Prep Football team previews: Southwest Eagles

Southwest High School Football Coach Bo Seibel is looking to turn the program around, and it starts with improving the culture

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A new coach, a new hope and a new culture. That's exactly what first year Head Coach Bo Seibel is bringing to Southwest High School.

Amidst a 19 game losing streak, Coach Seibel says the culture needs to be set first for everything else to fall into place.

"The first thing about building any program is establishing the culture, so we're bringing a culture here to have a solid foundation," Seibel said. "We're providing structure, accountability, installing discipline in these guys."

The culture shift is contagious, as Senior left tackle Maximiliano Martinez describes the changing times and the team's new mantra.

"EAT. Effort, attitude and toughness. That's what we live by," Martinez said. "That's what we go by, every day, all day."

According to the veteran, the teams attitude is shifting, and more Eagles are buying into the hype in the locker room.

Senior wide receiver Joseph Johnston believes the hype can pour out of the building and that Southwest football will shock some teams.

"A lot of the teams out here are expecting the last year 0-10 Eagles, and [Seibel's] bringing a culture. He's changing it," Johnston said. "Last year we had 19 players on the roster. This time we're filling out almost 40, 50."

Seibel can't change the culture overnight, and he certainly can't do it himself. That's why the Wisconsin native introduced the Leadership Council.

"Our Leadership Council is the voice of our team. They came together this year and their goal that they want to do is have a winning season," Seibel said. "Going 0-18 in the last couple of years, to even have that goal, they understand what it takes, and as a coach, that's something I can hold them accountable to."

Both Johnston and Martinez take part in the Leadership Council and understand the heavy weight on their shoulders.

"Being a part of Leadership Council means you gotta lift up others," Martinez said. "Gotta make sure you're the first one in, last one out."

Johnson adds that it won't come easy to turn the squad around right away, but he is up for the challenge.

"I like the challenge. I like, you know, changing a program around," Johnston said. "I want to come back in 10 years and say that I was the first team to change this, change this whole program around."

Using his blueprint for success, coach Seibel changed a Yuma High program around that narrowly missed the playoffs.

Time will tell if he can do the same with the Eagles as their home opener is this Friday against the Calexico Bulldogs.