Pack trying not to let documentary film crew affect team’s game

Written by: Mike Zimmerman on October 20, 2008 at 9:34 am

As Jamarcus McFarland comes off the field to take a break after consecutive hitting drills, he goes to the trainer to grab a water bottle and looks up too see the camera crew right there watching every move he makes.
“When I originally found out a producer from California wanted to make a documentary, I was surprised that someone was that interested in what I do on the football field,” McFarland said.
Having as much success and popularity on and off the field as he does, being humble without thought is surprising.
“But I told him I do not want it to be just about me,” he said.  “One player does not make a team.”
Teammates Germard Reed and Ja’ Darius Dade commented on what is was like to play with the best.
“He is a great player  and when you play with the best you strive to better yourself,” Reed said.
Reeds comment seems to be the same conception amongst the rest of the team.         “Playing with an unselfish player makes a lot of opportunities for the rest of the defenses,” Dade said.  “He always draws a double team which leaves one of us open for the tackle.”
Which is an obvious coaching strategy when you have and athlete in opposition of your team who is 6’3” 280 lbs and can bench press the weight of a small car, he’s going to drawl a lot of your attention.
“This camera crew has changed nothing about our team or McFarland,” Coach John Outlaw said. “There has always been someone on the field watching or filming us.”
This camera crew is almost in comparison to the numerous head coaches and recruiting staff from strong college football programs that have come to a panther practice or game, with such schools as Texas, A&M, Texas Tech, LSU, Notre Dame, FSU, UCLA and many more mainly to see McFarland.
“He is a good young man he is always been a leader and always will be,” Coach Quick said.  “Most times  great players are good people.”
The fate of this film is yet to be decide but the question of the camera crews effect on McFarland, the coaching staff and the Lufkin Panther football team is laid to rest. The support of the community and the strength of the players determination makes a football program noticed not a California camera crew.