Foster leaving his mark
Holliday senior linebacker and center Cason Foster lives and breathes football. When he’s not in school or at practice, he’s studying up on the playbook or going over film for that week’s opponent.
Foster knows what it’s like being a little kid looking up to the varsity players on Friday nights. He wants to leave a positive impact on them to continue the tradition and success of the Eagles.
“When I was a little kid, I used to look up to all the high school kids that played. I want to show those kids that you don’t have to be the biggest guy out there to be successful. I’m not the biggest guy. A lot of kids look up to you. I try to show them what I can do.”
Defensively, the Holliday linebacker is already one of the Eagles’ all-time greats. After racking up 100+ tackles in each of his first two seasons on varsity, it’s apparent the senior has a nose for the football. In addition to the 217 career tackles, 18.0 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three blocked punts and a blocked field goal, Foster tries to impose his will on opposing offenses.
“My mindset is to hit them as hard as I can. We’ve got to stop them and help the offense out.”
A highlight Foster will remember and cherish forever is playing with his brother. Caleb, a freshman, was pulled up to varsity for the 2021 season. Cason said he spends numerous hours talking over strategy with his brother in an attempt to get him ready for the season.
“It’s different, playing with my brother,” Cason said. “It’s been probably six or seven years since I played with him. He’s my backup. We get to spend a lot of time not only at home but at school as well. I can help him out when needed. Last year when the JV had to step up for us, we talked a lot. He moved towards the center position this year and I’ve talked with him about where we’re supposed to be and all the new calls we have.”
At a small school, players often have to play both ways due to limited roster size. Foster is no different, serving as the Eagles’ starting center and middle linebacker.
“You definitely have to be in great shape. I found that out last year. It takes a lot more than just being in shape though. You’ve got to have a good mindset. You’ve got to push through whatever pain there is. You can’t let up. You have to have your priorities straight. You have to take time to study the playbook and go through everything. You have to take those mental reps of what do I have to do on this call and where do I go on this. You’ve got to go through it in your mind.”
With the season just around the corner, Foster has specific goals in mind for his final year.
“I would really like to win a district championship. That would be really nice. Starting out with Iowa Park, that would be a big win if we could get that. I’d like to go pretty far in the playoffs. It’s my last ride so I’ve got to make it special.”
After graduation, it’s no surprise he wants to stay around football. Foster hopes to play well enough this season to earn a college scholarship. When it’s time to hang up the cleats for good, he hopes to become a dentist or orthodontist.
When the Eagles are on defense this season, just follow No. 52. Odds are, fireworks will happen.
