JOURNAL SPORTS
It’s been a steady progression for the Booker T. Washington Lions that they are hoping will continue in that direction in the 2025 season..
Three years ago, head coach Gary Cooper took over a team that had gone 1-9 and was held to no more than one touchdown in seven games.
In Cooper’s first year (2023), the Lions went 3-7 and followed that with a 4-6 regular season last year and a playoff berth.
Now it’s time to see if BTW can take that next step.
“Execution is what we need,” Cooper said.” The kids have been close the last couple of years and have been working their tails off. We had a couple of close games last year that could have gone either way. At this point, it just comes down to executing and trusting each other.”
Indeed, the Lions were within one score in two losses, including a 20-14 loss to undefeated District 1-4A champion North DeSoto. They also lost 28-24 to Woodlawn in the final game of the regular season.
Going from struggling to just score a touchdown to making the playoffs certainly shows progress, but the Lions are looking for more. Cooper has a simple answer for what it will take for the Lions to get better.
“Work,” he said.
And that’s what they have been doing. “We went four days a week this summer,” he said. “The kids had some time off, but for the most part we’ve been grinding it, trying to get ready for Friday nights.”
Offensive lineman Seven Smith (6-3, 338) – of course his jersey number is 77 – also has a succinct answer to what it will take.
“Listen to what coach says,” Smith said.,
“These kids can handle a lot more than we thought,” Cooper said. “We put more on their plate and give them new things to do and they have gotten a lot better. At this point, they have matured and are older, so it’s going to be a great group of kids who will do great things.”
Devion Stewart is back at quarterback with wide receiver D.K. Mitchell, who had 37 catches for 649 yards last year, also returning. Damien O’Neal, who has played all over the field since his days of starting as a freshman quarterback, is now at wide receiver and defensive back.
Wide receiver Kendrell Johnson is another three-year starter.
As part of the team’s growth, Cooper has also emphasized community work for his players.
“The best thing is for the kids to realize what goes on behind the scenes,” Cooper said. “It’s not just about Xs and Os with us, it’s about community involvement as well. The kids see that it’s more than just playing football.”
The Lions open the season in Campti against Lakeview on Sept. 5. The annual Soul Bowl game against Green Oaks will be played on Sept. 20 at Leonard C. Barnes Stadium.