Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
The words are emblazoned on the wall of the training room on Boot Hill. "It ain't easy to be a Cowboy." The words serve as a warning and as a mantra for a group of young men who come into that room with the hopes of wearing a state championship ring. The words ring clear that if anyone who comes into that room with the hopes of being known as a "Cowboy," that title will not be given away lightly; it must be earned. It will not be earned by taking the easy route. It will only be earned with sweat, pain and hard work. But if that title is earned, it will make an indelible mark on a young man that will remain for a lifetime. That designation of being a Cowboy carries with it a legacy of grit and effort that has brought numerous state championships.
The 2022 Cowboy varsity football squad understands that concept well. They understand that this coming season will be a grueling gauntlet that will be one of the most challenging in recent memory. "If we can make it through this schedule relatively healthy and make it into the playoffs, we should be in good shape at the end of the season," said Head Coach Price Harris. To this, Cowboy trainer Coach Pete Jackson shakes his head and offers a sincere prayer, "Lord please help me keep these boys healthy," said Coach Pete.
The season will include games with Georgia powerhouse Fitzgerald High School on Saturday, Sept. 10, in Brunswick, Ga., as part of the "Border War" series. There will also be games with tough rivals Columbia County and Suwannee County, as well as another contest against players from around the world when they face Clearwater International Academy on Friday, Oct. 7. The regular season begins on the road in Tampa on Friday, Aug. 26, when the Cowboys face the Patriots of Carollwood Day School. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.