Off to an undefeated start, South’s Varsity football team continues on the road to win MAC White. By using rigorous practice strategies, bonding as a team, and overcoming injuries, the team is yet to break its winning streak.
Determined to lead his team to an undefeated season, Coach Chad Hepner has a process of simulating plays and situations that could happen whilst playing certain opponents.
“We knew some weeks were going to be real challenging, and we got a couple of those behind us already,” Hepner said.“You know, for us, it’s week to week, but going into homecoming undefeated, we have a lot of confidence.”
Optimistic about the start of the season, defensive end Simon Justin ‘26 also holds high hopes for the team’s success.
“I think every single game we’ve played so far we’ve been solid, and we look like a good team this year,” Justin said.“We progress by practicing very rigorously and thoroughly every single day. We also use targeted stuff toward the team we’re playing that week.”
Focusing on the team’s accomplishments, Hepner leads the players through MAC Red teams. To earn enough playoff points to progress to state championships, the boys can not lose a game in the playoffs. Anchor Bay is expected to be the toughest challenge yet.
“Now that we’ve, you know, kind of established ourself as a pretty good football team,” Hepner said. “We know that we’re going to be in the playoffs, so we’re just going to try to keep playing all these weeks and preserve our undefeated record.”
The road to MAC white champs was not simple. But this past Friday’s win against Roseville guarantees their success. Further, progression to regional and state championships is on the goal list for Justin.
“I want to be undefeated this season, a deep playoff run, and state championships,” Justin said. “We have no competition.”
Anticipating the competition and preparing for such has also contributed to the outcome of this season. Pushing through shoulder injuries, tackle and guard, Aiden Wass ‘26 appreciates preparing for specific teams, whether it’s after a win or loss.
“You know, it’s not like one collective practice. Every week you’re preparing for that Friday, you’re preparing for that team, it’s really different every week,” Wass said. “Depending on how they play their defense or their offense, you’re just gonna, change your offense [and] your defense to counter that.”
As a team, the focus is collective success. Especially for athletes who may never play again. Aiming for league wins, playoffs, and championships is the main goal for the program every year.
“We are wanting to achieve everything that we can for the kids,” Hepner said. “It’s for the players, you know, especially the seniors. This is their last shot at it.”
