Some football games stay with a player long after the final whistle. McAlester High School senior Gavin Mason already knows which one will stand out when he looks back on his time with the Buffaloes.

Playing center and nose guard, Mason spends much of his time in the middle of the action. His favorite memory came when McAlester battled Durant into double overtime and found a way to come away with the victory.

“Beating Durant in double overtime to win the game!” Mason said.

Moments like that have made football memorable, but the sport has also changed the way Mason approaches challenges beyond the field. Through practices, games and the demands of playing on both sides of the ball, he has developed greater belief in what he is capable of accomplishing.

“My sport has taught me how to have better confidence in anything I do!” Mason said.

Several people have played a role in building that confidence throughout his high school career. Mason points to Coach Farris as his favorite teacher, particularly because the classroom provided another opportunity for him to learn more about football.

“Sophomore year, Coach Farris, because I always was able to watch film in his class!” Mason said.

Mason has also seen firsthand what consistent effort looks like through teammate Trevin Simons. It is not simply what Simons does during required practices that has impressed Mason, but the work he continues to put in when he does not have to.

“Trevin Simons because of how hard he works and all the extra work he continues to put in every day!” Mason said.

Another important influence has been Zac Rogers, who helped Mason adjust to high school football when he was a freshman. Mason credits Rogers with helping develop him into the player he is today.

“Zac Rogers because he was the one who made me the player I am today by helping me my freshman year in everything!” Mason said.

One piece of coaching advice from those early days has remained with Mason as well. He was once told to “stop acting like a freshman,” a simple challenge that pushed him to expect more from himself.

Now a senior, Mason has years of experience behind him and an opportunity to be the kind of example others once provided for him.

Along the way, his family has remained his biggest source of support. Mason thanked them for giving him opportunities and continually standing behind him. He also expressed appreciation for Jaycie Williams and Simons, whom he described as two of his favorite people and people he can count on to help him through anything.