The Prairie High School football players are bringing a new attitude to the field and a desire to change the culture of their school. They are calling it the Falcon Creed.
After coaching football for 10 years, Mike Peck has his first opportunity to lead a program at Prairie High School. “Each day, I feel like I’m living my dream,” he said.
The Falcon Creed is ready to change the culture of the football program at Prairie High School.
New head coach Mike Peck enjoys watching 80 to 90 Falcons bring seven core values to the field – blue collar work, always compete, show class on and off the field, never give up, accountability for yourself and your teammates, tough physically and mentally, and unity.
“This is the foundation of our program,” Peck said. “The kids know it by heart.”
Seniors Jake Clark, Bryce Cordon and Max Velarde are preaching that message to their teammates, whether they’re on or off the field, everyday.
“Falcon Creed is like family, because creed means brotherhood,” Cordon said. “We have all put our blood, sweat and tears into this program. When it all comes down to those Friday nights, I’m really excited.”
“The most important thing we have is people that care this year,” Clark said. “We have plenty of coaches that care for us. We have a team that really cares. We have a lot of passion this year.”
“We’re having the best time of our lives out here,” Velarde said.
Peck is going to rely on these three seniors to be a model for what this program is all about.
“They’re blue collar workers, they’re accountable for themselves and their teammates and they do everything they’re asked of,” Peck said. “They all have passion. They always have a smile on their face and they’re just a joy to be around.”
The Falcons will have their hands full against Mountain View, Kelso and Hudson’s Bay in the 3A Greater St. Helens League. Peck said these boys have big dreams. It all starts with a winning record, earning a playoff berth and getting a playoff victory.
“I just want to build a program the community can be proud of,” he said. “That’s something they have wanted at Prairie for a long time.”
Clark agrees. “I just want to know that this is the year Prairie came together and had a passionate team.”
