The Griffon News

With the end of summer just around the corner that can only mean one thing, the 2006 Missouri Western Football season is about to begin.

The Griffon men finished the 2005 season with a record of 9-3 overall and 6-2 within the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, landing them in a tie for the No.2 position within the conference.

The men have been ranked at the No. 5 position for the upcoming season as a result, and will kick off the season on Aug. 31, by taking to the road to play tough competitor Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla.

Jerry Partridge will resume his position as head football coach for the tenth consecutive year. Over the years Partridge has learned that there is much more that goes into the game than just the numbers and records.

He feels that every season is a week to week obstacle course that the team has to take one game at a time.

“There is so much more to measure the success other than win/loss records,” Partridge said.

Partridge feels that one of the main successes he has achieved this year is that 75–80% of his squad are veterans and have played under the lights and pressure of the stadium. Partridge is very confident in each player to go out there and get the job, while showing the younger and newer players how it’s done.

“That’s what you always worry about,” Partridge said. “Kids can be great players, kids can be great athletes and be physical and want to go out there and play the game then they freeze.”

There are several different aspects to take into consideration when trying to align a winning team.

Partridge said that the offense and defense aspects are at a very good standing point, and the only concern is the depth and mobility of the team in case of injuries.

No matter what happens, Partridge believes that his team is ready for the challenges and ready to win some games.

“It’s going to be great football all year long,” Partridge said.

Agreeing with Partridge is senior Gijon Robinson who has resumed his position as starting tight end for the Griffons, and has every desire to end his college football career with victories. He is one of the four returning First Team All-Conference players, which include running back Jeremiah White, defensive end Michael Cobbins and cornerback Greg Carbin.

Robinson feels that this year the team will focus a great deal of time on team unity as well as striving for perfection in all aspects of the game.

“My expectations are for us to have a great season on offense and defense,” Robinson said. “We have a great chance at making it to the playoffs.”

In order for the Western football team to reach playoff aspirations Robinson says that the team is working hard at polishing up on all of the basics and making sure the incoming players are learning as well.

Fellow teammate junior Joey Harris, who is a wide receiver for the Griffons, coincides with Robinson as far as the team unity and togetherness as one of their strongest aspects. Harris best describes the team’s goals and attitude in one phrase: “We want to win it all.”

View the 2006 Griffon Football Schedule