Something electric is happening at Hagerty High School this football season. The team isn’t just playing games—they’re building something bigger. A culture. A family. A winning tradition that’s making waves both on and off the field. And honestly? It’s really fun to watch.
So what’s the secret behind Hagerty Football’s rise this year? Let’s break it down.
It Starts With Team Culture
At Hagerty, the players and coaches are working together to create more than just a team. They’re forming a brotherhood. One that respects hard work, discipline, and each other.
Coach Mike Sinclair, who took over the program just a few years ago, has really emphasized the importance of team culture. He often says, “If we grow the person, the player will follow.” Pretty powerful stuff.
And it’s working. You can feel it at practice, in the weight room, and, of course, under those Friday night lights.
They’re Putting in the Work
You can’t build a winning culture without hard work. And these guys are grinding.
- Summer conditioning? Starts at sunrise.
- Film study? Hours of game tape each week.
- Team meetings? More like mini-motivation sessions.
Players are holding each other accountable. Captains are stepping up. Upperclassmen are mentoring the younger guys. It’s that kind of effort that separates average teams from great ones.
Leaders Are Stepping Up
Every strong team needs leaders. This year, Hagerty has plenty.
Quarterback Jayden Carter, a senior, is the heart of the offense. He keeps his teammates hyped and focused. Running back Tyrese “Turbo” Mitchell brings energy that’s just contagious. And linebacker Cameron Lee has turned into the vocal anchor on defense. These guys are pushing their team to reach a higher standard every single day.
The leadership doesn’t stop at the players. The coaching staff has been critical in building a system the athletes believe in. They mix tough love with trust—and it shows.
They’re Having Fun Together
Let’s not forget—football should be fun! And Hagerty’s players are definitely enjoying themselves this season.
From post-practice cookouts to locker room celebrations, this team enjoys the ride. When players love being around one another, it boosts morale. When practices are competitive and exciting, practice becomes the best part of their day.
They even started a goofy tradition this year: whoever makes the biggest play in practice wears the “Wolf Chain”—a giant, furry necklace with a wolf claw on it. Yeah, it’s wild. But it’s also awesome. And the team loves it.
The Little Things Matter
Winning isn’t just about big plays and touchdowns. It’s about details.
- Hand placement on a block.
- Timing on a pass route.
- Finishing every sprint.
These little things make a huge difference. And the Hagerty players are dialed in. Coaches are preaching focus and effort. The players are rising to the challenge.
A Defense That Brings the Heat
This year’s defense is fast, aggressive, and fearless. The D-line is stacking up sacks. The linebackers are reading plays like pros. And the secondary? Ball hawks.
Cameron Lee leads a defense that’s forcing turnovers and changing games. It’s a unit built on speed and grit. Each drive, they look to set the tone—and most of the time, they succeed.
Offense with Some Flash
Yeah, the offense is rolling too. Jayden Carter has become a dual-threat sensation. Whether he’s launching deep bombs or scrambling for a first down, he keeps defenses guessing.
Receiver Rico Thomas has serious hands and blazing speed, and “Turbo” Mitchell is carving up defenses week after week.
They’re not just scoring points. They’re exciting fans. The student section loves it. The stands are packed. There’s real buzz around town when Hagerty hits the field.
Bonded Off the Field Too
Another reason this team is thriving? The off-field connection.
Friday night lights are big, of course. But the real work happens Monday through Thursday—and even on weekends. Players volunteer together. They hang out. They help each other with schoolwork.
They even started a weekly “Grub & Grind” session. After practice, the team eats together, then hits the film room. It’s part bonding moment, part strategy session.
Support from the Hagerty Family
You can’t talk about this team without mentioning the support around them. Hagerty’s fans are all in this year.
The pep rallies are louder. The bleachers are fuller. The boosters are going all out. Parents, teachers, and students are showing up big—and the players feel the love.
Even alumni are getting involved. Former Hagerty players are coming back to speak to the team. That kind of legacy matters. It makes guys want to leave their own mark.
Setting Goals—and Crushing Them
Before the season started, the team got together to write down goals. Not just things like “win state”—though that’s definitely on the list. They also set personal goals.
- Be a better teammate.
- Stay focused in school.
- Lead more by example.
These goals keep the team grounded. And when they hit one? They celebrate it like a win.
This Isn’t Just a Season—It’s a Movement
The coolest part? This energy is spreading. Younger students are paying attention. More athletes want to join the program. Hagerty Football isn’t just having a good year—they’re building something that lasts.
Wins come and go. But culture? That sticks. And right now, Hagerty is laying down the foundation for years of success.
Closing Thoughts
Hagerty Football is doing more than just winning games. They’re winning hearts. They’re building leaders. And they’re showing the power of what happens when a group of people commits to something greater than themselves.
This season is special. And whether they hoist a trophy or not, one thing’s clear—Hagerty Football is shaping a winning team culture that’s here to stay.
Go Huskies!