With injuries all-but-derailing the Wilmington High School football season, head coach Scott Killen remains confident in his team.
“The players are and have dealt with adversity and they are pushing through it as a unit,” Killen said. “The injuries happen but every day is a new opportunity to compete and get better. These kids are determined to keep fighting until the very end and I am proud of their fight.”
This week, the Hurricane (5-3, 1-2) will host Western Brown (1-7, 0-3) at Alumni Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
One thing that has Killen concerned is players trying to win a game on their own, instead of simply doing what they have been coached through the week.
“The kids are playing hard but trying to do too much instead of doing their job,” he said.
Last week, Wilmington ended a two-game losing streak with a 23-7 win over Batavia. Killen was pleased with the win but called the game “ugly.”
The Broncos have not had a good season but they have some talented players and can’t be overlooked. Still Killen wants his team to take care of its own, and not worry so much about Western Brown.
“We are just focused on us and doing our job,” the WHS head coach said. “We are just focusing on fundamentals on every snap. We need to find a way to move the chains and get out of our own way with costly mistakes.”
As the final two games unfold, Killen sees plenty of good in a lost season.
“Everyone is stepping up, from the seniors to the underclassman, to finish this season strong,” he said. “Handling this the way the kids have isn’t a football thing but a life lesson they are tackling together. We will finish strong.“
