FOREST, Va. – After back to back 12-1 seasons, last year's 2-8 campaign was certainly out of character in Forest. It was an odd year in more ways than one as the Cavaliers of coach Bob Christmas led in nearly every game but could not seal the deal. JF led six times in the 4th quarter but could not hold the lead. Last year's youth is this year's experience and those close losses are something which has been motivating Jefferson Forest in a big way.
We've been motivated ever since the season ended, you know? You're right, we lost six games in the fourth quarter and we were ahead in all six of them. and so you know we didn't finish last year." Christmas said.
"That's been a big thing for us to finish and to play the fourth quarter. We got a great group this year and I'm excited to coach them, he said.
"After a season like that you got one of two ways you can go. You can either be determined or you can wallow in it and then not get any better and I think this bunch is definitely determined to show what they can do " Christmas added.
"Oh we're hungry. It is very motivating, we are very determined this year putting in his work but we are very determined this year," Cavalier guard Orville Peterson said.
"It's given us a lot more drive it's a whole different mentality this year. We didn't have a lot of leadership last year but we got plenty of guys in the locker room ready to lead this team to more wins this year," Cavaliers senior safety Nick Rainey said.
Jefferson Forest opens on Aug. 25 when they travel to 3A state runner-up Staunton River.