6 and 0—the longest consecutive starting winning streak Azle’s varsity football team has seen in 39 years—is owed to the overwhelming unity and family among its players.
“It’s really like a brotherhood,” senior middle linebacker Case Moore said. “I mean, the whole team is just so together. The atmosphere’s electric.”
Case’s twin brother Cash, a wide receiver, is inclined to agree.
“Everyone’s got one goal, one vision,” Cash said. “No one’s arguing, and we’re all together. It feels like a family.”
The football family is united this year, now more than ever, for their last season together as seniors.
“We’re all really trying to uplift and encourage,” senior corner Hunter Ooten said. “Everyone’s really playing for each other, and not themselves. It’s played a huge role in our success this season.”
This season’s success isn’t only on account of the rooted, years-long bond many of the players have together though. In the words of senior captain and defensive end Connor Merrill, “We want it. We’re giving ten times more effort in practice, and it feels like the drive’s really there. For us, we want it bad, and we really want to prove a lot of people wrong.”
It’s not just varsity players who feel the effort or the bond.
“They’ve really put in the work this year, and it shows,” running back coach Jason Vines said. “They’re leaders. They gel together and they love each other. They’ve done great, and they’re not stopping.”
When asked, the varsity teammates agreed on two things: if given the chance, they wouldn’t change a thing about each other or the team, and, without a doubt, they’re united and set to make season playoffs.
“The whole team’s grown up and matured together. We’ve put in the work, and a lot of us have grown into great people,” senior offensive guard Leavy Owens said. “We’re definitely going deep into playoffs. We’re going to upset some teams no one thinks we are this year. Train’s full.”
