A year ago our varsity football team prepared for a great first season, but were not prepared to meet the disappointment that would follow.

Our football team came out their first year competing in a competitive 5A district, with teams stronger and more experienced than our own.

“We are the first Frisco school that has had to open up with a varsity 5A schedule. There are other schools that have opened up with a 3A varsity schedule,” said Varsity Head Coach Kyle Story .

The team has been practicing daily since the spring and even played in 7-on-7 games in the summer to help bond and improve as a program.

“We got a chance to get to know the players better and change some positions and get the right group of guys for the team,” said Coach Story.

But the biggest change wasn’t their strength.

According to Coach Kyle Story, it was the bonding of their players through the team motto, “A State of Mind ,” that made the ultimate difference this season.

“The State of Mind is having that [positive] mindset every day and coming in and coming together…to fight together,” said Coach Stuart Johnson .

Senior players on the team have helped to lead by example to influence this “State of Mind” on all of the players.

“I have a lot of guys that depend on me,” said Senior Jonathon Lewis. “Regardless of whether or not I’m in the play, they’re looking at me and at what I’m doing to see what they have to do.”

This “State of Mind” is more than just a mindset for the team, it’s a new start this season.

“We’re better athletes with a better mindset this year,” said Lewis. “…and we’re coming out to play.”