No one ever told Jeremy Shobe that being a head football coach would be easy; yet, in his first couple of years at Wiregrass Ranch High School he made it look that way. Coach Shobe’s teams made the playoffs in 2009 and 2010 and looked to be heading in the right direction. Unfortunately, the loss of 26 seniors from the 2010 District Champion team has been devastating to the program. Making matters worse the Bulls moved up to 7-A after their 2010 campaign which led to much harder completion for the young team.

The Bulls posted a 0-10 record in 2011 and are currently 0-3 this season but Coach Shobe can sense brighter days are soon on the horizon. Senior linebackers Aaron Silcott and Xavier Wilson have taken the bulls by the horns, and as team leaders both demonstrate a true grit and determination that Coach Shobe hopes will rub off on their younger teammates. The defense in general has been a bright spot on the season thus far, generating a half-of-dozen turnovers in the first three games. The offense, led by sophomore quarterback Shane Bucenell, has been besieged by injuries to two key running backs; yet, they have shown promise and improvement from last season.

Coach Shobe has kept the team focused by looking at little victories they have achieved in each loss. He is determined to see each player reach their full athletic potential and has been able to maintain vital fan and parent support despite the last two years being a difficult adjustment period. Coach Shobe is certain that his team will be able return to its previous grander sooner rather than later as demonstrated by their near victory over an undefeated Sunlake High School. They are facing district opponent Gaither this weekend and hopefully the little victories the team focuses on during the game can add up to a much needed win.

– Anthony Peace