Baylor Hoping to Move Past State Semifinals This Season

Chattanooga-(WDEF) The Baylor football team made it all the way to the state final four last season.
So now this year’s team wants to make that extra push, and advance to the state championship game in 2016.
Like any high school football practice, coaches voices can be heard echoing across the field at Baylor.
Said free safety Brendon Harris-“Our coaches want us to bring enthusiasm, but this week I feel like they’ve really brought the enthusiasm. It kind of lifts you up and gets you ready for practice.”
Said head coach Phil Massey-“If we have a bad day, I take it upon myself that it’s my fault. But if we are bringing the enthusiasm, and we’re (coaches) giving the effort we want our kids to in the way that we coach, then we feel like that’s sort of contagious, and the kids realize it.”
While the Red Raiders must find a new quarterback this fall, it’s the defense Coach Massey wants to sizzle.
Said Massey-“When we create our schedules as far as our practice schedules and all of our team stuff, our emphasis is first and foremost on defense believe it or not. Although we have had some success on offense the last couple of years, our team stuff and group stuff is generally defense first and then offense second.”
Baylor has made it to the state semifinals game the last two years, so it’s hard next to think about taking that next step this season.
Said offensive lineman Isaiah Strawter-“We talk about it constantly. Talk about the state ring, and what we have to do different this year, and how everyone has to step up and come to their responsibilities.”
Added Harris-“If you come out with the attitude every day that I want to get better, and I have the attitude I want to win the state championship, then you will perform like that every time.”
The schedule sets up for Baylor this season with seven home games.
Said Massey-“Probably the first time since maybe before the split that we’ve got seven games. Excuse me, eight games that will be played in Hamilton County.”
Said Strawter-“Love the fans. Love hearing them cheer. Love everything about it. Love all aspects. Field, turf, music.”