28 Sep 2016 Sky’s the limit for Langrell, Eagles
by Mark Oliver
Since dropping its season opener, 48-27, Mayflower has reeled off three consecutive victories — matching its win total from last season. Averaging 40 points per game, the Eagles are much improved and have everyone talking about what is possible for the team in 2016.
“We aren’t upset with our record right now,” said senior wide receiver/cornerback Trent Langrell. “We started the season with a tough matchup against Central Arkansas Christian, but since then, everything has clicked. I attribute our success to team bonding. We’re growing as a team, we’re playing as a team and we are winning as a team.”
Langrell was selected for this year’s 501 Football Team ¬— 26 players representing all 11 counties of the 501. The team, sponsored by First Security Bank and First Service Bank, boasts the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the field. Langrell was nominated by Mayflower head coach, Todd Langrell.
“Trent is very coachable,” Todd Langrell wrote in his nomination. “He always knows where to be because he understands the game. He is a reliable leader on and off the field and can get along with anyone. He has a willingness to help the team wherever he is needed.”
As a coach’s son, Langrell always seemed destined to play football.
“I watched my dad a lot over the years,” Langrell said. “Seeing him coach and seeing the players buy into him, I wanted to be just like him. As I got older, I served as the ball boy for the senior high team. Being around the senior high players and being a part of the team felt great. I knew it was where I wanted to be.”
As the Eagles (3-1, 1-0 3-2A) gear up for this week’s conference home opener, the team potentially finds itself battling for a conference championship against the undefeated Bald Knob Bulldogs.
“This is a big game for us,” Langrell said. “Bald Knob has some strong players. We have to keep our focus and do the little things right. There’s no 40-point play — we must play each play like it’s the last. It will be a battle for us, and we’ll take it one play at a time.”
If the stakes weren’t already high enough, Langrell says there’s additional incentive for the team to win this week.
“This week is Alumni Week at Mayflower,” Langrell said. “We’re not only playing for our school and our city, but for our former players as well. They’ll be there Friday watching us and supporting us. Our goal this week is to play for them and to get that win.”
A two-way starter, the selfless Langrell is committed to helping his team reach its goal of a deep playoff run.
“This year isn’t about me,” Langrell said. “Although it’s my last season, everything I do on the field is for my school, my family and my team — not me. I’m not the fastest or strongest player out there, but I’m a hard worker, and I do what must be done to help my team win.”
Off the field, Langrell runs track and is a member of Beta Club at Mayflower. In his spare time, the senior volunteers with the seventh grade and junior high football teams. After high school, the senior plans to pursue a degree in law enforcement.
“Trent is the type of kid you’d want your younger players to model themselves after, both in and outside of football,” said Coach Jeff Hill. “He is a ‘yes sir, no sir’ guy who never takes a play off. He is a leader, more by example than verbally, and a good kid all around.”
Mayflower plays host to Bald Knob on Friday, Sept. 30.
