The Undefeated Rockets 

The Lowellville Rockets are catching eyes all around the state with their 9-0 record nearing the end of the season. After many years of could have, should have would haves, the Rockets are bringing themselves into the light with something to prove. A season like this comes with many questions, a lot of hows, whys and whos. Of course there are many people who deserve credit but we got an inside look with the head coach, Andrew Mamula, and three other key players in such a successful season.

Andrew Mamula is the head coach of the Lowellville Rockets. He believes his players are risk takers and this is what sets them apart from other teams in the area. He said,  “We’re not afraid to take another shot.” He said  when his players  get knocked down, have bad plays, or make mistakes in general, they get right back up and keep competing. The Rockets have grown as a team. Mamula says that as a team Lowellville has gotten more aggressive, continuing to play hard every play as the season progresses.

The players have a lot to say about their season, too. Starting running back, Mark Dubos said that one thing contributing to the Rockets success is that the Rockets  give the most effort.  According to Dubos, when the Rockets play they play to win. He said, “We play hard, we play together”. 

     Offensive lineman Anthony Vrabel believes that his team has become more physical and less afraid  of bigger teams, such as Springfield or Western Reserve, compared to the past. Anthony said,  “We have a better mindset,” when being compared to other teams they have faced.   

      Braylen Dabney, a wide receiver, also talked about mindset. Dabney said that they come to every game “0-0”, to just focus on beating the opponent on hand. Lowellville has the players to back their mindset too.  Braylen said, “Our skill players and lineman are smarter and more skilled than the past”. 

Overall, the Rockets have surprised the league with what they have shown so far in the season. The coaching staff and players show that they have the mindset and the manpower to get things done this year and they refuse to let anything get in their way. The Rockets are making a statement this year and are proving that they aren’t the same team from the years before. They’ve given their all to get this far and they show no signs of slowing down for anyone, or any reason. We wish them the best of luck, and of course, go Rockets!

Written by Casey Gordon, Photographed by Kellie Neider