After the game on Oct. 10, the Topeka High football team had an overall score of 3-3, compared to an overall record of 4-5 for the 2024-2025 season. With this being the second year for Coach Jason Filbeck at Topeka High, he is setting more specific goals this season.
Since the offense has been struggling to maintain consistency, Coach Filbeck and Coach Carter Jones have been implementing their practice techniques.
“One strategy we have for sure implemented is the use of our speed on the outside,” Jones said. “We have multiple players who are very fast, and we want to try and get the ball to them in space so they can take advantage of their speed. Teams have been playing to this recently, so it has been slightly tough.”
The coaches have tried various approaches to spark improvement. Despite the losses, there have been glimmers of hope. Asher Filbeck knows that it hurts when you truly want it.
“We know we are going to lose some, but it still hurts, because it should,” Asher Filbeck said. “It should hurt when you truly want it, you truly want to win. The coaches remind us every day that wins aren’t given to you.”
The football team stands at 3-3, which has seen improvement and drive.
“The team has improved since the start of the year,” Jones said. We have been playing tougher opponents each week, and we are improving. We will have a good drive, quarter, or game, and then go through a rough patch. We need to get more consistent and be able to help the defense out.”
When the football team loses, they snap back into shape as they have to look forward. Being bummed out, of course, but never letting it get in the way of training.
“We are, of course, bummed, but we played poorly, so we have to figure out the little details,” Jason Filbeck said. “It’s a weird thing, because you play every week, you’ve got to move on quickly, get ready for the next game, and not dwell on the loss.”
The football team is a close-knit group. It is more than the wins for the team; Trenton Pfannenstiel has even seen this when joining.
“I joined football because I thought it was amazing; it turned out it be like meeting my second family,” Pfannenstiel said. “They treat each other with respect, and we love hanging out, even while I’m still learning.”
Bonding even during practice and being competitive has helped the team motivate one another. Jones Erby finds that practice and competitiveness help them count on each other.
“I enjoy every time I get to grind with my teammates,” Erby said. “Having to run or condition or work out and looking at the guy next to you sweating and panting and getting better lights a competitive spark in me and makes me want to compete and beat the guy next to me in whatever it is. This leads to a strong brotherhood bonded by the same
Even with these struggles, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hoping for future growth and bonding.
“We have a lot of potential on the team,” Jones said. “We have had a few standout performances this year in single games, but currently, we have not had the consistency across the board. For any of them to reach their full potential and stand out, everyone else has to do what they are supposed to as well.”