As Lebanon’s high school football season comes to a close, several seniors reflect on their final games, the lessons learned, and the memories made. For players like Joel Acton, Brendan Shockley, and Jackson Folden, this season wasn’t just about football… it was about camaraderie, personal growth, and leaving a lasting legacy. Through victories, challenges, and moments of reflection, these athletes share their thoughts on what football has meant to them and how their experiences will shape their futures.
Senior Joel Acton wrapped up his high school football career with mixed emotions, realizing he’d miss the friendships he formed more than the game itself. “I’m not one of the people that played my whole life; I only played for two years, but it definitely sucked more than I thought it would,” he said. “I was honestly sad about my friends more than football.”
The team, which he described as close-knit and full of camaraderie, held a special place in his heart. “The team was great; I loved everyone, and we all got along really well,” he said, with a big win against their rival, Western Boone, standing out as a season highlight.
Reflecting on lessons learned, Joel shared that “an environment really does affect the way you play… the happier the team, the better we play.” Though he doesn’t plan to continue football after high school, he advised younger players to “just work hard and enjoy it, as it really does fly by.” Joel also thanked the community, saying, “Thanks for making this a great last year.”
Senior Brendan Shockley shared his reflections on his final high school football season, marked by both a major injury and deep gratitude for his teammates. “I realized I wouldn’t be able to play with all of them again,” he said, acknowledging the emotional side of his injury. He added that the team had always been his motivation. “This team has been my motivation to keep going and keep playing and striving to get better.”
Brendan’s highlight of his career was playing with his teammates after years of not being able to. “Last year we got to play all together for the first time since 8th grade, so that would be a highlight to me,” he said. Despite the injury, Brendan learned the importance of staying positive and living in the moment. “The lesson I’ve learned is to have a positive mindset and make everyday count, because you don’t know what will happen, but you just need to go out there and have fun.”
Looking ahead, Brendan plans to play college football once he is healthy. “I plan on playing in college, but more importantly, I need to get healthy,” he explained. As for the underclassmen, he offered advice: “Go hard every play and don’t give up.”
Finally, Brendan expressed his gratitude to the community for their support throughout the season. “I just want to thank everyone for cheering for the team and being there for us.”
Senior Jackson Folden’s final high school football season was filled with deep reflections and gratitude for the experiences he has had with his teammates. “It was my last time stepping on the field and fighting for my brothers,” he said, emphasizing the emotional connection he had with his team. “They have meant everything… so many memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
One of the season’s standout moments for Jackson was the team’s victory over Western Boone, which he proudly described as “beating the **** out of them this year.”
Through his time on the field, Jackson learned valuable life lessons. “I’ve learned how to be a teammate and how to be a better man in life,” he said. While Jackson doesn’t plan to play college football, he sees a future in coaching. “I could see myself coaching at some point,” he said.
To the younger players, Jackson’s advice was simple yet heartfelt: “Cherish every moment because it goes by way too fast, and you won’t ever get it back.”
Jackson also took a moment to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey. “I appreciate the community for all their support, and I always want to say thank you to my mom and dad for being there with me and being my number one supporters.”
As it finally comes to an end, seniors Joel Acton, Brendan Shockley, and Jackson Folden leave behind a legacy of hard work and invaluable life lessons. Each player reflected on the deep bonds they formed with their teammates, the unforgettable moments on the field, and the personal growth they experienced throughout their time in football. From Joel’s appreciation for team unity, to Brendan’s resilience after an injury, and Jackson’s memories of fighting for his brothers, their journeys exemplify the true meaning of teamwork and dedication. As they move on to the next chapters of their lives, their impact on the team and the community will forever be remembered after the final whistle.
