Varsity football’s winning formula

The Godwin varsity football team started their season 4-0 for the first time since 2000. With a record of 2-1 in the region, they are ranked fifth. Only Hermitage, Varina, Glenn Allen, and Freeman are ahead in the rankings.

Godwin senior, Hank Piersol, talked about this dramatic improvement in only a year. Piersol said, “even with no changes in the staff, the coaching is much better.” They are starting to embrace and refine the coaching style to match the player, translating remarkably well on the field. 

Godwin senior Damon Daniels commented on the improvement from last year to this year. Daniels said,“the [team’s] chemistry is on a different level this year, as well as the change in mentality of trying to be the more dominant team from the first play to the last.”

The chemistry on the field leads to outstanding energy on the bench and off the field. Piersol and Daniels both commented about the improvement of camaraderie and strength the guys find within each other.

 “The best part of being on the team is the constant daily challenge of trying to improve,” said Daniels. “My favorite part of the team is the brotherhood. I’ll remember these guys for the rest of my life,” said Piersol. With the connection they share and the coaching they have, this team is looking great for the future.

The two varsity players also talked about their memories with the team throughout their high school journey. 

Daniel’s favorite memory was the comeback game against Hanover this year. The Eagles were down 21-7 at the end of the third quarter but exploded into the fourth quarter, scoring 27 unanswered points to pull out the 24-21 win. 

For Piersol, it was last year’s homecoming game against Hermitage High. The 2022 game ended in a nail biting 21-20. 

The two seniors started early, but Piersol began about seven years earlier. He was inspired by his older brother at the young age of five. “When I saw my brother play, I knew that’s just what I wanted to do,” said Piersol.

Daniels started his football career in seventh grade, and ever since then, he never looked back. “When I was a young kid, the intensity drew my attention to the game.”