By By Chandler Myers
Playing on a 0-11 football team can be difficult, but accomplishing two goals can make the dismal season a little easier to deal with.
Escambia Academy Cougars senior Nick Carlin was a part of a football team that saw much more tragedy than triumph, while playing the toughest schedule in the AISA, but accomplished two goals he set for himself.
Carlin’s first goal was to record 100 solo tackles, which he conquered in his final game as a Cougar against Bessemer Academy.
Carlin said netting that number of tackles really boosted his confidence and excited him.
Carlin’s other goal has been a dream he has sought after for four years at EA.
The AISA All-Star game selects the best players at each position throughout the state and places them on two teams from northern and southern Alabama.
Carlin said being selected for this game has been something he wanted since his freshman year. He added making the cut lets him know that his hard work has paid off.
A player making the All-Star game is not only rewarding for a player, but for the player’s coach as well.
Cougars head coach Heath Gibson has coached Carlin since he was a ninth grader and has witnessed him grow into the player he is today.
Gibson said Carlin deserves to play in the game with the other players selected. He added that it is a tribute to the hard work he has seen from Carlin for four years.
Not winning a game never affected Carlin’s thoughts on accomplishing his goals.
Carlin said having a rough season happens to a lot of teams, but you have take the good with the bad and keep working.
Gibson saw this season as a stepping-stone and respects how Carlin never gave up or stopped playing the game.
Gibson said Carlin’s determination is something he looks for in all of his players.
Carlin plays in the AISA All-Star football game on Dec.4. at Stanley-Jensen Stadium in Prattville.