Q&A with Cedar Ridge Red Wolves’ quarterback Tom Crawford
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — American football is defined as a “game played by two teams of 11 players, using an oval ball that players kick, throw, or carry.” But to the Cedar Ridge football team, football entails much more. In early April 2023, Cedar Ridge declared Brent Bailey as the new football coach, and last season, the team finished 1-9. They last secured a victorious season in 2016 with an all-time record of 6-5. Though that was just seven years ago, the team wishes to replicate the season this year. Tom Crawford, the Red Wolves’ Quarterback since his sophomore year, suspects “in this first game this year, we will score more than we did all of last season.” The 2023-2024 season will be Crawford’s third year as the starting quarterback, and unfortunately, his last. Last season he started on the varsity team but was on the JV team the year prior.
According to Crawford, the team’s biggest hurdles last year were their lack of points scored and not stopping the other team. Similar to other team sports, football involves an equal understanding of the plays for all the athletes. Once the team is aware of the plans, they’re all able to move the ball on offense and stop the other team on defense. Community and communication are both essential to making Crawford’s last year his best.
“Every week before a game, we’ll eat meals together, travel together, pray together, and clean up together.” Despite the small number of participants, the Red Wolves operate as one unit. Crawford believes that “knowing the guy next to you is going through the same thing as you really bonds you together as a team.”
Compared to his freshmen year, Crawford says that wearing masks and the social dynamic of everyone having their own friends outside of football impacted the intimacy of the team. Luckily, without the presence of COVID-19, as well as a change in atmosphere, “a lot of [the players] go out for lunch after practice, or hang out when [they’re] not engaging in football activities.” The Red Wolves receive a diverse array of feedback from the student body. But, to all the negative observers, Crawford “uses the criticism. With all the criticism we receive we’re always the underdogs. And…that’s the best time to shock the world.”
“One thing I’ve learned?” Crawford shared. “I’ve learned that it’s deeper than what you see on the field.”
Q&A
What does the coach plan to do differently to help the team score more this year?
Crawford: One of the things we’re doing differently from last year is teaching the players how to understand the game better, how to understand space and attack where the defense isn’t. We’re learning how to play more aggressively and to better understand what we’re doing. In the first game, we will score more than we did all of last season!
What are the biggest hurdles the team needs to overcome this season?
Crawford: Last year, our biggest issues were not scoring points and not stopping the other team from scoring. A big hurdle to overcome is getting on the same page as a team. Once that happens, and we’re all working in sync, we can move the ball on offense and stop the other team on defense.
What are some pre-game rituals the team practices? How does the team implement bonding and community?
Crawford: We do everything as a team, like lifting weights. Really, it’s about knowing the guy next to you is going through the same thing as you are. It really bonds you together as a team.
How has the team dynamic changed since your freshman year? Has it improved?
Crawford: Yes, things have definitely improved. We’ve gotten much closer. In my Freshman year—which was, of course, during COVID—it was hard to be close as a team. We were wearing masks, and everyone had strong friendships outside of the team that didn’t play football. This year, a lot of us go out for lunch after practice or hang out when we’re not doing football stuff. It’s really great to see the dynamic get closer. We’re also more competitive as a group.
How does the team receive criticism? How do they manage all the negative feedback?
Crawford: We use it. With all the criticism we receive, we’re always the underdogs. That’s the best time to shock the world!
What do you think makes a great athlete? What about a great football player?
Crawford: Someone who knows what they’re doing and doesn’t give up. If you really have a passion for the sport, and you don’t give up on getting better, you will be amazing. I’ve noticed that in my many years of sports.
What are the goals of the team this year?
Crawford: Win! And, of course, try to have fun.
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