Photo By Master Sgt. Josephine Pride | The Raiders and the Oilers football teams line up to face each other during a game at...... read more read more
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SPRING LAKE, N.C. – As the sun set upon the backs of 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Soldiers making their way home after a long day of work, two sustainers put on their mentor hats and prepared their two undefeated football teams to go head-to-head at Mendoza Park on Oct. 14.
Sgt. Maj. Samuel Jones, G-6 sergeant major, and Staff Sgt. Mario Brewer, support operations noncommissioned officer, volunteer their evenings after regular working hours coaching 9 and 10-year-old football players from the Spring Lake Recreation Center youth football league.
For the Oilers and the Raiders, the best two teams in the area for the 9 and 10-year-old age group, this was a long-awaited game.
“I thought the game was fantastic,” said Tiffany Martin, mother of Oilers running back, Jamison Reed. “I was very proud of the boys for giving 100 percent.”
After the long anticipated dual between the two teams, the Oilers came out on top with a final score of 12 to 7.
“Practice helped us win that game,” said Jones, native of Philadelphia and assistant coach for the Oilers. “Nothing is more rewarding than teaching them something that they believe they can’t do, but when they do it, it’s priceless.”
Though the Raiders lost, they were a worthy opponent for the Oilers. During the second half of the game, the Raiders were able to penetrate the Oilers defense and score, which made it the first time a team scored on the Oilers during this season.
“They had some good coaching, but we played a better second half than they did,” said Maurice Staton, father of Raiders quarterback, Maurqice Staton. “When they realized they had each other’s backs after half time, they really started to play football.”
The coaches teach the concept of football to the young players while enforcing standards of discipline and the importance of education.
“The coaches actually care about them not only on the field but academically, so when report card time comes they do report card checks,” said Martin.
Jones started coaching 17 years ago to become more involved with his oldest son, Samuel Jr., and continues to assist with his son, Jaylan. He plays running back and defensive back for the Oilers.
As a seasoned coach, Jones takes mentoring his young football players seriously guiding them on the right path to success.
“With football it’s like the game of life. If you don’t put anything in it, you won’t get anything out of it,” he said. “In school if you don’t put anything into your work, you aren’t going to get good grades.”
Jones further explained the greatest reward he receives coaching his players is watching their skills come to life on game day.
“As coaches, we are reassured that we are making a difference with the kids by building up their confidence to accomplish anything in life,” he said.
Like Jones, Brewer also came into coaching to make an impact on his son, Mario Jr.
“This is officially my first year coaching,” said the Lafayette, Alabama native. “I have been helping from the sidelines for the last four years.”
During the game, Brewer can be seen moving up and down the sidelines motivating and instructing his players.
“We tell the kids it’s not about winning or losing, you go out there and you have fun,” he said.
As the season progresses and the players continue to build on their skills, both teams look forward to meeting on the field once again on Nov. 2.
“This is just the beginning,” said Brewer. “This is the first time we played them and they beat us tonight, but I guarantee you we will see them a second time, and a third time for the real championship.”
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| Date Taken: | 10.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2015 14:59 |
| Story ID: | 179955 |
| Location: | SPRING LAKE, NC, US |
| Hometown: | LAFAYETTE, AL, US |
| Hometown: | PHILADELPHIA, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Fort Bragg leaders give back to local community through coaching, by MSG Josephine Pride, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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