Last Friday, November 4, Freedom’s football team played their last game of the season against Plant City High. They suffered a loss, 22-6.

This match had special significance for the Seniors on the team, 14 of the more than 40 players.

“The game didn’t go as we had hoped, we really thought we could pull off a win. Either way most of the seniors were very emotional afterwards,” stated Senior Bryant Young.

For many of the Seniors, football has been an integral part of their high school. Multiple years of commitment to the sport requires dedication to training, hard work and a willingness to practice teamwork.

“Football has made me become more hardworking. I had to balance my homework with practice everyday so I’m not as lazy as I used to be,” said Young.

While some see the sport as nothing more than a fun way to get involved in school and make friends, others consider continuing to play in college or even as a professional career.

“I plan to walk on my college football team, which I hope will be at UF,” said Carlos Rodicio, Senior.

This season has been one of continuous improvement, of learning from mistakes and applying perseverance and focus. The Seniors leave the team in the hands of the underclassmen with a word of advice.

“Football is a very tough sport with lots of adversity, so you need to work as hard as you can and never give up,” said Senior Xavier Walker.

The team ended the season with a record of 3-7.

“Even though we didn’t win the game I still had a lot of fun playing with my team for the very last time,” shared Senior CJ Hall.