29:15):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (29:16):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_14 (29:17):
Kind of what Colby said.
The locker room and, you know,all the pre-game hype and all
that.

SPEAKER_11 (29:22):
What's kind of one thing the outside world doesn't
really see that kind of makesthis team so special?

SPEAKER_10 (29:28):
I think it's the fact that like a lot of the kids
that are on the team grew upplaying football together and
they have like such a strongconnection.
Like all of us came up in youth.
Yeah.
You were my coach in youth.
Yeah.
Um, but yeah, we all came up inyouth together, and I think
that's had a bond's been made.
Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_14 (29:48):
We all have a really good uh connection with each
other.
Fortunately, I didn't play tillsophomore year, so I couldn't
have that experience like Colbydid, but you know, it's still a
good experience.
Right.

SPEAKER_11 (30:03):
Yeah, 100%.
Do you guys have a coach, ateammate, or a parent really
that you'd like to shout at thathas kind of kept you going
throughout this whole process?

SPEAKER_14 (30:12):
Yes, Coach Irksley, he really inspired me and always
pushed me to do better.

SPEAKER_10 (30:18):
I'd say yeah, Coach Irks, Coach Madsen both uh have
helped me a lot, especially thisyear, just improve.
And my parents both have uh youknow coming to every game,
taking me to practices, youknow, they've been there every
step of the way as well.

SPEAKER_11 (30:32):
So right.
When you guys hang up the padsfor the final time, what do you
guys think you'll miss mostabout South River?

SPEAKER_14 (30:39):
Um, you know, the team, the coaches, always just
being there for each other.

SPEAKER_10 (30:44):
Yeah, I think just like s the connections I've made
to the team and you know, justlike the feeling on game day.
Yeah.
Um, what do you think's thebiggest takeaway that from South
River football that you'velearned?
For me, it'd be like putting100% effort into everything you
do and don't be afraid to fail.

SPEAKER_14 (31:04):
You know, always learn from your mistakes and
don't be afraid to make one.
Right.

SPEAKER_11 (31:09):
One final question here for you guys.
What is next after high school?

SPEAKER_10 (31:13):
Um for me, I'd like to attend a four-year
university, preferably CoastalCarolina, and then we'll see
what happens.

SPEAKER_14 (31:20):
It's awesome.
Um either a four-yearanniversary or just go to ACC
and go from there.
I like that.

SPEAKER_11 (31:28):
Well, it was fun having you guys on.
Thank you.
Thank you.

SPEAKER_06 (31:32):
Of course.
Let's get your name, number, andposition.
Uh James Lowry, number 83 widereceiver.
Jamar Robison, number 23cornerback.

SPEAKER_11 (31:42):
Okay.
If you had to describe yourfootball experience here in
South River in three words, whatwould it be?

SPEAKER_06 (31:48):
Uh I'd say fun, like committed, and then like I don't
know.
I feel like you'd like learnlife lessons from it.
I would say exciting, uhcommitted, and thrilling.

SPEAKER_11 (32:02):
Okay.
Uh, this should be a goodquestion here for you, Jamar.
What do you think has been thefunniest or most meaningful
moment?

SPEAKER_22 (32:09):
Most meaningful moment in football?
Yeah.
Funniest moment.
Uh I was playing againstSouthern.
I got my first pick of the game,and it was super fun because uh
the crowd was electric.
Yeah, the crowd was electric,coaches were electric, it was
game-changing, and you I set thetempo.
What you what about you, Jim?

SPEAKER_06 (32:30):
I'd say my catch versus a rundle.
I think it was my first catch.
It was like like in front of me,I had to catch it one-handed, so
like that was just like my firstbig play.

SPEAKER_11 (32:38):
So when you guys hang up the pads, what do you
think you'll miss most aboutplaying South River football?

SPEAKER_22 (32:44):
Playing on scout team, playing against the ones,
you know.
Just seeing what I can doagainst, you know, like Jaden
McDuffie, guarding him andstuff.
I'm definitely gonna missguarding Jada.

SPEAKER_06 (32:57):
I I'll say my teammates, because like they're
always there for you, like everytime, like they always pick you
up when you'd like fall andstuff.

SPEAKER_11 (33:04):
So do you guys have a coach, teammate, or parent
maybe you'd like to shout outthat kind of just keeps you
pushing?
My mom.

SPEAKER_22 (33:13):
I really hook up to her.
I look up to two coaches, lookup to Coach Erk Slavon.
You know, he's been my coachfast past four years.
Sometimes I feel like he's likea father figure to me.
He's always been there for melast four years.
Right.
Um, yeah.
He's a great, great person.

SPEAKER_06 (33:34):
Yeah, I say my parents because like they come
to every game and like Eric'sbecause like he's always like
he's always trying to get usbetter, like no matter what.

SPEAKER_11 (33:41):
So if you could say one thing to the underclassman
coming up behind you, whatadvice would you give him?

SPEAKER_22 (33:48):
I would tell them don't take any of this for
granted.
Like you're gonna miss it whenit's gone, so take every rep and
um do your best out there.

SPEAKER_06 (34:01):
I mean, I pretty much say the same thing.
Yeah, just don't take it.
I agree.

SPEAKER_11 (34:05):
Uh one final question here for you guys.
What's next after South Riverfootball?
Salisbury.
Yeah, Salisbury.
We're both going to Salisbury.
Oh, really?
Congrats.
Appreciate it.
Alright, well, um, I appreciatehaving you guys on.
Appreciate you with us all here.
Yep.
How are we doing, Dad?

SPEAKER_17 (34:21):
Doing great.

SPEAKER_11 (34:22):
Good.
All right, love to hear it.
Let's hear your name, number,and position.

SPEAKER_17 (34:26):
All right.
I'm Blue Takach, I'm number 76,and I play left tackle.

SPEAKER_11 (34:30):
Okay.

SPEAKER_01 (34:31):
I'm Brendan Boyle, I play uh left or right tackle uh
in D-line.

SPEAKER_11 (34:35):
Okay.
In three words, how would youdescribe your football
experiences out there, bro?

SPEAKER_17 (34:40):
Uh I would 100% say brotherhood.
I think that's the biggest one.
Um I would say a word that hasto do with achieving, because
we're always trying to grow.
You know, I would say growth.
Growth is a great one.
We're always trying to grow nomatter what.
You know, complacency is a big,it's a distinct word that we've
been kind of trying to get awayfrom.
So I feel like, you know,coaches always trying to get us

(35:01):
to grow.
So I feel like that's it's anabsolutely amazing one.
Do you have any?

SPEAKER_01 (35:05):
Yeah, I'm gonna say demanding.
Um, there's always anexpectation to uphold.
Um, and I think we've done agreat job of that this year.
Um I'm gonna say time consumingbecause obviously great things
take time like this.
Yeah.
Um, but I'm just gonna say funbecause the end the end reward
is you know what we're lookingfor.

SPEAKER_11 (35:22):
Throughout your whole football journey, would
you say you have one distinctfunniest moment?

SPEAKER_17 (35:28):
Funniest moment.
Well, actually, I came back fromyou know not playing for the
past little year and a half.

SPEAKER_11 (35:34):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_17 (35:35):
But I would say like I can't say distinct, but I
would just say anytime I'maround JP, it's just an absolute
blast.
Like, he is one of the funniestdudes.

SPEAKER_11 (35:43):
JP is very funny.

SPEAKER_17 (35:44):
Yeah.
I like that kind of actionthere.

SPEAKER_01 (35:47):
Yeah.
Um, I would just say the teamdinners, man.
I mean, it's it's fun.
It's funny just listening to allthe guys, you know.

SPEAKER_11 (35:54):
Just talk about it just yeah.
I agree.
No, I agree.

SPEAKER_01 (35:57):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (35:58):
Um, do you guys have a coach, a teammate, or a parent
that you'd like to shout outthat kind of just you know,
keeps pushing you to do yourbest?

SPEAKER_17 (36:06):
Quite honestly, like I would I would shout out Coach
Rickslaving.
He let me come back after, youknow, walking away from the
sport, and he was just it wasjust open arms.
I was, you know, so thankful andyou know, no grudges held, you
know, we're we're closed again,and I think that you know,
that's honestly like I don'tdeserve that, to be honest with
you.
I think that's just out of thekind of start.

SPEAKER_01 (36:27):
Right.
Uh I'm gonna say Coach Lucas.
Um, he's definitely helped medevelop as a player over the
past four years.
Um and also as a person.
I mean, he's a great guy.
He's he's you know, fun tolisten to during practice.
Great, great guy.
Um, but yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (36:42):
Do you guys think what do you think you'll miss
most about playing football whenyou have to hang up the pads?

SPEAKER_17 (36:47):
Friday Night Lights, absolutely.
I mean, it's it's unlike anyothers.
Like I played three sports threesports, I played so many sports
my you know my high schoolthrough my high school career.
There's absolutely nothing likeit.
The atmosphere is ridiculous.
I mean, it it's the it's thetruth.
Yeah, you hear people say it andit's like, oh, you know, well,
lacrosse game's pretty similar,but no, it's not.
Absolutely not.

SPEAKER_01 (37:05):
Yeah.
Um I'm just gonna say not seeingthe guys every day, you know.
Um just the relationship that weall have, you know, all 50 of
us.
There's there's you know,everyone's tight.
There's there's no grudges,nothing.

SPEAKER_11 (37:18):
Right.

SPEAKER_01 (37:19):
You know, it's a tight chain.

SPEAKER_11 (37:21):
If you could say one thing to maybe the younger
version of yourself coming in,you know, just starring freshman
football, what would you say tothem?

SPEAKER_17 (37:29):
Um I would say as much as I hated going to
practice when I was my freshmanyear, I would say honestly, just
try to have as much fun as youcan.
Like, you know, enjoy, enjoybeing there because like like
every senior says, it really Imean it flies by, but like you
know, you gotta enjoy thosemoments.
Even even on JVE when you'rebeing you know yelled at and
crying constantly, you know.
Yeah, try to find the the fun inthat.

SPEAKER_01 (37:51):
Yeah.
Um, I'm just gonna I'd I'd justsay uphold the standard.
Uh don't lower it.
You know, the obviously we'regonna lose some seniors this
year, right?
But I mean the standard can'tchange because of that.

SPEAKER_11 (38:01):
Um I agree a hundred percent.

SPEAKER_01 (38:03):
And they they just need to uphold that and we'll be
fine.
Yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (38:07):
Um, one final question here for you guys.
What is next after high school?

SPEAKER_17 (38:11):
Well, hopefully, well, I want to become a doctor,
so I hope attend med school andyou know, achieve that one day.
Yeah, those are my goals.

SPEAKER_01 (38:21):
Okay, all right.
Um, I'm going to a four-year,probably majoring in business
management, um, trying to playcollege football.
Um, we'll see how that goes.
But yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (38:30):
Right.
All right.
That's all I got.
It's been fun talking to youguys.
It's been fun to interview.
Appreciate it.
Yeah, of course.
Thanks.

SPEAKER_26 (38:36):
All right.
What's up, Chris?

SPEAKER_11 (38:38):
How are we doing?

SPEAKER_26 (38:39):
I'm good.
How are you?

SPEAKER_11 (38:40):
I'm good.
All right.
Here, let's get everyone's name,number, and position.

SPEAKER_15 (38:44):
Uh Ben Rains, number 11, QB.

SPEAKER_11 (38:46):
Xander Dow, number four, DB, wide receiver.

SPEAKER_26 (38:49):
Zach Phillip, number one, D line.

SPEAKER_11 (38:52):
Okay.
If you guys had to put yourfootball experience here at
South River in three words, whatwould you give it?

SPEAKER_15 (38:59):
I would I would say it's uh legacy, uh hard work,
and uh I would say like fun, youknow, like energetic.

SPEAKER_11 (39:09):
Fun's been yeah, it's been a popular answer.
I'd say it's a brotherhood.

SPEAKER_26 (39:12):
Yeah, definitely, definitely a brotherhood.
I would say um you know, justit's like exciting, you know,
it's it and like um ohnostalgia.
Yeah, that's the word we'relooking for.
Because, you know, all of usgrew up playing youth together.
Right.
You know, we come out here onelast year of high school and now
we're six and up.

SPEAKER_11 (39:28):
So Yeah, yeah, yeah.
We like that.
Throughout your whole kind ofcareer playing football, what do
you think has kind of been themost meaningful or funniest
moment?

SPEAKER_15 (39:37):
I mean, I just think it's like the little things at
practice, you know, the momentsthat like we're like messing
around and we're doingsomething, and it's just like
it's just like all those momentsthat kind of compound into what
makes our season.
It's just it's just moments thatstack on top of each other.

SPEAKER_16 (39:51):
Um Clark says, Are you walking?
Practice.

SPEAKER_15 (39:58):
Yeah, just there's just so many funny moments like
that that like go on throughoutlike three hours every day with
like all of us.

SPEAKER_26 (40:04):
I would say uh scoring and then getting the
excessive celebration callsbecause like I think that's just
the most fun.
And then the whole studentsection asking you to do like
the one dance.
Yeah, that's pretty funny too.

SPEAKER_11 (40:17):
Um what's kind of one thing the outside world
doesn't really see about thisteam that makes it so special?

SPEAKER_15 (40:24):
It's just it's just how close we are, I think.
Like we're all hanging outtogether all the time, and we're
just we're just always uh witheach other, I think.
Brotherhood for yeah.

SPEAKER_16 (40:34):
Um how we don't overlook any opponent no matter
what.
Uh we always um prepare for themas if they're an another team
that's like better than theother one.

SPEAKER_11 (40:43):
Right.

SPEAKER_26 (40:44):
I think like just like Ben said, like the brother
or like yeah, like thebrotherhood of it, like I mean,
it's more than like footballfriends, you know, it's like
friends outside of school, likefriends like like I'm going to
like every time I see Zaren inthe hallway, I give him a hug.
Like I'm not dapping him up, youknow.
Like it's more, it's more oflike you know, like a real
friendship than just likefootball friends.

SPEAKER_11 (41:03):
Right.
Yeah, no, I hear you.
Or teammates.
Um, do you guys have a coach, ateammate, maybe a parent that
has really pushed you thehardest or inspired you the
most?

SPEAKER_26 (41:13):
Um I would definitely go my dad.
You know, I could have threesacks, four tackles for loss,
and he would still say I couldplay better.

SPEAKER_16 (41:20):
Yeah.

SPEAKER_26 (41:20):
You know, so yeah.

SPEAKER_16 (41:22):
Same with me.
My dad.
He will always push me to begreat no matter what.
He'll find the little tediousthings that'll make me better.
Right.

SPEAKER_15 (41:30):
I mean, parents is the obvious answer, I think.
You know, they're always helpingme out.

SPEAKER_26 (41:33):
Uh, you know, go coaches now.

SPEAKER_15 (41:36):
Yeah, yeah.
Coaches.
Uh I mean, Coach Clark, youknow, he's the guy I hang out
with the whole time.
He's coach, you know what I'msaying?

SPEAKER_16 (41:41):
But you know, I'd say Lundy.
Lundy always trying to help meget better, find something I
could work on and practice.
Okay.

SPEAKER_26 (41:50):
Um, I think uh obviously, like Lundy's the
clear answer, but like I wouldgo all the way back to youth.
Uh Coach Dave Olsen.
He was he was my guy back inDunker Warriors.
Yeah.
Like 20 like 15 championshipevery year.

SPEAKER_15 (42:06):
Ted Purnell?

SPEAKER_26 (42:07):
Yeah, Ted Purnell's up there.

SPEAKER_15 (42:09):
There we go.

SPEAKER_11 (42:10):
Um if you guys could say one thing to the
underclassmen coming up behindyou, what advice would you give
them?

SPEAKER_15 (42:16):
I would just say, you know, just copy of our
example of like creating abrotherhood.
That's I think that's reallyimportant, especially when you
get into those close games.
Like you gotta trust the guynext to you who's gonna make a
play.

SPEAKER_16 (42:26):
Yeah.
Um never take anything forgranted.
You never know what when it'sgonna be your last.
Right.

SPEAKER_26 (42:32):
I know this is probably a popular answer, but I
think just cherish every moment.
You know, because like I I feellike last like a couple days ago
I was a freshman, you know.
Right.

SPEAKER_15 (42:41):
Yeah, we still feel like so 2026 is not a senior
class.

SPEAKER_26 (42:44):
Yeah, it doesn't feel real.
I mean, it's just you know, wehave seen it out on our next
game, and then like, you know,you don't know how many chances
you're gonna be able to put thatjersey on.
Right.
So you just every single timeyou put it on, you gotta play it
like your last play it like it'syour last.

SPEAKER_11 (42:57):
So you guys, you know, this is all your first
year coming here, right?
Playing for uh South Rover.
What was kind of like the thereason for coming back?

SPEAKER_15 (43:07):
For me, it was kind of things outside of football,
and I wasn't I wasn't sure I wasactually gonna play.
Like it was it was things like Iwas getting an internship or
whatnot, and then seeingeveryone else come back, like I
couldn't, I couldn't not play.
You know what I'm saying?
Seeing everyone transfer back,and it was really something
special I couldn't miss out on.

SPEAKER_16 (43:22):
Uh shout out to Jaden.
Um uh helping me with therecruiting comeback here.
Um really helped a lot.
Uh really made me want to leaveum St.
Mary's from a winless season touh undefeated season.

SPEAKER_26 (43:37):
Um you know for me it was kind of it was hard
because you know, last year wewent undefeated and we are
ranked top ten in a nation.
Um but you know, like you don'tknow how many how many chances
in life you're gonna be able to,you know, ball with your best
friends, you know.
And I saw them kind of creatinglike you know, the Avengers down
here, and I was like, well, Ikind of want to be a part of

(43:58):
that.
I kinda wanna kinda want to dosomething for like the town you
know you grow up in, you know.
Right.
And I thought it would be coolto come back and you know see
what happens if it's going wellso far.

SPEAKER_11 (44:07):
Yeah, perfect.
One final question here.
What is next after high schoolfor your everyone?

SPEAKER_26 (44:13):
I'm gonna go play college football somewhere on
scholarship.

SPEAKER_16 (44:16):
So yeah.
Um I plan to play um football ata college on a scholarship.

SPEAKER_15 (44:22):
Yeah, it's uh I might play football, I might
not.
We'll just see what happens.

SPEAKER_11 (44:27):
Yeah.
Take it by year.

SPEAKER_15 (44:28):
Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_11 (44:29):
Gap year?

SPEAKER_12 (44:32):
Gap year.
Any big predictions?
What's gonna happen the rest ofthis year?

SPEAKER_15 (44:38):
Well, we gotta we gotta finish out the regular
season, undefeated, and thenwhat comes playoffs, we'll just
take that week by week becausewe can't really say who will be
playing who you know what comesnext.
But what we do know is who weplay, and we just gotta beat
those opponents.
I think like that.
Get to the postseason,undefeated, go from there.

SPEAKER_26 (44:55):
Right.
You never like because you yousee teams, I mean you just saw
the Giants lose to the or theEagles lose to the Giants, you
know.
You can't like go out one weekand overlook that opponent and
just look to the next, becauseyou never know like who's gonna
have who and you know, stufflike that.
So you just I mean, what hesaid, kind of taking it one week
at a time, looking at it oh andoh, not six and oh, you know.

(45:17):
Yeah.
But just we gotta just prepareevery week.
It's fun talking to you guys.
Yes, sir.
Yeah.
Thank you.
There we go, there we go.

SPEAKER_11 (45:29):
Jamie and JP, it's a pleasure to talk to y'all.

SPEAKER_02 (45:31):
Uh good to see you, man.
Thanks for having us.

SPEAKER_11 (45:33):
How are we doing?
So uh let's start off with uhyour your number and your
position.

SPEAKER_02 (45:37):
Uh I'm JP.
Uh I'm wide receiver and I'mnumber 80.
Um I'm Z.

SPEAKER_08 (45:43):
I'm a wide receiver slash DB.
I'm number five.

SPEAKER_11 (45:46):
All right.
If y'all had to describe yourSouth River football experience
in three words, what three wordswould you give?

SPEAKER_02 (45:52):
Uh uh I would first say like chaotic, you know,
like, you know, and then um funand I guess just like
brotherhood.

SPEAKER_08 (46:08):
For sure.
Um I would have to go withdefinitely chaotic sword.
Um surprising and um hard.

SPEAKER_11 (46:16):
Okay.
Okay.
I like this.
All right.
Um next question here.
You know, we've all kind ofgrown up, you know, together.
You know, it started in thekindergarten or I guess like
third grade, I'd say we startedplaying.
What has been your favoriteslash funniest moment throughout
your football career?

SPEAKER_02 (46:32):
Oh, okay.
This one this one probably gotsaid a lot, but like I remember
JV Year.
Um we were watching film and DonAvenger at school.
This was uh home.
He thought he was Aaron Donald.
Yeah, he thought he was AaronDonald, and Coach Nick was like,
where did you learn that from uhmove from?
And he was like, Oh, AaronDonald.

(46:53):
That was everyone just crackedup.
I remember that.

SPEAKER_08 (46:57):
Um I would have to say I would have to say my um
sophomore year practice.
We weren't hit well, I guess.
And Irk shot basically found thebiggest gun in two, basically.
And he told him to run thedrill, and he ran the drill, but
he decided to grab Kraper.

(47:17):
And Kraper did not do so Krapperfell, and then he got off forces
jumping on his back on allfours.
I was like, yeah, this guy's Ilove this guy.
No idea about it.
I didn't know the laugh would bescared.

SPEAKER_11 (47:33):
Is there anyone you guys would like to shout out
that kind of keeps keeps youpushing?

SPEAKER_02 (47:38):
Yeah, just like I got a shout out, like mom and
dad, you know.
Like before like every game,they always both send me like
some sort of message, like pumpme up, and I get in my head, and
I appreciate that.
So shout out mom and dad.

SPEAKER_08 (47:56):
Um grandparents at every game.
Um my brothers and I'm gonnashout out um you know Lundy
Clark and Eric's for sure.
Coach D, Coach Lucas, keep myhead straight and everything for
past three years.
And um definitely shout out uhTom Edge as well.
It's my guy.
Love that.
I love that.

SPEAKER_11 (48:16):
Um I'm gonna go a little off script here.
You know, we got two receivershere.
What receiver would you say youmodel your game off of?

SPEAKER_02 (48:25):
It's a hard question.
I know.
Oh God.
Man, I'm just gonna go with Ican't even think of any more man
now.

SPEAKER_08 (48:36):
I'm gonna go with the I used to love watching I'm
gonna say my full R game, Iwould model my game off of like
Jacoby Jones.
I feel like that's like uh theguy I always watch.
But like looking at my likewatch my tape, like watch
somebody else's tapereceiver-wise.
I'm gonna have to go with like atop lengthy receiver, like a
Mike Evans guy.

SPEAKER_02 (48:54):
I was just gonna say I was I was thinking of that
too.
I was thinking about chosenAnderson as my just a lengthy
guy, you know.

SPEAKER_11 (49:02):
All right, uh, one final question here to end it
off.
What is next after high school?

SPEAKER_02 (49:07):
Oh, uh, you know, I'll be going to college.
Um Dickinson College forfootball.
Congrats.
Um, you know, just see what Ican do over there.
Uh play some play some ball overthere.

SPEAKER_08 (49:19):
I'll be going to Northwestern to continue my
academic and athletic career.

SPEAKER_11 (49:23):
All right, fellas.
Well, it's been real.

SPEAKER_12 (49:26):
Well done, Gray.

SPEAKER_11 (49:27):
Thank you.
It was uh it was a great timeinterviewing all those guys.

SPEAKER_12 (49:30):
And and thank you for joining me to do not only
this show, but the podcast.
You are a senior too.
And and I have to say, gettingto do this with you has been
pretty special this year, alittle bit of last year.
We're gonna have some funthrough throughout the rest of
the season.
Of course.
And then let's just say thanksagain to all our seniors.
Good luck to them as they rollinto their their last regular

(49:50):
game, regular season game athome, but don't worry.
We got a lot of football ahead.

SPEAKER_11 (49:54):
Oh, yeah.
I mean, the the real seasondoesn't start till playoff time.

SPEAKER_12 (49:57):
Yeah, it's gonna be interesting to see, you know, if
we get it if we get some homegames.

SPEAKER_11 (50:01):
I'm I'm assuming we will.
I know.

SPEAKER_12 (50:03):
I don't want to take anything for granted, though.
Of course.
As coach says.

SPEAKER_11 (50:06):
Yeah, one game at a time.

SPEAKER_12 (50:07):
One game at a time.
So in enjoy the night, seniorsand parents.
It's senior night this comingFriday.
Seniors, parents, friends,classmates.
You know, um, I I hope you allenjoyed the show.
Please don't hesitate to contactus through Instagram at SR Hot
Talk.
Coaches, send me your updatesfrom your teams.
Listeners, let us know what youthink of the show and who you
want to see in a future episode.

(50:28):
Subscribe to the show on Apple,Spotify, or wherever you listen
to podcasts.
Leave us a rating on Apple andspread the word, Seahawk Nation.
I'm your host, Tom Frank.
I'm Grayson.
And until next time, I leave youwith a cheer from our South
River cheer team.

SPEAKER_19 (50:40):
Ready?
B E A T, beat the Bulldogs, beatthe Bulldogs fight.