Sweat glistens off their brows. They grind in the sweltering heat, embracing the blue-collar mentality of their town. A cool lake is just a few steps away. They wish they could take a dip.
The dog days of summer are here, and the Whiting football team is back to work. The Oilers tasted Indiana high school football’s biggest stage last year. The Monrovia Bulldogs defeated Whiting 33-6 at Lucas Oil Stadium, but the Region boys had a season for the ages. Coach Brett Jennings said he feels it is time to leave their 13-2 campaign in the rearview mirror.
“Last season is done,” Jennings said. ‘We are focusing on getting better and filling the holes left by departing players. It is time for this group of seniors to make their mark.”
The Oilers work all year with one ultimate goal in mind: make it downstate. Jennings said he wants his team to improve every week.
“I am looking forward to getting better for nine weeks,” he said. “Once playoff time comes, I’m hoping we are firing on all cylinders and go chase a blue ring. We have a target on our back, we will get teams’ best games and we will need to be focused each and every week.”
Senior tight end Caleb Macon said he knows he needs to set an example for the young players.
“Our older guys need to show leadership and get those young guys ready,” he said. “We have a few younger players filling in big roles. They need to step up and they will step up.”
The team still seeks to honor the legacy of their late assistant coach Victor Sahagun, who died on Friday, December 26, 2014. #DidItForVic was a hashtag established last season. It reminded the Oilers to continue to do work.
“Coach Vic is still our motivation,” Macon said. “Last year, we made him happy by going to State. We hope to make him even more proud by winning it this year.”