At Foss, it’s (hopefully) a simple equation for success

Foss High football coach Matt Johnson hopes a simple equation will mean more success in his third season.

That equation? More experience equals more wins.

“I think we’re ready, we only graduated four seniors last year,” Johnson said. “The biggest thing is that these guys believe that they’re going to win every game. And I think that’s more than half the battle.”

After finishing 2-7 last year, these Falcons have set team goals for themselves in three tiers: the first to double their win total; the second to make the playoffs; and the third to go deep into the playoffs.

“I feel confident, we got a more veteran group coming in than last year,” said cornerback Demetrius Crosby. “I think this is going to be a good season, we are comfortable with each other. It’s just that family feeling. I hope that leads to a successful season.”

As a senior, Crosby has the the experience and talent to help Foss get over the hump. He’s received college offers from Hawaii, Montana State and Idaho.

He’s worked hard to get to this point, and he hopes his teammates have noticed.

“They all follow me; if I’m lazy, they’re lazy. If I’m hyped, they’re hyped,” he said. “I do kind of feel pressure as a leader since I am more of a quiet person, but I like my actions to talk.”

And it doesn’t hurt that he’s got scouts’ eyes on him. He and Johnson see it as an opportunity to get some other Falcons noticed as well.

“I think it has helped the mentality for the whole team, knowing they got a guy on their team that’s a three-star athlete and got some offers,” Johnson said. “They know the perception there might be some scouts at the game, and they might be able to pop on tape.”

Johnson is counting on second year starter and senior quarterback Aaron Swazer, who threw for 933 yards and nine touchdowns, to provide the offense stability.

“To be a playoff team, you either got to run the Wing-T real well or have a good quarterback,” he said. “We have Crosby, but he is the other guy that will take us to that next step.”

The Falcons will open up their season against South Delta High School of British Columbia, Canada, at 7 p.m., Thursday at Mount Tahoma Stadium.

This story was originally published August 31, 2017 at 3:40 PM with the headline "At Foss, it’s (hopefully) a simple equation for success."