The Taylor Middle School football team entered the season driven by the heartbreak of last year’s near miss.
The seventh-grade team had been only 20 seconds and one play away from claiming the district championship. The sting of that loss fueled their determination as they moved into eighth grade, led by captain and quarterback Jeremiah Caldwell, with one clear goal: securing a district title.
Opportunities for redemption are rare in middle school sports.
Coach Safarik, who had once built a tradition of excellence where district titles were standard, reinvigorated that legacy by implementing the “Bigger, Faster, Stronger” program.
Sixth graders began strength training with PVC pipes, advancing to dumbbells and barbells, setting high expectations.
Three returning coaches and one new addition to the staff supported the Ducks.
Coach Peter Reese remarked, “They worked tirelessly on speed development and lifted four to five days a week during the offseason. As the season progressed, we became stronger and more prepared than teams that didn’t emphasize weight training.”
The season began with a 33-0 victory for the seventh-grade Ducks over Manor Rise. Quarterback Shane Thomas and standout JD Johnson led the charge. The eighth graders followed up with a 32-0 win over Decker, highlighted by Caldwell and Elijah Afenhena’s combined 400-yard offensive display and a fierce defense led by Adrian Proctor, Augie Salas and Devin Williams.
The Ducks’ momentum continued with wins over Cedar Creek and Bastrop. The seventh graders faced their only setback against Manor New Tech, while the eighth graders dominated with a 52-0 victory, fueled by Caldwell’s 500 yards of offense. In later weeks, both teams secured victories over Del Valle and Del Valle Ojeda, with strong performances from Johnson, Ezekiel Garcia and Salas.
The seventh-grade team ended the season as runners-up with a 6-1 record, four shutouts and a 157-65 point differential. The eighthgrade team completed an undefeated 6-0 season, outscoring opponents 214-12 and securing three shutouts.
“We did our best to get the boys to buy in and build relationships,” said Coach Jake Ness. “Our goal is to foster a winning culture, not just on the field but in life.”
The Taylor Ducks reclaimed their pride, turning past heartbreak into a testament of resilience and triumph. p
