Benilde-St. Margaret’s fall athletics are back in full swing. Since the beginning of BSM, there has been a strong emphasis on pride for the school in support of the boys football team. BSM students and fans come together every week to cheer on the athletes who represent our Red and White. For the past three seasons, the Red Knights football team has not lived up to their standards.
Coming off of a 2-10 overall record this last 22-23 fall season and going 0-4 in their conference, there are high hopes for this season. Facing adversity with new coaches, new opponents, and new players, this season the Red Knights are coming together for the season stronger than ever, leaving the shadows of past defeats behind. Here is an exclusive inside scoop, going into the story behind their resurgence, unearthing the dedication, teamwork, and spirit that have ignited a revolution in this tight-knit community.
In the past years, the football team was a remarkably young team with few leaders to step up and change the game. This year, those unsung heroes are now upperclassmen and can dictate the playing field. With around 45 players competing for a varsity spot, to get ahead and show dominance requires resilience.
One of the biggest components to their new found success comes from their captain’s leadership. In seasons past, the lack of strong leadership often left players unsure of their roles. These qualities are not only essential at the high school level but resonate across all levels of sports, from youth teams to professional stage.
BSM junior wide receiver Khalif Brown recognizes this shift, “They communicate and tell us what they need to do. Whether by example or speech, we find the motivation that leads to success. I think this year’s captains bring a lot more energy, giving us a lot more positive reinforcement. They are always trying to keep everybody up and keep everybody confident and comfortable. They never bring anyone down,” Brown said.
Beyond the new leadership squad of seniors Nirvaan Yogaraja, Slater Crandall, Eddie Wolfe, and Andrew Walters, a significant factor in the team’s resurgence is the maturation of returning players. This cohesion and shared history has fostered a deeper connection among the players, helping them gel as a team. “Maturity has benefited us. We mostly have played all together on the freshman team, JV, and now varsity. We [have] more of a bond compared to last season,” Brown said.
Crucially, the most prominent transformation lies in the team’s collective mindset. This shift from a “we should not lose” mindset to a “we can win” mentality has been instrumental in propelling the Red Knights football team to get out of the shadows of past defeats. Our mindset has changed a lot; everyone has a strong desire to win. We are more determined than ever,” Brown said.
While the players have undergone significant transformation and growth, it is important to acknowledge the role of the coaching staff in this season’s success. Their approach has shifted, infusing the team with an abundance of energy and positivity. The players have responded to this coaching style, feeling uplifted rather than being weighed down by negativity. The coaching staff’s emphasis on maintaining a high level of team spirit and motivation has undoubtedly contributed to the Red Knights’ resurgence. “They build off of what we do well, bringing us confidence with our depth as a program,” junior Will Seymour said.
Now, they are early in the season. The Red Knights are currently in a 1-2 standpoint, continuously growing. As the football team continues its journey, the lessons learned from changing to a winning mindset, growing in maturity, and embracing a more positive coaching style will remain to be significant pillars of their success. The season ahead holds the promise of even greater achievements, as this tight-knit community rallies around its revitalized team. “We feel less defeated, we feel like we can win,” Seymour said.