When the Argyle Eagles defeated Lake Dallas 52-21 on Oct. 6, it was cause for both joy and consternation.
Joy, because the Eagles had just won their third straight game at that point, following two losses to open the season and a third game that was called early due to inclement weather.
It was also their second district victory of the year, and it looked like Argyle was really starting to get things rolling.
But then tragedy struck.
Starting quarterback John Gailey suffered a season-ending leg injury, and the prospect of another long postseason run for the Eagles suddenly seemed to be not as likely.
But as Argyle supporters are well aware, the Eagles’ tradition of excellence in the sport of football cannot be denied, and coach Todd Rodgers said that everyone, including Gailey’s teammates, backup quarterback Maguire Gasperson and even Gailey himself have rallied to make this the best season possible.
“Losing our quarterback was tragic,” Rodgers said. “But our team has stepped up their play and Maguire has played beautifully. Maguire is tremendously athletic and he has brought calmness to a chaotic situation.”
Gasperson threw four touchdown passes in a 63-0 victory over Frisco Independence on Thursday night and ran for another score.
Argyle is 2-0 since the game with Lake Dallas and regained its top 10 status, ranked 7th in the state among Division 5A-2 schools according to the most recent Max Preps poll conducted on Oct. 17.
They also clinched a playoff berth with the win over Independence.
Most important of all is Rodgers report that Gailey is recovering well from his injury and said his teammates have rallied around him as well.
“They have been great at support,” Rodgers said. “They lost their quarterback to a season-ending injury and that’s traumatic for John and his teammates. It’s a tough acclimation for all.”
Equally impressive is the way that Gailey is still doing what he can to help the Eagles be successful.
“He has been able to attend some team gatherings, and has been very supportive of his teammates,” Rodgers said.
Gailey, a senior, suffered a fractured tibia and is hoping to fully recover in time for baseball season in early January. His father, Rick Gailey, said that John has a “good perspective” on the premature ending to his senior football season. It has also given him the opportunity to focus on his future; John wants to be a pilot, and he’s already been accepted into one flight school.
“We poured a foundation of faith into him and he realizes that football and sports is not his identity,” Rick said. “The outpouring of support from the community, and his teammates and friends, has been amazing.”
Argyle (5-2, 4-0) will host Denton at 7 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 27.
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