FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 9, 2015) -- Football season has finally arrived, and Fort Benning's Doughboys Football team has been practicing and preparing for its upcoming season.
This year, the Doughboys will play six games against local and regional teams, with the final game, the Doughboy Classic against Columbus State University, taking place in late October.
"We are very excited about the upcoming season," said Lt. Col. Robert Risdon, deputy commander for the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade and offensive line coach for the Doughboys. "From a talent standpoint, this year's team is one of the best we've had. We have some veteran players, but we also have some new guys who are taking the field by storm."
Risdon, who played on the team last year but sustained an injury that cut his season short, has volunteered with various football teams in the Columbus area for the last few years.
"It's not just about the game itself, but about the outlet it gives young men to better themselves physically and mentally," Risdon said. "The Doughboys team provides Soldiers with a healthy post-work atmosphere where they can compete and win on a smaller scale than is demanded of them daily."
This year, the team's strategy has been "changed to reflect the strategy of the U.S. Army," Risdon said.
"The Army is expected to go into a place, fight our nation's wars and emerge victorious. And that's how we are going to play this season - going in, hitting hard and giving them a run for their money.
"We would really like to see more folks come to the games this season," Risdon said. "I know the players would love to hear cheering fans, and the fans would enjoy the chance to cheer on their very own team. It is a great (Directorare of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation) program that should be supported."
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