This fall, the Jaguars welcomed new head football coach, Mark Maradei to the Jag team. After time at Rockville, he came ready to win a championship as a Jaguar. However, this season began with some tough challenges, the death of player Dek Miller and the death of player Hassan Dixon’s sister, Shiane, both this past summer. The new coach and the players have worked hard to turn this adversity into victory. So far, this has proven difficult with losses to Whitman, Springbrook, Quince Orchard and Churchill. The win against BCC is the bright spot so far.
    The team however has not let a rough start damper their commitment. They are still working hard to achieve the goals they have set. “…the team plans to work hard,” commented senior Terrance Hemphill. One of the ways they plan on doing so is by listening to what the coaches have to say, and taking those lessons out on the field together. “There isn’t a best player or any best players on the team, we’re a family,” stated Senior Juan Vega. Specifically, the team hopes they can still pull off a 4A state championship. It is the commitment to the idea of teamwork that is a driving force. Everyone is now focused on playing more consistent football according to Vega.
    The football team has a way to inspire themselves before a game and to do their best and win it for Dek Miller, and Shiane Dixon. The team created new chant called the DS. The team does the chant before games and during practices to motivate themselves to win games.
    The Jags won their first game on Thursday September the 17th against BCC. But, that was a bittersweet victory because they played without the head coach Mark Maradei.