Photos Ivan Felipe
Unity finished out last season 8-4, finishing 4th in the region. They would end up making the playoffs and were in search of going back to back, but would lose to Pinecrest Academy in the state championship.
“We kind of started off bizarre. We played a game, and then we were off for three weeks. We took nearly a month off, so some teams had a few games on us. We were still practicing and trying to make it fun and creative and not hitting as much, as well as trying to make the time special for the guys, but our timing was off. I was very proud of the way that our guys handled it, and we as a team were not on edge as much” said Head Coach David Humphreys.
“We had a lot of reps during the spring, and we are returning a bunch of guys. I believe in getting stronger; June is the month where we do a bunch of weights and let kids have fun with their families. Once July comes and we transition into getting ready, that’s when the running will come and it’s go time.”
Coach Humphreys uses a lot of creative ways to keep his players on track; one of the ways is by using the acronym of WIN and NOW, which means “what’s important now,” and “now’s the time.”
“What I challenge my kids to do is make the right decision at this time, don’t worry about tomorrow; all we are asking you to do is get through today. Everything we do is in the now. Don’t be looking for the next place, wherever you’re at, that is where you need to be at. When it comes to playing, our focus will be the team that we are playing next week.”
Unity Christian has a lot of athletes at their disposal, and an abundance of experience and playmakers. Sophomore Miles Schwartz should take over QB duties following in the footsteps of Evan Whiteside, who was a three year starter. Seniors Davis Blankenship and Elliot Whiteside are the true cornerstones of that offensive line who will have massive expectations. Ondreo Sawyer will be a huge piece to Unity as a DB and receiver, as well as Isaiah Giddens who will be a junior.
Sophomore Brady King will be electric. Freshman Beau Matson and junior Cooper Mathis are primed to fly all over at linebacker. Junior William Wilson will be the MIKE, and senior Blake Hall will be a guy that could play literally any position on the field. Freshman Xander Leonardi could see time at offensive line, as well as junior Landon Stevens and senior Wyatt Crowley. Senior Joel Simms has been unbelievable in the weight room, and senior Tyler Ford will be back at running back.
“I am looking forward to seeing our kids mature a lot. These guys have made the big change, and they are going to be a whole lot faster physically and mentally. We can advance their knowledge, and it will be very exciting to see our group mature.”
Unity Christian will have a lot of familiar faces and a surplus of experience. The expectation is state championships, and the Lions look primed to win another one.
