A prep football diary: Week 3

Making history is one of the greatest achievements for any athlete.

That is exactly what the Anamosa football team did a week ago by bringing home the 'Battle Since 1922' trophy with a 56-20 victory over Tipton, closing the all-time series to a tight 31-30 Tipton lead.

This new rivalry game had a lot at stake going into the night, and there was a lot learned at the end.

The battle was not just for the trophy, but for our confidence to know how good our team really can be.

Not only were we attempting to make history by giving Anamosa a win engraved on that trophy, but we were also trying to become the first team in more than 10 years to start the year 3-0.

After all the setbacks the Anamosa football program has had, the comeback has finally arrived.

All we needed was a little change.

Change creates a new beginning — and Anamosa, as a whole, is going through a new beginning right now. As a school district and as a football program.

This new beginning is creating hope and spreading school pride that Anamosa hasn't seen in years. Principal Jacqueline Lahey and athletics director Brett Jones have installed a new system and a new attitude to the Anamosa Community School District. They have given us reasons to be proud of our school.

Changes in the school include a new auditorium, two new sciences rooms, band and choir rooms, two elevators, air conditioning, the addition to the commons, new handicap accessible bathrooms and a new concession stand.

We want to add another addition to this school — a football tradition.

Coach Ryan Streets has installed a new system and a positive attitude. He has given us a reason to believe our football program can reach the top.

A year ago, Anamosa football had its most successful season in more than 10 years. Being the first team in 10 years to make it to the playoffs was nice, but we want more.

Back-to-back winning seasons is something the Anamosa football program hasn't achieved in more than a quarter-century.

We are ranked fifth in the state in The Gazette/KCRG/KGYM poll, third according to the BC Moore Power Rankings.

This team, and this town, are enjoying a dream season everybody would have laughed at two years ago.

Nobody is laughing anymore.

This team is legit and we have serious championship aspirations.

After last year — the year that started this new beginning of Anamosa football — the next step is to have every year be one to remember.

The first step has been made. Now it is time to finish the job.

We are ready to make history.