If we really want to fix our football program and start winning more games, we have to be honest with ourselves. Something isn’t working right now, and it’s up to us to change it.
Right now, we haven’t had a winning season in a long time. According to available records, the most recent full winning season I could find for Altoona Area High School football was when the team went 7‑2 in 2002 and also 7‑1 in 2001 (both winning records). Since then, the team’s records have mostly been at or below .500, meaning more losses than wins or equal wins and losses.
First, we need better effort and attitude. We can’t just show up to practice and go through the motions. We have to actually care. That means being on time, paying attention, and giving 100% every single day. If one person is slacking, it hurts the whole team. Winning teams hold each other accountable. They don’t let their teammates quit or take plays off.
Second, we need to get in better shape. A lot of games are lost in the second half because players get tired. If we work harder in the weight room and during conditioning, we’ll be stronger and faster when it matters most. Being in shape also helps prevent injuries. If we’re more prepared than the other team, we’ll have an advantage.
We also need to rework our playbook a little. I feel like right now we’re a little too predictable with the plays we run. Other teams like Harrisburg and State College and our rivals Hollidaysburg can kind of guess what we’re about to do based on our formation or the situation. When that happens, it makes it a lot harder for us to move the ball. We should add some new formations, mix up our timing, and maybe include a few trick plays or play‑action passes to keep defenses guessing.
At the same time, we don’t need to make the playbook super complicated. Instead of trying to run a bunch of different plays, we should focus on a smaller number of plays that match our strengths, but add small changes to them so they look different. For example, we could run the same formation but have different options out of it. That way, the defense can’t easily predict what’s coming. We should build our offense around what our team does best, not just copy what other teams are doing.
On defense, we could simplify things too. Everyone should clearly understand their assignment on every play. If we line up the same way most of the time and get really good at it, we’ll play faster and make fewer mistakes. When players don’t have to overthink, they react quicker and play more confidently.
Team chemistry is also really important. We need to trust each other. That means encouraging each other, not blaming each other when something goes wrong. Maybe we could spend more time watching film together or even doing team activities outside of practice. When teammates actually care about each other, they play harder.
We also need stronger leadership. Team captains should lead by example. They should work the hardest and push others to do the same. Coaches should be clear about what they expect and motivate us to be better every day.
Most importantly, we need to believe we can win. If we walk onto the field already thinking we’re going to lose, we probably will. But if we prepare the right way and believe in ourselves, we can compete with anyone.
If we change our mindset, improve our conditioning, and adjust our playbook so we’re less predictable and better suited to our strengths, we can turn our program around. It won’t happen overnight, but if everyone buys in and works together, we can build a team that wins games and makes our school proud of showing what it is to be a Mountain Lion.
