Senior standard: How West Orange football’s seniors resurrected the powerhouse program

Since spring football, West Orange High football coach Geno Thompson has been raving about his team to anyone who would listen — particularly singing the praises of his senior class. However, coming off of a 3-7 season in 2023 and significant roster turnover made it easy to dismiss or be skeptical of Thompson’s prognostications before the season by chalking it up to coach speak or trying to have a positive attitude. 

Fast-forward to now, and, well, it wasn’t coach speak. Thompson was right. His seniors are special, and because of their collective bond, trust and leadership, this group has been the driving force behind the Warriors’ 9-2 record, district championship and what they hope is the early stages of a deep playoff run. 

“I’ve said it from the beginning of the season: I had no idea what our record was going to be by the end of the season, but I knew this was going to be a fun year because of the senior leadership on this team,” Thompson said. “It’s probably one of the best seasons I’ve ever had coaching, because this group has made football fun. Obviously, as a head coach, you still have to deal with a bunch of different headaches and things of that nature, but it’s been a lot less this year — and I’m sure that has to do with winning — but also I think its because of how they carry themselves on a day-to-day basis. All year, I’ve heard nothing but praise about this senior class and the team as a whole from the teachers, faculty and the community about how they carry themselves.”

Off-field brotherhood, on-field success

Some of the most important characteristics of successful teams are chemistry, camaraderie and communication. These are also some of the most difficult characteristics to cultivate because they’re not microwavable. It takes an organic process to develop these things, and that takes a long time. 

Luckily for Thompson, a lot of these seniors have been growing into a tight-knit group since their Pop Warner days. 

“These guys just love (one another); that’s what makes them special,” Thompson said. “For the most part, they’ve been playing together since they were in the West Orange Bobcats in like the third or fourth grade, so they’ve been growing together since they were kids. … We always talk about teams that have left a legacy here, (they) are the ones who have that camaraderie, the teams that stick together, that hang out all the time, and that’s the kind of relationship these guys have with (one another). That sort of history and camaraderie is what makes it easy for them to sacrifice for (one another), and that’s been the case with this group. Pretty much since January, most of the seniors have independently been organizing and doing 5 a.m. or even 4 a.m. workouts.”

One of the seniors leading those workouts — and hosting them at his family’s home gym — is senior defensive back and Alabama commit Ivan Taylor. From his perspective, these early morning sessions have been crucial to the success West Orange has had this season. 

“This team is probably the most hard-working group that I’ve been around,” Taylor said. “A lot of our seniors will go work out early in the morning or late at night — just do things a lot of other people wouldn’t do. That sort of commitment from my teammates has really motivated me to work even harder. Everyone has those days where you don’t want to do it, but because my guys are always there, I have to get up and put in the work for them. This offseason was really good for us — not only in terms of the hard work we put in but we really got closer as a team. … I would say this class of seniors is so special because of our bond. We’re such a tight-knit group. We workout together, we eat together. There are a lot of things that go into making a great team, but I think having that special bond is one of the most important.”

Ultimately, that bond does more than push teammates to sacrifice for each other. 

“On the field, communication and trust are two of the biggest things you need to be successful,” Taylor said. “If I’m able to trust my teammate with doing something with my full heart, that’s all I need. I just need to trust the person lining up next to me, and that is easy when that person is your brother.”

Leadership and legacy

Despite having talented seniors throughout its position groups, this West Orange team has plenty of underclassmen who play significant roles. One of the other aspects that makes this senior group special is their ability to lead the team and understand the importance their leadership today will have on the present and future of the program.

“Average teams are those where the coaches lead; great teams are the ones that are player-led,” Thompson said. “That, to me, is always the biggest thing: Getting players to buy into the process of wanting to be great and understanding that to do that, you have to take ownership. We, as coaches, can say whatever we want until we’re blue in the face, and a lot of times they don’t grasp that message right away. But when there are leaders among your players who are echoing that message you’re giving your team and they’re reinforcing the message, it makes it a lot easier to have success.”

That’s what this group has done. 

“Because most of us grew up playing with (one another), our relationships with this program goes beyond football,” senior receiver Ryne Brown said. “We’re not just a team; we’re like a family. And because we’ve created that special bond, when it comes to football, we’re able to take accountability with each other and be leaders. Without that leadership, we can’t be a good team. We can’t be a good team without that bond. It just strengthens everything we do.” 

As the Warriors prepare to continue their run in the playoffs, these seniors know their time is winding down, and regardless of how the season ends, it’s undeniable the impact these players have made on the program. 

“I’m sure when this season ends, it’ll be tear-filled and emotional because of how great this group is,” Thompson said. “I’m just grateful for everything they’ve given to this program, the kind of dedication they put into this. … They’re the group that’s resurrected this program and brought it back to where it needs to be and I can’t say enough good things about these guys.”

But with the possibility of playing four more games together, assuming the Warriors reach the state championship, this is a moment to savor for this senior class.

“This season has meant everything to me,” senior linebacker Bryson Furrey said. “Playing with my brothers is the best part of football, and it’s just been great. If we keep winning and are able to keep playing together, that would be amazing, and that’s the goal. So, we’re just locking in each day for the chance to keep fighting next to each other for another week.”