The Roncalli Jets football team has made their long-awaited return to the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
ome may say against the odds, but those within the team would say otherwise.
The Jets have battled through and learned from the adversity they were faced with in recent years, finishing with a 7-2 record.
This has earned them a four seed in the WIAA division seven playoffs, taking on Shiocton.
Head Coach Paul Kinsella spoke with Seehafer News ahead of their first-round matchup with Shiocton later tonight.
The first thing he mentioned was what he feels is the reason behind this stellar performance.
“They’ve really grown up a lot. Both physically and as young men.”
He also noted the team’s maturity and ability to battle adversity within games when things weren’t going their way.
Kinsella also spoke about how the results of prior seasons have molded the team’s mindset.
“They’ve definitely had a taste of losing and a big part of where we are right now is because they don’t like it. They’re not comfortable with it and it’s not something that they are okay with.”
This changed mindset began with the team’s nine seniors who are now entering the final stretch of their high school football careers.
Coach Kinsella spoke very highly of those seniors and mentioned just what’s at stake for them.
“It’s a great class of leaders and great ambassadors for the team, and they’re aware. We started talking about the finality of high school football, it’s different than any other sport.”
He further explained the legacy this Jets team wants to leave behind.
“There is still some banners in the gym that belong to dads and uncles and older brothers, and they have a chance to go get their own. So, they are really pushing for it.”
The Jets are set to embark on this playoff journey tonight as they take on the Shiocton Chiefs at home, under the lights at Ron Rubick Field.
Pregame coverage of the game can be heard live on 107.9 WOMT and womtradio.com beginning at 6:40, with kickoff following at 7:00.
