This past Henryetta football season was fraught with challenges but, according to head football coach Lance Beck, the Knights are coming back stronger.
Speaking to the Rotary club this week, Beck said a tough schedule as well as the COVID issue wound up bringing the team together by the end of the season.
beck rotary“The first four games of the year saw us go against top ten teams. Then we played three games in a nine-day span.”
One of the final games, the Victory Christian matchup, saw the Knights com onto the field with 17 kids. “We finished the game with 11 healthy bodies. I was told by an official that game was one of the most inspirational ones he had seen. We lost 52-20 with our guys playing out of position. Our quarterback was injured in the first series and told me he couldn’t throw the ball. He still played. That’s the kind of kids we have coming back next season. We know we didn’t get the wins we wanted but we are coming out stronger and more motivated.”
Beck said he has developed the theme, “Mind Strong, Body Strong, Knight Strong,” as the theme for the 2021 year. “We want to be highly competitive and win but we also want to do it the right way so we can be proud of the young men who will walk around town.”
Part of that strength is coming in the weight room where Beck said several players are achieving new marks in their development. “J.J. Perez hit 545 pounds in his back squat,” he said.
One of the issues that faced the team was the loss of several fundraising programs. The Knights had planned a car show and 7 on 7 football camps that had to be cancelled.
“We need to replace helmets. When I came we had some that would not pass qualifications.” Also needed are shoulder pads. A recent grant paid for new pads but they are designed for junior high players.
“It’s not about looking good on the field. More than anything, we want to protect our boys.”
The Knights are planning their car show again this year and want to hold it the morning of Cruise Knight June 12. A 7 on 7 football camp is scheduled for July 6.
Beck said he is looking for grants to help with the equipment purchases and invited anyone who would like to help to contact him.