Mountain View High School’s football team is experiencing a season unlike any other in recent years. After years of struggle, the Lions are sitting at an impressive 5-2, a far cry from previous seasons. This year’s success is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and strong leadership on and off the field.
Though the Lions recently fell to cross-town rival Thompson Valley in a tough 7-27 loss, the first half of the game showed the resilience and competitiveness of Mountain View. Holding the #1 ranked 3A team to a scoreless tie at halftime highlighted how far the team has come and their ability to compete with the best.
Players on the team attribute much of this year’s improvement to a combination of factors. Robert Shively, a veteran player, emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedication. “I think the biggest turnaround factor this year has been the teamwork and dedication we’ve put in, both as a team and with the coaching staff,” said Shively. He also highlighted how the team has formed a strong bond, describing it as a “brotherhood” where everyone is willing to fight for each other on the field.
Tony, another player, echoed similar sentiments, noting the immense effort from both players and coaches. “The amount of time both the players and coaches have put into this season has made a huge difference,” he said. According to him, the team’s attitude has shifted drastically from past years. “In previous seasons, if we made a mistake, the whole team would feel down, but now we shake it off and focus on the next play.”
Several pivotal moments have shaped Mountain View’s successful season so far. Tony recalled a crucial win against Wellington, where the Lions were down 12-17 with less than two minutes left. “The whole team rallied, and we scored to win 20-17,” he said, describing the comeback as a key moment for the team’s confidence.
As the Lions continue their season, fans are optimistic about what’s to come. With the progress made so far and the strong sense of unity within the team, Mountain View’s football program is well on its way to building a lasting legacy this year.