Coach Comments

6/21/2022

Just completed season 20 coaching the Lamar 7 on 7 team. Our efforts to extend our state tournament qualifying streak ended last Friday at 23 consecutive years. While we are all disappointed, it’s not devastating as these kids and coaches literally gave it everything they had. We were a very young team at key positions and it showed-at first. As the season progressed this team grew a lot and missed qualifying by just 3 points. I just love this group; winning has a lot of ingredients; hard work; talent; experience and love for the game and each other. Some years the amounts vary and this year we were a bit light on experience. But they had all of the other items in full.

As they transition to getting ready for fall football I don't think there is any question that all these "reps" this spring in 7 on 7 will help elevate the football team. The other key is that 7 on 7 gives this portion of the football team a chance to really bond for a few months. So, all in all, I consider this a very successful season.

I'd like to give a big thanks to First Rate, Inc.; DS Waters and Jay Ryan for their donation of money; supplies and time. We could not have the success without these cornerstone annual donors. THANK YOU! 

Angie Morris has been our volunteer coordinator for the last two years. She has the energy of three people and makes sure we have everything we need as a team. Thanks to all those that volunteered under her leadership! 

Our coaching staff is the best in Texas in this sport. Julian, Spencer and JR along with this years interns Jaden Morris and Amarlyon Fox are the backbone for the success of our program along with the full support of the Viking football staff led by Coach Skinner!

Great job players and coaches; see you this fall and you underclassmen in 2023! 

Go Vikes!🏈🏆

Coach Jim Poynter

 Coaches Corner # 3: 6/6/22

In the last report several weeks ago, I explained how important it is with an inexperienced team to get the maximum EFFORT out of each player and each coach every practice, every snap, every game. I am extremely proud to report that is EXACTLY what has occurred in the last three weeks!

In the qualifer the week after Arlington, we were in Plano. We went 2-1, losing the 3rd game by one point (21-20) to Coppell who then went on to win their qualifying game.

In the next qualifier we were at Northwest HS. We went 2-1 again and played better each game than the one before.

Last Saturday in the Grapevine tournament we went 3-1, winning our pool and facing a very good McKinney HS team in the qualifying game. The Lions beat Southlake in the 3rd game to win their pool. So two 3-0 teams went at it, with the winner qualifying for State. The Vikes played very well and with great effort but we fell to the Lions 28-26 as they advanced to the State tournament later this month.

So let's recap. From an 0-6 start in the first two qualifiers, the Vikes are 7-3 in the next three. WE WERE 5 POINTS AWAY FROM GOING 9-1 during that time frame. Less than one score separated us from qualifying! As a coaching staff that is an amazing turnaround in a short period of time. We coaches are very impressed by the mental and physical toughness they have displayed in those three weeks. WE STARTED USING "THE TREND IS UP" as a motto and they have lived it!

This week we play in the next to last qualifier (again at Arlington HS) on Friday. Times and pools TBD. If the guys continue to upward trend we will reach our stated goal of qualifying for the State Tournament for the 24 consecutive year!

VFND,

Coach Poynter