Football Feature: Madison-Plains
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
At Madison-Plains High School, there is a running back duo in senior Stephen Lemieux and junior Grant Johnson who are working for a single goal, and that is to improve the overall atmosphere and excitement at Madison-Plains High School each and every Friday night. To do that, they know they must bring a strong work ethic to the football field, and so far that is what they have done this offseason and in past seasons … make Golden Eagle football better than it was when they arrived on the scene.
This season, they look to add onto what they've already built at MP.
"Working with the team makes it fun out there," Johnson said. "Working with the boys, getting your work done, working as a team. We want to win some games, but we also have to practice, because practice makes perfect."
[[In-content Ad]]"It's a lot different than last year. We have a different mindset as a team, and I'm looking forward to improving our record. We want to work to the goal of making the playoffs this year," Lemieux said. "I have more confidence every year leading up to this season. I've learned to become a leader on and off the field, and I've learned from the guys who have come before me. I want to keep on improving what they did."
Johnson said playing as a sophomore last season has really helped him in his preparation for this season, as the goal is still to keep improving each game.
"I learned from just the experience last season," he said. "Being under the Friday night lights, it gives you more time to learn and made me more confident headed into this season. Playing running back, I just want to know what I need to do, and I want to do it the right way. It takes practice to do what we are doing, and when you do it right, it's just a great feeling.
"I'd say the experience we have is the biggest difference from last season until now. We have guys who have been on the field during their sophomore and junior years, and the time we've put into this is just tremendous."
Senior running back Lemieux also said last season was a big help for him as a player.
"Absolutely, last year helped, but we also had a lot of injuries that no team accounts for," he said. "Three wins and seven losses isn't what we expected, but it was a good start. Our offseason has been a big difference. We had more guys working this offseason than last year, which can help improve our record."
Lemieux knows the guys who run the football will be looked upon to lead the team, which is something he embraces.
"Our offense is run-based, so we are the guys they look to most of the time," Lemieux said of the running backs. "I like having that responsibility within the team. I have high expectations like always. Our main goal is to become the first playoff team for Madison-Plains. We will work toward that goal for the improvement of the program."
Johnson talked about why he's continued to play the game and wanting to put MP on the football map.
"I do all of this because I love it. I love to play football, and I love being around the people I'm around. I love to be around my teammates, coaches and the community … it's why I play the game," Johnson said. "I was about 10 years old in third grade in peewee football when I started, and I haven't stopped playing. I just love playing the game, and they are all good moments whenever I can play the game."
Both players spoke about playing for the Golden Eagles.
"We have a great fan base. They are strong and really care about the team," Lemieux said. "When you are out on the field and hear them, it's just a great feeling. I just want to change the attitude at Madison-Plains during this season. I want the program to keep moving into the right direction."
Johnson had the same ideas as his senior teammate.
"Anytime you step onto the football field, you feel empowered. You love the feeling … there is nothing else like it," Johnson said. "I want us, as a team, to make this a winning program. Last year was a good start to changing the program, but you always want to improve. We just want to get better."
This season, they look to add onto what they've already built at MP.
"Working with the team makes it fun out there," Johnson said. "Working with the boys, getting your work done, working as a team. We want to win some games, but we also have to practice, because practice makes perfect."
[[In-content Ad]]"It's a lot different than last year. We have a different mindset as a team, and I'm looking forward to improving our record. We want to work to the goal of making the playoffs this year," Lemieux said. "I have more confidence every year leading up to this season. I've learned to become a leader on and off the field, and I've learned from the guys who have come before me. I want to keep on improving what they did."
Johnson said playing as a sophomore last season has really helped him in his preparation for this season, as the goal is still to keep improving each game.
"I learned from just the experience last season," he said. "Being under the Friday night lights, it gives you more time to learn and made me more confident headed into this season. Playing running back, I just want to know what I need to do, and I want to do it the right way. It takes practice to do what we are doing, and when you do it right, it's just a great feeling.
"I'd say the experience we have is the biggest difference from last season until now. We have guys who have been on the field during their sophomore and junior years, and the time we've put into this is just tremendous."
Senior running back Lemieux also said last season was a big help for him as a player.
"Absolutely, last year helped, but we also had a lot of injuries that no team accounts for," he said. "Three wins and seven losses isn't what we expected, but it was a good start. Our offseason has been a big difference. We had more guys working this offseason than last year, which can help improve our record."
Lemieux knows the guys who run the football will be looked upon to lead the team, which is something he embraces.
"Our offense is run-based, so we are the guys they look to most of the time," Lemieux said of the running backs. "I like having that responsibility within the team. I have high expectations like always. Our main goal is to become the first playoff team for Madison-Plains. We will work toward that goal for the improvement of the program."
Johnson talked about why he's continued to play the game and wanting to put MP on the football map.
"I do all of this because I love it. I love to play football, and I love being around the people I'm around. I love to be around my teammates, coaches and the community … it's why I play the game," Johnson said. "I was about 10 years old in third grade in peewee football when I started, and I haven't stopped playing. I just love playing the game, and they are all good moments whenever I can play the game."
Both players spoke about playing for the Golden Eagles.
"We have a great fan base. They are strong and really care about the team," Lemieux said. "When you are out on the field and hear them, it's just a great feeling. I just want to change the attitude at Madison-Plains during this season. I want the program to keep moving into the right direction."
Johnson had the same ideas as his senior teammate.
"Anytime you step onto the football field, you feel empowered. You love the feeling … there is nothing else like it," Johnson said. "I want us, as a team, to make this a winning program. Last year was a good start to changing the program, but you always want to improve. We just want to get better."