GRAPE CREEK, TX — The Grape Creek Eagles almost have an entire week of practice under their belt to start the 2023 football season. After finishing 2022 with a disappointing 0-10 overall record, these resurgent Eagles are hungry for more. Fall camp is officially underway in Grape Creek.
Whether due to injuries, a smaller team, or moving up divisions, Grape Creek struggled heavily last year in district play. Head Coach Tanner Thiel says that will shortly be a thing of the past as the Eagles have been hard at work this summer trying to get better. It’s in the air at practice. One can feel the energy that these young men bring to the table. Whether it be during drills, scout team, or even conditioning, the Eagles kept their energy sky-high throughout the day.
San Angelo LIVE!’s Ryan Chadwick asked Coach Thiel who was the source of that energy. Thiel had great things to say about his seniors.
“Our Seniors have led tremendously in this first week,” Thiel said. “They’re taking it upon themselves to kinda police the younger guys, and they’ve done it in the right way. They’ve been very positive. If we make mistakes before one of the coaches can even get over there to correct or to pick them up, the [seniors] are rushing over and picking them up first, saying we’ll get ‘em next time. I can’t say enough about my seniors.”
Grape Creek will need to maintain this mentality moving through its tough schedule. The Eagles remain in the same district as powerhouse teams like Wall and Early. Just as daunting are the matchups against Brady and Ballinger. Finally, TLCA San Angelo has made tremendous strides toward bettering itself in previous years. The point is Grape Creek’s district is tough. The Eagles will need to play together and play well if they want a shot at the playoffs.
Grape Creek Eagles
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
Two leaders on this Grape Creek squad think that the Eagles have what it takes to compete with anyone this season. Brayden Winans and Lane Kluesner gave an interview after practice to discuss the upcoming season. Check out the full interview below.
Grape Creek made the playoffs and had a share of its district championship two seasons ago. After finishing 0-10 last season, can the Eagles make a comeback? Only time will tell, but this squad may be different than one in years past. Grape Creek kicks off its 2023 campaign on August 25, at home against Stanton High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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