The saying goes, “A great team is only as good as its weakest link.” Every Friday when the Xavier Saints football team takes the field, the fans can see only what happens on the field. What fans may not see is the players who work tirelessly every day at practice to help the team prepare for their next game, even though they might not play a single down. These players might not get recognition in the newspaper on Saturday morning, but they are just as vital as the players who see their names in the headlines. The scout team works throughout the week playing against the starters at practice to try and replicate the opposing team. While they may not get the recognition they deserve, the starters appreciate them.

“We are all in this together. This is a team effort,” senior receiver Gabe Lux said. “The scout team is just as important as any of the starters, and we would not be successful without them.”

Throughout the week the scout team religiously studies film of the opposition in order to do their best to give the starters a replica of the game that will be played on Friday. When a fan sees the defense get a sack or make a tackle for a loss, the scout team can be thanked for helping prepare the defensive strategy. Junior tackle Derrick Voss, a proud member of scout team, said it is all about helping the team.

“Coach just shows us a picture of an opponent’s play, and we try to copy it,” said Voss. “We just try to give the starters a good look.”

There is also a high incentive for members of scout team. No one’s position as a starter is guaranteed every week, and members of the scout team always have the chance to get more playing time if they perform well in practice. The coaches are always watching the effort put into practice, and it pays to perform well said senior lineman David Eberle.

“Working hard in practice always pays off,” Eberle said. “Members of the scout team can play on special teams, or even get increased play time if there is an injury or if someone isn’t performing.”

The Saints play this Friday, October 20 against South Tama in their final home game of the regular season. The scout team and starters will attempt to finish their regular season undefeated for second straight year.

Will Hanigan

Sports Writer