The Chargers Rear-up For a Stampeding Start to The Season
Senior Mason Gauthier poses with his clown gloves on fall Media Day 2022. Photographer: Raegan Jackson
Cheers to a new season.
With the start of the new division inching ever closer, The Chargers are aiming for a new start.
With the void left from the departure of last year’s senior class, they are working tirelessly towards upcoming victory. Yet, as every day provides a new landscape, the struggle begins to emerge. The Chargers are now faced with a choice when moving forward.
The senior class of 2022 was filled to the brim with Star Athletes and passionate players. Competitors such as Matthew Parrot, Patrick Ballard, Janson Hayden, and Ethan Tiaplus are all familiar household names when it comes to Bullitt East Football. “It’s been weird not having them there at practice every day. We were really close with them and it’s just sad seeing them go,” Travis Egan said. Egan is the Senior Quarterback who has been a legacy player since freshman year, even before that Egan has been a dedicated member of the team, playing on the freshman team since middle school. “We’ve been working hard. We’ve been working on our details so we’re not going to be making the same mistakes that we did last year. Our main goal this year is to keep all of those mistakes out,” Egan said.
The field has continued to develop each and every day. Featuring new players, new strategies, and never before seen practice regimens; the team is surely prepared for what comes to pass. “I feel like we’re always comparing. Every week is a challenge. Every week is different. We’re not content with one win, we want to keep on getting better so it’s always comparing and preparing,” Egan said.
The offseason didn’t put a damper on the brotherhood of the team. On and off the field, they always have each other’s backs. “My favorite part is probably the people. We’re really close. We all like hanging out before and after games. I mean we’re just like a family,” Egan said. The tight-knit group that’s grown up around each other is facing their last season together and is planning on going out on top. Hopes are high to go undefeated this season and even make it to state.
For this team, beating Male is the key to going undefeated. It’s their most anticipated game after losing last season 55-14. “I’m most excited for the Male game. I think it’s our year to get our luck back. I’m excited for this season because it’s our last season of playing together,” Brogan said. The bond between the guys on the team and their offseason training has left the seniors feeling prepared to face their long-time rivals.
The bond doesn’t stop at the locker room doors. The players feel the love and support from the community around them. “I think having such a great fan base and great people even in this small town is so cool. We got a lot of people who have our backs and want to see us succeed. It’s just a lot of fun. We really appreciate it,” senior outside linebacker, Braxton Joslin said. The general love that the team feels for Mount Washington seems to be unanimous amongst them. “I love this community. I don’t know what I would do without them,” senior Offensive Linemen Peyton Stafford said.
Once this group moves on to new things after graduation, their legacy will still live on in the players they impacted.“I try my best to lead by example. I know the younger kids look up to me and I’m just trying to be a good role model to them and show them what it takes to be great,” Brogan said. The outgoing players hope for a smooth transition for the next group of leaders and have confidence in this coaching staff to keep pushing the team forward.
