Last week, the middle school Bulldogs won the Southeast Region Middle School Football Championship, taking out last year’s champion, Toombs County, for the 2021 title. The Dawgs went undefeated on the year, culminating the end of an eighth grade class that only lost two games in three seasons. Tuff Boddiford and Tyler Foreman were two members of that prestigious group and were looked at as leaders of the team this year. The Chronicle sat down with them last week for an interview. Here’s what they had to say about their big win, the work it required, and their overall thoughts about being student-athletes.
What can you say about winning the middle school championship?
Boddiford: It was an awesome experience and I wouldn’t want to do it with any other group of players.
Foreman: I can say I knew we could accomplish a win after all the hard work in practice effort on and off the field. I had confidence in my team. We fought and battled the whole season with bumps and bruises but kept battling.
What do you do to calm your butterflies while you compete?
Boddiford: Nothing really. Once the ball is kicked off then all my butterflies and nervousness goes away.
Foreman: To calm my butterflies when I compete,, I just think about the plays I test myself about what to do on this play.
Who inspired you as an athlete?
Boddiford: Tim Tebow because he is a Godly man and he gives all the glory to Jesus after everything he does.
Foreman: Herschel Walker.
What one word describes you?
Boddiford: “Tough.”
Foreman: “Humble.”
Who was your favorite coach and why?
Boddiford: All my coaches are my favorite because they have always been there for me when I need help and they’ve always lifted me up when I was down.
Foreman: To be honest, Coach Kennedy is my favorite. No matter what the situation may be, he has faith in you and he always says that all the work you put in will pay off.
What do you give up to play sports?
Foreman: I give up time at home, riding, hunting, and working.
What mental tool do you use under pressure?
Boddiford: I just think about my teammates and how much work they have put in and I want to do it for them so that’s what I use to help me keep pushing and never give up.
Foreman: An old Nike saying “Just Do It.” I have trained my body to “just do it” when under pressure.
Do you think attitude is a factor in winning?
Boddiford: Yes because a person with a horrible attitude is not good for your team or for the person with the attitude. A person with an attitude thinks he/she can do anything by themself and doesn’t need help on it, but it’s supposed to be a team effort.
Foreman: Your attitude defines and limits your success.