Worth The Wait: Storm Making History

The long-suffering Creek Valley Storm Football program finally got a taste of success last year, and that solid foundation built a team that has not only become the winningest team in Creek Valley High School history, but is now poised to compete for a state title.

Head coach Joe Kupper has now had the time to get a solid group of athletes through his system, and the patience and work put in by the team shows. Not only have they had a successful season, they have become a dominant team that scores at any time with multiple weapons and has a shut-down defense that ends games early for opponents. Now they're ready for their biggest game yet- a home semi-final playoff game against the number two seeded Harvard Cardinals.

Kupper spoke of facing Harvard and his connection with the team, saying, " I learned how to coach 6-man football under the tutelage of Coach Scott Trimble. Much of what we run was developed by him, and you will see that on Friday. I can still call most of his formations by name. They have very similar athletes to us. They run the same things, and Scott and I call offenses and defenses in much the same way. We are really good friends, and we talk on the phone all year long. We have visited several times already about next Friday. I'm extremely excited to show what we have to the man I most certainly consider my mentor. The fact that it happens to be in a semifinal game makes it that much more awesome."

Kupper spoke of his talented squad and their development, especially with senior Patrick Hansen, saying, "At the end of the season last year Patrick came to me in the coach's office and asked me, "When is it gonna be my time coach? When will it be my turn?" Patrick is very aware that it is his senior year, and he is not taking anything for granted. You can tell by the way he talks to the team as a captain, and as a senior. He is absolutely in it to win it. It shows in his play as well. He is playing in a different gear than any other player I have ever coached. I knew when he was a freshman that he was going to be a special player for the program. He has exceeded all of my expectations from that season 4 years ago. He has worked hard in every sport and off season for four years. The kid will not be denied."

He also commented on the development of sophomore Lucas Trujillo, a player with great speed that is now understanding the need to follow his blockers and let a play develop rather than just running to open field.

"It has been a lot of fun to watch Lucas grow this year. He hasn't always been the most disciplined player, and his growth has been a process in itself. I credit Lucas, and his teammates for holding him accountable. The guys have tossed him a lot of guff about not maintaining his defensive end responsibilities, or not hitting the holes that they made for him. Lucas has taken this harassment to heart it seems. He is turning into a fine running back."

With high caliber offensive players and a tough and disciplined defense, the Storm has become a team that is among the best in the state. With talent in all aspects of the game, look for Kupper's squad to continue their strong play well into the future as a new crop of star athletes emerge.