LYNN — Classical powderpuff coach Rob Smith and his players understand their annual game against crosstown rival English is a fun tradition. But make no mistake about it, the Rams have defeated the Bulldogs for the past three tilts and they’re hungry to make it a fourth this year.
“I tell them every day ‘you have to keep the tradition going,'” Smith, in his 10th season coaching the Rams, said. “They don’t want to be the team that breaks our winning streak. That really motivates them.”
This year’s game between the Bulldogs and Rams will be played Sunday (noon) at Manning Field.
“I hope it’s a great game,” Smith said. “A lot of competition but friendly competition. A lot of people think Classical and English are enemies. We’re not enemies. It’s just a city rivalry. At the end of the day, we’re all one.”
Smith feels things have gone well thus far in practice. Classical has a group of 38 players who’ve dedicated themselves to attending practice on a daily basis while learning both the offensive and defensive systems.
“Things are looking pretty good,” Smith said. “This year’s the year we have the most speed, the best hands. If we can get our offensive line to put it together, we’ll be good. The line is coming together. Defensively we’re going to be very strong.
“They’re responding very well,” Smith continued. “The girls we have are there every night at practice. They’re listening, learning. They want to get better. They don’t want to be the team that breaks the win streak.”
Communication has been a strongpoint in practice.
“Our team does a lot of talking,” Smith said. “We do a lot of helping. We try to keep each other upbeat. The girls are paying attention. They want to learn.”
Key players on Classical’s offense include Skyler Crayton, Abby Stafford and Olivia Pedro. On defense, Jazzmine Masse, Rebecca Walker, Kayla Morrill and Ava Brown will lead the Rams.
“We’re really strong in our defensive backfield,” Smith said. “Our linebackers, our whole defense is very strong. I’m looking for good things out of our running backs on offense.”
Joining Smith on his coaching staff are Lewis Reynolds, Harold Watler and Rod Valerie. All coaches are volunteers and Smith said he looks forward to doing his part in helping the Classical seniors have a memorable experience.
“We get the satisfaction out of seeing the girls have fun,” Smith said. “We like to volunteer our time so the kids can have a good time and a good experience for their high school careers.”
