Behind the scenes, before Friday night games on the field, athletes go over plays and encourage one another. Then, it’s time to put on their headphones and lock in. Some listen to Bible verses, while others listen to their own music. This is what’s known as football pre-game rituals.
Walking and going through the plays before a game, step by step, is a routine that athletes tend to follow.
“When we kick the field and do our walkthroughs, I then listen to my bible app,” senior quarterback Derrick Vowell said. “I like reading a lot of John and the Red Letters before the game.”
Hard work and time can play a big role in encouragement with athletes who have really put everything into their sport.
“What pushes me is the preparation I’ve put into this game,” Derrick said. “Just knowing how much time and effort I put into all of the practices throughout the summer and off-season. I try to stick with it, and I try my best for everyone involved with me.”
As motivation is a kick-off and athletes pump themselves up for Friday Night Lights, the impact teammates have upon one another is evident. Outside linebacker coach Jamie King discussed the visible domino effect the team shows on the field once they are hyped and ready before the game.
“Whenever the boys get hyped, they tend to carry the energy to the game, leaving everything else that happened throughout the day behind them,” King said. “The boys usually have a better game whenever they have the right impact from their teammates, and just knowing that the dedication and time will all be worth it after the game.”
Observing plays and preparing for what another team is running down through film is what football tends to do before they play. This is important for athletes who really want to lock in on the game.
“Before every game, I watch a lot of film,” outside linebacker junior Jensen Jutson said. “I try to see what the hand signs are from the quarterback and what the indicators are of what my coaches want from me.”
Hype songs can come into effect and take part to lift the mood. When it comes to encouraging manners, family, sporting, school, or work events can all take part. Songs can vary across each genre, though everyone has a personal preference for music.
“A song that gets me energized for the game is ‘Unwritten’ because it lowkey hits different and is goated,” freshman Drewey Whittaker said.
Before kickoff, Sophomore Alexander Pogue gets his heart rate up with salts, which, when brought to the table, provide a short-term burst of awareness and alertness.
“I take salts before every game,” Alex said. “It just wakes me up and gets my adrenaline going. They get me focused and prepared to go out on the field.”
Jensen mentions that he tries to play for the people who can’t play, knowing he can make a difference for them, even if it is small.
“I try to do it for those who cannot do it anymore, the ones that don’t have an opportunity to play and have fun with football like I do,” Jensen said. “Because everyone should know whether they can do it or not, there’s always someone who would do it for them.”
