MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – High school football starts in just over a week and while the countdown is underway, so are our season previews here at FOX10. Today we highlight the Robertsdale Golden Bears, a team that has experienced some adversity but is entering this year under new leadership hoping to turn things around.
Oct. 1, 2021, was the last time the Golden Bears won a football game. They have lost 24 straight games, which is the longest losing streak in program history, but Robertsdale believes they have found the man who can turn things around. They hired veteran coach Cris Bell in February. Now, in the midst of fall camp, they are focusing on the fundamentals as they prepare to open their season next Friday with Chickasaw.
“We’re making progress. We’re taking baby steps, you know, the kids are trying so hard. You know, we have some habits that we’re trying to correct. We have some of the mental habits that are probably the biggest thing we’re trying to correct. We just have to change our mindset, change the way we approach things. Obviously, we’re introducing some new concepts offensively and defensively, even on special teams, but they’re adapting. Sometimes you have to crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run, and we’re still in that crawling phase right now.
The Golden Bears are facing a battle for the quarterback position and coach Bell says the position is up for grabs.
“Well, we still have a long way to go. We have two guys battling for the quarterback spot, Cameron, Joseph and Skyler Washington, and they both have their strengths. With both of them, we’ll be able to move the ball. You want one of them to just step up and say, ‘That’s my job.’ We’re not at that point yet.”
Robertsdale has an intersquad game on Friday where both quarterbacks have a chance to earn QB1. As for defense, Bell likes the way the Golden Bears look on that side of the ball, but he’s still hoping to see improvement next week.
“Defensively, we look good. I think we play hard. Brad Goldman is our defensive coordinator. He’s done a really good job of giving us the right mindset to come to the football. I mean, the tough part is the last few years they’ve allowed over 40 points a game and scored less than 10. So we’ve got to improve a lot in both areas.”
Robertsdale is taking it week by week, game by game. Right now, all eyes are on week one.
“You know, we can’t wait to get out there and play, but I don’t think you ever feel ready. I’d like to have a couple more weeks before we have to go, but the kids are excited and looking forward to it. We’re getting out there and Chickasaw is the only thing on our minds right now.”
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