Head varsity Football Coach, Vincent DeFrancesco stated that, “The challenge for us is just staying focused on the process,” he then added, “Not looking too far ahead.”
De Francesco is very proud of his guys so far and he shared the steps it takes to beat a team and how the practices work. On Monday the team watches and observes the other team in games. They look at what types of plays the team runs and how often they run them. Then the Mustangs take the field Tuesday and Wednesday. They now take what they saw from Monday and apply it to practice. The scout team which is a team where they run the opposing teams plays to show either the defense or offense what to expect when out on the field in game. On Thursday they solidify their game plan for both offense and defense and how they are going to accomplish their plans. Finally Friday, game day. The day where they put all of their hard work the last four days and put it together and win the game.
Starting senior quarterback, Danny McNelly, talked about practices and training for football when saying, “Training is something most people dread,” he continued, “For me when I’m doing it with all my friends and we all get better together I enjoy it.”
Although practices are difficult and challenging, when with friends and doing something that brings joy. It’s not only more fun, but at the same time will be improving because of teammates and friends. As quarterback being one of the harder positions to play during practice.
Danny followed up by saying, “The team is simply a group of kids who want it more than any other Mundelein team,” Mcnelly added, “Yeah we started 4-0 but that doesn’t mean anything yet.”
Now is a good time to go to MHS and be a football fan because with this hot start to the year there are playoffs in our sights. For MHS students they should expect electric Friday nights supporting varsity football and cheering on kids that have put in so much time and dedication to this sport. DeFrancesco adds, “the important thing for us is that our fanbase and our students stay behind us and stay supporting us because it’s not always perfect.” As long as students support and root for the Mustangs it is going to be one fantastic year when it comes to varsity football.
Senior Annalie Salski said, “I am looking forward to seeing good plays,” she added, “and lots of energy from the fans.”
Being a student for MHS comes with many opportunities, one of which is being able to sit in the student section at the MHS football games. In the student section your only job is to be loud and route for the Mustangs whether it’s a home or an away game.
