For varsity football players, the work does not stop when the school day ends. Between practice, homework, meals and preparing for Friday’s game, players have a busy week that takes both physical and mental effort.

Football players spend their week getting ready for game day through practices, film, conditioning and mental preparation. Players also have to find time for their schoolwork and rest while staying focused on football.

Freshman quarterback Eli Scalf said his afternoons usually follow a simple routine.

“I take a shower, do my homework, and then I watch film.” 

Scalf said finding enough time is one of the hardest parts of balancing football and school.

“It is hard to finish my homework after a long practice because I don’t have time after a long practice, but I try to get it done.”

Sam McKee, a senior who plays wide receiver, corner and kicker, also tries to finish his homework before relaxing. “I try to put my school work first; it’s hard to find the energy to do it after practice because I’m always so tired.”

As the week goes on, they prepare for Friday both physically and mentally. The locker room plays a big role in getting team members ready to compete.

“The music gets us energized and gets us going into the right mindset. It makes me feel locked in and ready to play,” Mckee said.

Senior Cordae Young, who plays defensive end, A-back and long snapper, said food also helps him stay energized throughout the day.

“For lunch I eat protein snacks, and right before the game I eat Chick-fil-A; it gives me enough energy to play the full game,” he said.

Junior center Zach Pomer said he feels nervous before the games, with “butterflies in the stomach trying to fight my anxiety and just adrenaline,” but the adrenaline helps him get ready.

The hardest practice of the week can also be Monday. Mckee said Monday is difficult because players are coming off a weekend and have an entire week ahead.

Scalf agreed that Monday is a tough day because of the amount of running and conditioning. “Monday is definitely the most intense practice because we have to run a lot and it takes a lot longer.”

While physical conditioning is important, the coaches also want players to be mentally prepared. Coach Caleb Pearson said mental preparation can also help players deal with difficult moments during games and in life.

“Physical preparation is key because you have to keep your players in shape, but I am more on the side of mental preparation when it comes to preparing the players throughout the week,” he said.

From homework after practice to getting energized in the locker room, football players have to balance many different parts of their lives throughout the week. Friday night may game time, but the preparation starts days before.

“I get a little nervous sometimes, but once I get on the field I’m ready to play,” Scalf said.

By Nyla Benjamin

Photos by Christie Whitt , In Process Photography