The perks of being an underdog

by Canaan Freeman|sports editor

This year has been a year to remember when it comes to Jaguar football, the Johnson varsity football team is continuing to pull off big time wins in the playoffs. Since round one the Jags have been the underdogs and most people had them losing in the opening stages of the postseason.

The final score of the game against Laredo Alexander on November 29, 2013

Although they have been underdogs in two out of the three playoff games, they have managed to overcome the odds and prove the city wrong. The first round matchup against Smithson Valley had the bar set high, but the Jags were up for the challenge ending the Rangers undefeated season with a 49 to 45 victory.

Brandeis was the next team standing in the Jags way, where the Broncos were the favorites and the Jags being the underestimated for the second straight week. Johnson went on to beat Brandeis 23 to 17 in a thrilling overtime victory sending them to round three of the playoffs.

Both of these wins had something in common, being the underdogs. Most people would think being an underdog would hurt the chances of winning, but for some teams it motivates them to do the impossible. How is this possible? Well for the Jags going into that first round game they were the clear underdogs but able to win, because of this that win provided more confidence for the Jags going into the future rounds.

They were used to being the underdogs and now that has become a routine along with winning.  The Jags added to their Cinderella run by knocking off another giant, the Steele Knights, propelling them into the State semi finals, facing the Katy Tigers.  For this upcoming game against Katy the Jags will face their toughest task they have come across all year and once again the will have to overcome being the underdogs. Being an underdog has its advantages and disadvantages but winning means so much more  when not heavily favored.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email