Tigers Hungry For Some Wins

Now five years into their program, four playing a varsity schedule, Encampment Tigers six-man football will see a number of experienced players return to the gridiron hungry to push beyond the semi-final playoff round this season.

Returning players include seniors Tyrel Brown, Baylin Sifford, Gunner Henrie and Brian Smith. Joining them are juniors Korbyn Barkhurst, Dashaal Baysinger and Caleb Koehn and sophomores Kannon Gilbert, Raden Miller and Chase Brown.

Last season, the Tigers ended their season with a 4-1 record in the 1A South and an overall record of 7-2. They went into the 1A Six-Man Playoffs with one loss to the Little Snake River Valley (LSRV) Rattlers and were eliminated in the semi-final round by the Burlington Huskies, the eventual 1A Six-Man State Champions. Since their initial appearance at the championship round in 2021-their first year of conference play-the Tigers have worked to return to War Memorial Stadium.

Kegan Willford, head coach for Encampment Tiger football, said he has confidence in his team this year and is ready for competition.

"We have many returning players who have played a lot of football over the last several years and are hungry to prove themselves." Willford said.

He said his team was excited and had been waiting all year to return to the field.

"First day of practice went well, " Willford said. "There is a lot of positivity at practice with players supporting each other."

Willford said his coaching staff is working "to get our players better fundamentally and become more consistent."

He said good fundamentals will help the team improve. Willford added his coaching staff has everything planned for what they want to do to prepare their players for the six-man football season.

"As coaches, we are fortunate to have been here since the program was restarted," Willford said. "Expectations and traditions have been established since the beginning, and all our student-athletes take great pride in wearing an Encampment Tiger football uniform."

Willford said his team faces different challenges when gearing up for the new season.

"Preparation for games each week brings different challenges," said Willford. "Sports can be a great way to build character and toughness to handle challenges for student-athletes. This can help them handle challenges they may face in life.'

Willford said each of his players take their turn stepping up in the leadership role. He said everyone on the team works together instead of as individuals.

"Football is often considered one of the ultimate team sports," Willford said. "Everyone has an important role on the team, and they all do their part to contribute."

As the Tigers prepare for some upcoming games, Willford said the season will determine how badly his team wants to win.

"A great season can be defined in many ways," Willford said. "We have a group of student-athletes who like to play football together and work together as a team."