Lockney Longhorn Masen Rehkopf (Photo credit: Cervantez Photography)
LOCKNEY, TX – The Floyd County Record continues to spotlight the athletes that represent our communities, including junior Masen Rehkopf.
As a second-year varsity member, what is something that you’ve noticed as a more experienced player?
I feel like in my sophomore year, everything felt brand new. Varsity and JV are two different games; JV is a lot slower, while Varsity is a really fast-paced game. I feel like after getting that experience in my first year, it helped me become a better player and a better leader on the defensive side.
What are some key differences in this year’s team compared to last year?
Having each other’s back, just being there for each other. I know last year, we had issues where we would be yelling at one another, and there was zero positivity. Whereas this year, when we have something good happen, we celebrate, and even if someone does something wrong, we are quick to pick them up and tell them, “Don’t worry, we’ve got this”.
Does the team do anything to bond outside of the fieldhouse?
We will have team dinners, have fun, and go hang out somewhere. I know that the lineman and I do a thing where we get together on Thursday to eat and watch Thursday Night Football together.
The team has put in the work to get this far; what does it take to continue to make a deep run in the playoffs?
Keep our health up by staying healthy, trying not to get hurt, taking care of our bodies, and keeping ourselves conditioned. We continue to lift throughout the season. I know a lot of teams that don’t have that as a focus during the season because you have to maintain that strength. I feel like that is why our O-line has been really dominant.
