HSFT Stop #43: Gordo
Coming off a 10-win season, the Gordo Green Wave have plenty to build on heading into the new year. But they also have plenty to prove. Gordo lost 18 seniors from last year’s team, including several key contributors from a squad that finished 10-2 before falling in the third round of the playoffs. That means this year’s group has had to grow up quickly. Head coach Chris Chambless says his players have embraced that challenge with a simple message: refuse to lose.
“It’s just something I believed in my whole coaching career; refuse to lose everything you do,” Chambless said. “I don’t care if it’s getting up in the morning, eating breakfast or whatever it is, just refuse to lose a day.”
For some of Gordo’s returning players, that mindset has already become the standard. Receiver Rainer Russell has taken on a leadership role, pushing younger players while also making sure they know when they are doing things the right way.
“I’m just pushing the guys to be the best they can every day, to come out here and work,” Russell said. “Just get on to them when they’re not doing good and then tell them that when they do good.”
That work ethic has been a major focus throughout the summer as the Green Wave prepare for a season that will demand more toughness, physicality and consistency. Quarterback Makain Robertson knows what it will take for Gordo to take the next step.
“We’ve got to be physical, play every play like it’s the first play,” Robertson said. “Don’t give up. We just don’t want to go out like we did last year and be better, more physical, stronger.”
The Green Wave believe last season provided valuable lessons, but the goal is to make sure those lessons translate into a deeper playoff run this year. Russell says last year’s success was good; but it wasn’t good enough.
“We learned how to just be tough, be physical and just win every play,” Russell said. “I mean, it was great. We’re coming to win it this year. Last year was good, but it wasn’t what we wanted. We’re going to win it this year.”
Chambless believes the makeup of this year’s team could fit perfectly with the identity Gordo is trying to establish.
“They’re hard-working, blue-collar kids,” Chambless said. “Man, they love football, and I love to work. Got a good group of seniors, and they’re going to lead us in the right way. And the young guys are doing a great job this summer so far following them.”
With a new group stepping into bigger roles, the Green Wave know they have plenty of work ahead of them. But they also know exactly what they want their identity to be. Work hard. Be physical. Win every play. And above all else, refuse to lose. Gordo will put that work to the test when the Green Wave open the season August 21.
