Worthington Kilbourne Football’s recent game against Westland High School on September 12 received special media attention, earning the title “Game of the Week”. This high stakes game was truly a great match up, with both teams giving it their all. This high-scoring game ended with a 48-38 victory for Kilbourne.

Kilbourne’s star running back, and one of the top scorers of the game, Luke Page, speaks on his mindset before, during, and after his games.
“Our thought process is to always win. . .Our coach gives us weekly goals to strive towards. For example, this week it was to get less than 7 penalties and to score more than 24 points and let up less than 20. . .Even if we don’t reach these goals it gives us something to strive for other than winning.”
Page then went on to speak about what makes this victory of Westland particularly important for the team.
“The game was supposed to be tough and they had the same record as us which was 2 and 1. . .They beat us last year so this was a get back game.”

In addition to players on the field, The Ravine interviewed a player who managed to make a difference from the sidelines. Kilbourne’s Ben Davis had unfortunately suffered a serious ankle injury during a preseason scrimmage that would force him to have to sit out for his senior season. Now, he speaks on his current part as a team member.
“I’m able to help coach with the D ends and punters. . .I’m always on the side lines watching film and ready to help whatever players or coaches need it.”
Davis goes on to give advice to any other players who are suffering from an injury and unable to fully participate, saying to “cherish your time on the field and keep yourself active and know that it’s not over and you’re not totally out of the loop.”

It is evident that motivation is such an integral part in any team’s (football or otherwise) success on the field. Whether you are playing on the field like Luke, coaching from the sidelines like Ben, or cheering from the stands, you are capable of stoking this fire of motivation. Going against a talented team such as Westland, last year’s loss against the same team, and a group of avid supporters proved to be the perfect formula for Kilbourne’s motivation, and ultimately their triumph.