At Bowling Green Junior High School, there is a tradition; when the football season ends, the players take some time to enjoy the off-season. As they rest, the upcoming 7th and 8th graders participate in after-school conditioning and football workouts, preparing for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

In the past season, the whole team bonded like no other. They had to work together to dominate over everyone else as they knew communication was the key to winning. Outside of all the hard work and dedication, the team has their own set of experiences, sharing laughs all along the way. This group of individuals stride to maintain the pride and hard-earned name they have for themselves, displaying great leadership on the field. This ranges from helping one another on and off the field. When players work collaboratively, while retaining a good attitude, their efforts can go a long way. It goes without saying that hard work, dedication, leadership, and communication are key features to a successful team.

As half of the team will leave and move on to high school, this has left many 7th graders with a feeling in their hearts.

“I will miss the eighth graders and how they helped me improve on a lot of skills and how they made me enjoy my eighth grade year of football,” said Tate Simpson, a 7th grade football player.

Playing together all season, the 7th graders have built a special relationship with some of these 8th graders that will be missed in the upcoming season. More importantly, the 7th graders are happy for the 8th graders to take on the next challenge of their lives. Just as the older kids did, the 7th graders have made their commitment to continue their hard work and help the younger kids with the development of their skills.

As the saying goes, “Once a Purple always a Purple”. Although the team has disbanded, the brotherhood will never be able to be broken apart.