We Speak Football
Running Toward Greatness With Heart And Hustle: How A Young Football Star Is Rising Through Teamwork, Talent, And Dedication

From the first moment Dezmon Cole picked up a football, this young athlete has been driven by passion, family influence, and a relentless desire to improve. A standout on the field with RCU Hitsquad, he’s now preparing to bring that same energy and skill to Stockdick Middle School. With his versatility and commitment to the game, he’s quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of youth football. In this Q&A, Cole shares what motivates him, how he handles pressure, and the lessons he’s learned through 7-on-7 and flag football competition.
Dezmon, what inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I was inspired to play football by watching my older brother, and growing up watching the NFL. I love the energy of the game. I got involved with 7-on-7 to build my skills and stay active during the off-season.
How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
It has helped shape me into a hard worker. It’s pushed me to develop a strong work ethic, and always give my best both on and off the field.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I stay focused and get a good night’s sleep the night before. I make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. It helps me stay sharp and ready to compete.
What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
My mindset is to lock in and score every time I touch the ball. I stay focused, confident, and ready to make a big impact on every play.
How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I stay motivated by training hard and watching film to learn and improve. I use the off-season to get better every day and stay ready for game time.
Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influence is my dad. He always pushes me to do my best. Seeing how hard he works for our family motivates me to give my all.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that hard work really does pay off. Nothing is handed to you. This program taught me to stay focused, push through challenges, and never give up.
How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
The coaches help me grow as a player and as a person. They guide me on the right path, push me to improve, and always support my development.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means everything to me. I go out there to give my best and make sure I never let my team down.
How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I just focus on getting better. I learn from it, fix what went wrong, and stay ready because I know I’ll probably get another shot to face them again.
What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
My parents motivate me to keep grinding. They push me to improve every day and chase my goals.
What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
Texas Longhorns.
What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I listen to music and hang out with my brothers and sister.
How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
They’ve helped me by always pushing me to be my best. Coach Pat—may he rest in peace—had the biggest impact. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He saw something in me I didn’t know I had. I miss him every day, and work hard to make him proud.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I stay focused and calm. I have faith in myself and my team.
What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
Stop and go is my favorite route because of my speed. Most DBs can’t stay with me once I hit that second burst after the fake. It’s a great way to create big plays.
What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
My short-term goal is to get better day by day. My long-term goal is to make it to the NFL.
How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
I build chemistry by helping and communicating with my teammates. I make sure they know they can count on me and that I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I lead by example and always fight for the team.
What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Work hard, stay focused, and put in the work.






Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.
We Speak Football
Flagged for Greatness: The Relentless Rise of Azaria ‘Z.6’ Moore

Azaria “Z.6” Moore is a rising athlete in the world of Flag Football, known for her fierce grit, game-changing speed, and unwavering leadership on and off the field. A dynamic presence in the Elite 7-on-7 circuit, Moore has carved out a name for herself as a standout rusher and all-around athlete, representing her city with pride and heart. While she hasn’t committed to a school yet, her talent has already earned her collegiate offers from Purdue University, Northwestern, and Mars Hill University. Whether she’s rallying her team before a big tournament or grinding through the off-season, Moore brings passion, purpose, and poise every step of the way.
What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I always wanted to be a flag football athlete, but my city didn’t offer it as an actual sport, only as powder puff. Coach Jared from Bryant & Stratton saw me play and gave me a chance to showcase my talents. Thanks to him, I got the opportunity to play in college.
How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Flag Football has changed my life for the better. It taught me discipline, grit, and how my actions off the field can impact my performance on it. It’s helped put me and my city on the map, not just as an athlete but as a person, too.
How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
First, I always believe that if you look good, you feel good. So I put on my jersey, gear up, do my makeup and eyeblack, and play music. That helps me feel confident. But most importantly, I talk to God and my parents. Even though they aren’t here physically, speaking to them spiritually brings me peace and strength.
What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
My pregame routine usually includes hyping up with my teammates. One of our go-to songs is “First Day Out” by Tee Grizzley. That always gets us in the zone.
What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
It’s you vs. you. If I mess up, it affects my whole team. So my mindset is to do my job so my teammates can do theirs.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I stay focused on the type of athlete and person I want to become. I remind myself that someone else is always out there grinding, even when I’m not. That drives me to keep going.
Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influences are my siblings and my city. I know I’m always being watched, even when it doesn’t feel like it. I can’t give up on myself, because if I do, someone else might lose hope too—and I could be all they have.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
If you can’t play as a team, you can’t be on a team.
How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
Being an athlete takes a toll mentally and emotionally. Coaches play a big role—not just in teaching, but in offering support. Sometimes, they’re all we have, and it means everything to feel seen by them.
What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
People might see individual plays, but it takes a team to win. Even during losses, I try to lead by example and keep my head up so my teammates can do the same.
How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I hit the field or weight room even harder. I also watch film to break down my mistakes and make sure I learn from them.
What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
Flag Football feels like home to me. When I’m not in season, I miss it so much that I go out and work on my craft on my own.
What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
Honestly, I don’t have a dream team. I put it all in God’s hands. I trust that wherever I end up is where I’m meant to be.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I love trying new foods, traveling, and getting tattoos—it’s my way of telling a story. I also really enjoy sleeping, especially since athletes never seem to get enough of it.
How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and person, both on and off the field?
They hold me accountable. Even when I’m doing well, they push me to stay on track. It’s helped me develop a habit of getting things done before being asked.
How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
Pressure makes me want to go even harder. I’ve dealt with a lot, so I try to put everything on the field. Taking deep breaths helps me reset and stay locked in.
What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
I love rushing with a 2-count delay. It throws off the quarterback and gives us an edge.
What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term, I want to make as many memories as I can. New athletes come and go, so I want to cherish the moments. Long-term, I just want to leave a mark—whether it’s as an athlete or as a person.
How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
Communication is key. Getting to know my teammates as people helps me understand their strengths, and that builds real trust.
What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
It’s never too early or too late to start. Don’t give up on something you love. You never know when or where it could take you, so try everything and give it your all.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.
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