SD is one of the smallest 6A schools in the state however that being said, there are a lot of potential players not playing or at least providing depth. The next statements will probably cause an uproar but a big part of the problem is a lack of emphasis on the football program at the school which I don't understand. Just look at last week - homecoming. The game itself was almost an after thought. All week long there were activities that did very little to build up the fever toward the game and instead distracted from the game. During the game, the band played or did not play with no reference to the events on the field. The cheerleaders do very little actual leading of cheers. The number of fans that simply stand around and do not participate in watching or cheering is astounding. With all that lack of emphasis on the football program at a football game is it a surprise that a lot of boys do not feel that the hours spent in the weight room and in the heat after school is worth it. And other schools seem to be able to find positions for coaches - what do we have 2 who are at the school? This is a lack of support and shows in the facilities and the willingness to sacrifice.
I'm not saying the football program has to rule the school (i.e. Signal Mountain) but there is a balance that can be struck. There is so much positive to say about the program - the academics of the football team exceeds the male population of the school as a whole and the discipline issues are lower. That can be attributed to the boys, the coaches and the parents. The feeling of being a team and being part of something will stay with these boys forever.
Until we come to the realization that we have to support the program and make it the priority in the fall, then we need to be content with 4-6 seasons, pleased with 5-5 and excited by 6-4.