TOPEKA - The Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds are preparing to showcase their physical style of play as they enter the new football season. Coming off a challenging 4-5 record last year, the team is determined to make a significant impact under the Friday night lights.
Last season, Shawnee Heights faced difficulties, losing several key offensive players, which hindered their performance. Senior player Javon Williams expressed his disappointment with last year’s results, stating, "Last year we didn't perform as well as we should have. I feel like we could have gotten a lot farther, even getting that title." With this reflection, the Thunderbirds are looking to turn the page and build on their past experiences.
Despite being labeled as underdogs this season, the Thunderbirds embrace this role. Williams remarked, "Underdog, we prefer it that way. We like when people don’t think that ‘Oh hey, we don’t believe in you guys.’ That’s fine; we will just go out and show out every single Friday night at 7 o’clock." This mindset reflects the team's resilience and determination to prove their critics wrong.
At the helm of the Thunderbirds is head coach Jason Swift, who is entering his 24th season with the team. Swift has emphasized the importance of physicality in their game plan this year. He stated, "This year we’ve been competing every step of the way, whether it’s during the summer or these first three weeks of the season. We’re a competitive group." This focus on physical play is expected to be a cornerstone of Shawnee Heights' strategy as they look to enhance their performance on the field.
The Thunderbirds are set to kick off their season at home against Turner on September 4 at 7:30 p.m. This matchup will serve as an early test for the team as they look to establish their identity and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
As Shawnee Heights embarks on this new journey, the emphasis on physicality and teamwork will be crucial in their quest for improvement. With a blend of determination and a competitive spirit, the Thunderbirds aim to make their mark in the upcoming high school football season.
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