The Lovejoy football team had a great season last year going 4 rounds deep into playoffs after playing in one of the hardest districts in the state. This year their team is stacked with players like Jacob Janecek, Coleman Reaugh, Aston “Lucky” whiteside, Beyer Toyooka, and so much more talent on both sides of the ball.
“I’m super pleased with the way our team played all season and the playoffs. Starting wide receiver Coleman Reaugh said. “Even though it was a heartbreaking loss, we are ready to come out this season and redeem ourselves.”
On August 21st, Lovejoy has their first scrimmage against Prosper Rockhill and are hoping to show everyone that they are the team to beat. Lovejoy’s first game is against Lubbock-Cooper High School on August 29th. Last year when Lubbock came to Lucas, the Leopards took a heartbreaking defeat, losing by only 3 points, but this year they are hoping to send a message to the whole state with the talent packed season opener.
Junior Liam McIntosh Feels very passionate about last year saying, “I don’t live in the past, we’re gonna get after it from the start and not let up till the final whistle blows.”
Lovejoy will have to go 370 miles leaving at 6 AM for the Lubbock game. Regardless of the long trip, you can be sure that the Leopards will play at the highest intensity that there is. The Leopards will also be playing their first home game against the very talented team, Highland Park.
“I am very confident in our team and believe that we can beat them.” QB 1 Jacob Janecek said.
In the 2024 season, Highland Park went all the way to state, so the Leopards have their work cut out for them.
Major Smith, Senior offensive linemen said, “They are a good team, no doubt, but I believe in our team, and that we can beat them.”
Besides playing 2 really good teams in the first couple of weeks, they also have to play in the “district of doom” as people call it. To advance to the playoffs you have to be top 4 in the district, but this is no easy task.
Beyer Toyooka, senior leader of that defense said, “Our district is no joke, but our team all leans on each other and faces adversity head on; when we stick together, no one can beat us.”
Having to get past teams like Walnut Grove, Melissa, Anna, and Emerson would be hard tasks for anyone. With 5 really good teams in the district, one will not advance, so the leopards need to win every game they can and never let up. We are looking forward to seeing the Leopards compete on the gridiron, ROLL PARDS!
