The 2022 Rolla Bulldogs Football team has high hopes for this season, and not just about winning games. Football Coach Jon Franks sees great potential in this year’s Rolla High School football players.

“They stand out as a very, very good defensive football team. A lot of guys that played have been through your starters,” stated Franks. “You know, offensively right now they are definitely growing. But I mean, this group has potential to be one of our better teams in my seven years. So I’m really looking forward to what they can do for the rest of the year.”

Members of the football team are often seen practicing tirelessly on the RHS football field. Franks revealed that most of their training happens out of public view, and that players can apply the results of the team’s work to more than football.

“I mean, it’s a big commitment in development, and that’s part of life, you’ve got to learn how to commit. And those are good traits, and like we tell them all the time, you’re going to be a husband one day, and you’ve got to be committed, and it’s going to take work, and it’s hard, and you’ve just got to get through it. So they’re going to put in work outside of the game, another 15 to 20 hours a week,” said Franks.

Junior Demarii Williams, a member of the varsity football team, claims that participating in Rolla’s football program has taught him how to teach others as well as how to learn from his peer’s criticism.

“I just feel like football’s different. Younger people learn off of the older people. And I’m still young when it comes to varsity, so I’m still learning from people,” said Williams.

Williams claims that participating in several years of football has helped him learn from himself while teaching his teammates.

“[I’ve learned] just how to be better and work harder. Just prepare myself each morning. It helps me learn by teaching,” claimed Williams. “Sometimes I have a hard time doing what I tell other people to do. So, like once I hear myself say it, I better get into it.”

Franks believes that it is important for the upperclassmen to teach the freshmen players everything they can, and have a solid and prepared freshman class.

“It’s kind of like school, you have a foundation of math, as you move to the next step, you kind of know what you can improve and get better. So it’s the same thing with us, we kind of have an organization from the bottom up, and they learn a little bit as each year as they go,” said Franks.

Franks says that another reason the football team tries so hard is the team spirit and loyalty they feel towards their school and each other.

“So I think that’s the big thing about extracurricular activities is not only are you doing schoolwork like everybody else, but you have to accomplish this other goal that takes you 12 to 20 hours extra a week,” stated Franks. “That’s the blessing of being in high school extracurricular activities, from sports to drama to band, you got to work for a common goal with other people.”

Williams acknowledged the exhilarating effect being part of a close-knit team gives, but he also gives credit to his coach.

“Coach definitely helps the team work. He is always there with the team helping us no matter what,” said Williams.

Franks claims that the Rolla High School Football team is additionally motivated by a strong sense of pride in their town and in their own capabilities.

“They love Rolla… They have a lot of school pride, a lot of community pride, and care about one another, and they care about the Rolla name,” said Franks.

Franks doesn’t mention victories or winning championships when he reflects on long-term team goals.

“Ultimately, for me, I want them to leave this program and to have enjoyed their time,” said Franks. “To still enjoy football and love football, and really care for Rolla. If you do those things, win or lose, it’s going to be a good program, and it’s going to be a good experience.”