CONVERSE, Texas – The Judson football team is nearing the end of its five-week spring training schedule.
While the spring may feel like thankless work, there’s no question about their goals within the Rockets’ football program.
“It’s super, super hot out here, but it’s still good to come out here because we’re just thinking of the bigger picture,” said Elijah Favela, three-year starting quarterback at Judson. “We’re just very excited for the season to start soon. It’s going to come really fast.”
“This is what really counts,” Judson senior linebacker Amir Fretwal said. “It’s just the beginning. It’s the start of a new, upcoming Judson Rockets.”
“We’re working towards a district championship,” Judson senior linebacker Izziek Chandler said. “That’s what everybody is talking about. We want to be able to work our way up to district, and that’s not our only goal. We want to be able to go to state.”
Late spring is also the time of year when Judson’s college and professional football alumni have a chance to return home and offer encouragement to the team.
“(Former Judson defensive back) Myles Davis, who’s at A&M, came in the day before yesterday,” Judson head football coach Mark Soto said. “On Tuesday, Rashad Wisdom stopped in at our banquet, and we were able to recognize him for going to Tampa Bay.
“We’re always out here practicing, and those guys know when we practice, and you’ll always have an NFL guy or a college guy pop in.”
“I talked to [DeMarvin] Leal. I’ve talked to Chris Pryor. I’ve talked to all of them, all Judson legends, and they’ve all given me good advice,” Favela said. “I just want to keep it going and just keep the tradition going.”
The Rockets’ regular season will not begin for another five months when they host Roosevelt at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17. Although, according to the players, it’s never too early to prepare.
Read more reporting and watch highlights and full games on the Big Game Coverage page.