Oxford Football Coach Bud Rowley knew his football team would suffer some growing pains this season.
After dominating the Flint Metro League and having 27 consecutive winning seasons, there was little doubt that transferring to the Oakland Activities Association this season would mean fewer wins.
Rowley knows that fewer wins doesn’t always mean the team is not successful and players are not growing.
At several points during this season, Rowley has told his players to believe in themselves, the coaches and the system.
That can be difficult at times for a team whose record now stands at 1-6 but Rowley knows that sometimes the best lessons are taught during adversity.
Recently, Rowley said he does not lament changing leagues to a more competitive conference.
Each week opposing coaches, who have never played an Oxford football team, are amazed at the intensity and hard-hitting Wildcats, who are under-sized in comparison to most other teams in the OAA.
Several have commented on the Wildcat’s ferocity.
‘Sure, we could have stayed in the Flint Metro and won seven or eight games. But we belong here. This will be the best place for us long term.?
Following a 20-17 loss on Friday to Southfield, Rowley said his team played very well and has been steadily improving each week.
‘We played exceptionally well, especially late in the game. We had a safety late and forced four fumbles in the game,? he said. ‘A lot of positive things happened. Our defense has played very well and the offense is improving each game.?
Even the week before in a loss to Rochester Adams, Rowley said he would see improvements in the team.
‘We improved in the Adams game and we got better at Southfield. We hope to continue to make strides to improve.?
This Friday, the Cats will host the winless Royal Oak Ravens at 7 pm in an OAA crossover match. Royal Oak plays in the Red Division.