The Eagles finished the 2024-2025 season with an 8-4 record and a loss to West High School, but they are aiming even higher this year. Senior captains Pasha Heydari and Ian Morrison share their excitement for this culminating year as they prepare for a big game.
“We got ranked last by VC Star, so we’re hungry to show everyone what we can do,” Morrison said. “One of our goals is to win three or four of our league games and advance to the playoffs, which is well within reach for this team.”
The OPHS varsity players are excited to prove this ranking wrong, and they intend to come out with intensity during their first game of the season.
“Everyone in our locker room brings a hunger and drive to practice that is unmatched and I think that will show in our performances,” Heydari said. “We’re a close group; we’re not afraid to voice our feelings to one another and work together towards success.”
Since both Heydari and Morrison are coming up on their fourth year playing for OPHS football, they share a sense of nostalgia about their final season.
“I’ve spent these four years growing, connecting and building relationships with the people I share the field with today. It’s a true honor to have these relationships with my teammates, and I’m so glad that I get to lead us into games,” Heydari said.
Through summer, the Eagles have been working hard to perfect their skills and tighten their techniques just in time for season.
“Most of the time, we start practice by lifting weights and building strength in the weight room,” Heydari said. “After that, we spend close to an hour reviewing film and installing anything we need to execute on the field.”
However, one obstacle the team expects to face is their small size. With only 25 to 30 players on the varsity roster, OPHS football struggles when a member is sick or injured.
“The size of our team presents challenges, especially due to the contact and physicality of a sport like football. Sometimes, we are simply short on players,” Heydari said.
Despite having a smaller roster than their opponents, OPHS football turns this weakness into a strength. Having a small team allows for closer connections and long-term bonding between players and coaches.
“Everyone’s got to be locked in at practice because we all know that if one person goes down, someone has to step up. Each player knows they are an integral part of this team,” Morrison said.
