Football is back on the field for week three of District 4-5A play, taking on Independence Thursday at the Ford Center.

“I really just want to win the game,” senior Khaleb Cooper said. “I really do believe [we have a chance at a win]. We played Independence in the scrimmage and we did amazing in my eyes.”

Thursday’s game has brought buzz on campus with many students believing this is one of the Redhawks’ best chances to end a streak of losses that dates back to the 2021-22 school year. Head football coach Matt Swinnea believes several factors have contributed to these rumors.

“I think a couple of things [have propped the conversation],” Swinnea said. “One is, there’s a lot of familiarity. We played against them in the spring seven on seven and during summer, and then we scrimmaged them also. And so, you know, it’s pretty even scrimmage. In fact, actually, we were on top. So I think that’s probably the root of it.”

In order to get the win, the Redhawks will have to improve in a few areas from last week.

“I think up front on both sides of the ball has been an emphasis for us both blocking and, you know, then just stopping the run,” Swinnea said. “So, I mean those are the two biggest points of emphasis.”