SEASON PREVIEW: Dallas Christian Chargers Football
Whether you're talking about the explosive offense or the powerful defense, the Dallas Christian Chargers football program is well known in the world of TAPPS football. The team lost only one game last season en route to the program's ninth state championship. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with Coach Wheeler and a couple of the athletes during the Dallas Christian fall sports VYPE DFW Media Day to discuss exactly what fans can expect as the Chargers head into the fall season!
A Look Back
Last season, the Chargers went 12-1 as they secured a state title. The team posted incredible victories over the likes of Bishop Lynch, Fort Bend Christian Academy, Fort Worth Christian, and finally a dominating 33-14 victory over Second Baptist to secure their title. "Last season was a great season. Not only did we win a championship, but our kids just got better week by week," Coach Wheeler said. "Our goal was to win the championship since we fell short the year before."
Dallas Christian was able to channel all of their energy to earn wins week after week and fight deep into playoff. The team made it their mission to close out the season as champions, went out on the hunt for a title, and brought it home. The team was able to take their positive energy into the off season and work hard to prepare for an even stronger entry into the 2022-23 season.
What To Expect
With a taste of success, the Chargers are looking to continue building onto their legacy this season. "We're building up on the weak points that we had last year," running back and safety, Chris Scott, told VYPE. "We won't let any of our struggles from last season effect our game." Being able to focus on sharpening the skills they already have, bringing up the next young group of athletes ahead, and fine tune any mistakes from the last season will play a key role in the Chargers' success going forward. "We're just continuing to improve," said quarterback Luke Carney. "We have new players coming in, so we're looking to replicate what we did last year and win a state championship."
There's no doubt that the team has their eyes on the prize. "We're getting them to understand that just because they won last season, it doesn't guarantee a championship this season," Coach Wheeler added. "Just because we did it last year, doesn't mean it's going to happen again. So, we're going back and making sure we are emphasizing the little things that are going to help us progress and hopefully get us to where we can win another championship."
"We have to be disciplined on both sides of the ball-- concentrating on the little things that will end up being the big things in the game," Wheeler finished.
Goals create Champions
While it's important to keep team goals in mind, individual goals help athletes strive for something greater on the field. The team has a goal to continue to win games and in winning those games, fans see individuals reach their own accomplishments. "My goals for myself this season include leading the team in tackles as well as racking up at least one thousand rushing yards," Scott said when discussing his upcoming season. "My goal is to win another state championship and just continue to not only improve as a player, but as a teammate," Carney said.
Looking Ahead
Every athlete and coach has a handful of moments that they look forward to as they prepare for their season. At Dallas Christian, it's no different. "Playing beside my brothers every game and turning up in the locker room before every game. I'm just excited to play with my family," Scott told VYPE. Carney mentioned that he's looking forward to the non-district games. "Fort Bend, Nolan Catholic, and Fort Worth Christian. We get to show our strengths against these teams before headed into the back half of the season which will be a little bit easier and then, of course, playoffs."
"I'm excited to just get the opportunity to come back and play again," said Coach Wheeler. "Every year is a little bit different. The kids are different. For us, as coaches, we look forward to finding what our kids do well and then execute a plan to see some success from it. "What I've learned from this group of athletes is that expectations stay the same. They still expect to win and do good. It's nice to know that that's what they want to do: they want to achieve great things and get back to the championship game."
Catch The Chargers in Action
The Chargers open their season with an away game against Bishop Dunne on Friday, August 26th before hosting their first home game of the season against Fort Bend Christian. Be sure to check out the team's schedule and cheer on the Chargers as they look to secure a 10th state title this season.