From Challenges to Chances: Tigers Football Keeps Pushing Forward

The Hastings Tigers Football team is facing a season of growth and learning, balancing a mix of young players and veteran leadership. While early games have been challenging, the focus remains on teamwork, improvement, and building a foundation for the future.

Sophomore Quarterback Charlie Ratzlaff has stepped into varsity action this year due to player injuries, including junior quarterback Carlos Gutierrez. Having played only one high school game last year, Ratzlaff is quickly adjusting to the pace and physicality of varsity football. 

“That first game was definitely a learning experience,” Ratzlaff said. “I didn’t play my best, but every week I’ll get better. The important thing is not giving up and making progress.”

Fellow sophomore Jaxon Brooks, who contributes at both running back and linebacker after earning a spot on the varsity team this year, believes the opportunity to step into a bigger role has been challenging but rewarding.

 “It’s definitely an adjustment,” Brooks said. “Varsity is a lot faster than I’ve played before, but it gives me something to work on every day in practice.”

While Brooks is focused on his own development, he also sees the same drive within his teammates.

“We know we’re young, but we’re learning together,” Brooks said. “We just try to work hard so we can compete.”

Ratzlaff and Brooks are supported by a group of seniors: Alex Amaya, Caleb Consbruck, Broeyn Hartman, Brody Dreher, Mckain Ratzlaff, Xander Redding, Trey VanSkiver, Calvin King, and Skyler Duering.  These seniors help guide the younger players and maintain team focus.

“The older guys have been awesome,” Ratzlaff said. “They push all of us to work harder and keep us motivated, even when games get tough.”

They only have five players on the lineup who played last year. Everyone else is new to the starting lineup.

“We knew it would be difficult, but our guys do a good job preparing for each opponent, focusing on what they can control, and learning from mistakes,” Coach Charlie Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker also highlighted how injuries have affected the team’s depth but also created opportunities for younger players to step up. 

“Sometimes when players are out, others emerge because they have to,” Shoemaker said. “It’s like a crash course in varsity football, and it helps build depth and experience for the rest of the season.”

Ratzlaff played starter quarterback for the freshman football team last year and had the opportunity to start for varsity three times.

”He’s a unique example because he’s only played a handful of games in high school. Our role is to be patient, guide him, and help him minimize mistakes while organizing the offense,” Shoemaker said. “Football is fast, and it’s a lot for a young player, but he’s responding well.” 

Shoemaker encourages the team to focus on the process rather than the product when facing strong opponents.

“Even if we’re outmatched, that doesn’t mean we can’t play hard and execute. Class B football is competitive, and each week gives our kids a chance to get better,” Shoemaker said.

For Ratzlaff, those lessons have already been clear.

“Every game teaches us something new,” Ratzlaff said. “We can’t control everything, but we can control our effort, our attitude, and how we play together.”

Shoemaker said that beyond football skills, this season is about teaching life lessons.

“Football is a grind,” Shoemaker said. “It teaches teamwork, mental toughness, and responsibility. Not every play is about glory. Sometimes it’s about doing your part for the team. I hope our kids take that mindset with them beyond the field.”