"When you play football here you know what the expectations are," started Mart football head coach Kevin Hoffman, "You don't want to be that team, or that guy, or that group that doesn't fulfill everything that's expected, or everything that could be out there for you."
It seems so simple. Higher expectations equals higher results. But, that's not how most teams operate.
Still, the Mart Panthers say pressure makes diamonds and its what's driving them towards their second straight gold ball.
"We go out there and play our hearts out every single day to try and live up to the expectations of the ones that played before us," said junior lineman Elijah Green.
Mart has plenty of titles, alumni playing for national championships, but never back-to-back wins. That pursuit of glory can drive a team. Green says the thought keeps them grounded.
"Everything that's been on our minds is go back-to-back, be the first team in Mart history to do so. So, this whole season, that's our mindset. We've been going 1-0 each week and beating every team in our way."
Every team that's been in the way has paid the price, to the tune of a more than 230 point margin of victory across four games.
Next team trying to stop Mart? Falls City. They'll take their shot Thursday night at 7 in Georgetown.
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