Good Sports: Strathmore Football

In Strathmore, they have this saying, "Go 1-0."

"It really is one play, one assignment, one situation at a time. We don't even talk about winning football games," said Strathmore football head coach Jeromy Blackwell.

Yet over the past two seasons, that's all Strathmore has done with a record of 28-1 in that span including a perfect 14-0 this season.

"We talk about let's matchup against the man across from you and let's try to beat that guy and if you don't beat him the first time you peel yourself up and you get right back up after him again," said Blackwell.

Which is the exact opportunity that presents itself in the state semifinals on Friday night. A rematch with St. Patrick-St. Vincent the team that ended Strathmore's run at perfection last year with a one-point win in the final seconds of the state title game last year.

"I felt like it was the end of the world and getting this chance and playing them again, it's like one in a million," said linebacker Damian Valencia.

One more 1-0, as in a victory in the semifinals will advance Strathmore to the State Championship game with an opportunity to make history.

"Opportunity knocks once, maybe twice in your whole life. Every once in a while you have to knock down the door and seize the moment and so here is our chance. We are going to shine, we are going come out 100 MPH and play football," said Blackwell.