VIENNA (WSIL) -- For the Vienna/Goreville football team, it's all about building a strong program. The eagles finished 0-9 last season. Under second year Head Coach Nic Bocook, the team looks to make a statement this season.
"We're just gonna keep building," said Bocook. " We're young again. Hopefully we'll have more than four seniors this year. Few more upperclassmen show up but we're just going to be a young team and keep building."
The Eagles are looking for their first win under Bocook. With a little more experience this season, Coach is expecting better results
"A lot of those young guys got to see a lot of varsity minutes and it's gonna be a big, big deal for them going forward," said Bocook. "They're gonna know what to expect and be a little more ready for it."
The biggest thing for this group is getting the numbers
"I think we finished the season with about 21 to 23 Kids last year," said Bocook. " If we could get 50 out here and not have to play both sides of ball the whole game would definitely help. Other than that these guys just got to put in the work and be willing to do."
"Just recruitment by the players themselves, you know posting on social media, talking to your friends, getting them to come out there聽anything you can,just being vocal about it," said junior fullback Weston Henderson. "You know there isn鈥檛 much going on being quarantined the past 4 months why not get out do something, build an unforgettable bond with some pretty cool guys and gals and become a family."
With the numbers they do have, Bocook has players he can count on to move the chains
"We're going to be running back heavy.," said Bocook. "We've got several guys that can carry the ball, like to see some good arm out there. We'll play action passing. Definitely, we're going to be a running team."
QB DJ Homan has been grinding in the offseason. Coming in prepared to win his spot again and work with what hes got.
"I鈥檓 always prepared to have limited time in the pocket," said Homan. "In life I鈥檓 always prepared to have limited time in the pocket just find a way to work around it, whether it's just working on my speed and working on my cuts throwing ability and accuracy."
Senior Halfback Micah Harris took most of the carries last season. For Harris though coming out here is more than just a game.
"Football has got me through so much," said Harris. " Football is my safe space it really is. I don鈥檛 come from the best home life. I鈥檝e been through a lot and whenever I step on this football field it all goes away. Football is my passion.
"This sport, I wasn鈥檛 going to come back to it my high school career until I told someone I would and then I felt accepted right away," said senior offensive guard Mason Polland. " I had to build my way back up again but this team is my family. I would do almost anything for anyone here."
Despite small numbers, it's going to be tough to find an opponent that will out work this team.
"I鈥檝e had to work for everything I have had especially on the football field," said Henderson. "No one should be handed the position no matter your last name or skills. It should be no matter how hard you work. It's intimidating but you got to work for what you got."
"You can't go easy in practice because then you'll go easy in a game,"said Polland.
"I promise you this," said Harris. "We are not going to give up. It doesn鈥檛 matter how hard you are beating us. It doesn鈥檛 matter. We are going to give you all we have and keep punching you in the mouth."
