By VYPE Media's Amanda Lattimer.
Sophomore running back James Bates has already made a name for himself on Canyon Lake's football team. He played in his first varsity game as a freshman last season and, with the playoffs right around the corner in 2019, he's excited to continue his first full season with the team. The upperclassmen on the team have been super supportive of Bates, welcomed him on the team, and are motivated to help him grow in his football career. Bates explains what they've meant to him.
"It feels great," said Bates. "They are all like my second family. They have always given me high hopes."
Bates has always been a football kid and a Canyon Lake fan. Going to watch high school football games through elementary and middle school was one of Bates' favorite things to do. After growing up watching the same team, Bates' one goal was to get on the varsity team he looked up to as a kid.
After a short playoff appearance in 2018, Bates hopes that the team can go further this year by keeping a high energy level throughout each game.
"We have to get going early," Bates said. "Start with the same energy and finish with the same energy."
This year's team is senior-heavy, so Bates will be one of the varsity players that can learn from the seniors and help next year's players grow. Bates is also excited to continue his football career through high school and has started thinking about college ball as well.
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