Mayo, Fla (WTXL) -- After winning a state baseball championship, the roots of winning a title on the football field this upcoming season start now for the Lafayette Hornets. After last season's 3-7 finish, the players remember the tough moments and difficult losses. Against Madison County last year, Lafayette had six sophomores and a freshman start on defense.
"We have a lot more experienced guys." Lafayette head football coach Joey Pearson said. "Last year we had 22 sophomores, but now they are 22 juniors. They are a year older and we just feel like we really can get things going in the right direction."
This spring, Pearson is emphasizing fundamentals. He's also limiting the playbook to allow his players to excel at just a few plays. He called last season a trial-by-fire, playing with a new offensive line and quarterback. All those players are back for 2016. Pearson believes learning to win is a process.
"Last year we had things going well and then we would fumble." Pearson said. "We lost 29 turnovers last year. My first time in 18 years we had more than 20 turnovers in a season. We just have to learn how to hang on to the ball and play winning football. If we protect the football we give ourselves a chance."
Lafayette's spring football game is scheduled for May 26 at home against Bronson at 7pm.
