San Quentin’s football team “He Hate Me” opened its 2009 season the last weekend in September with a loss against its toughest opponent from last season, No Soup for You.
He Hate Me (the name is fashioned after the bold and audacious football player Rod Smart from the now defunct XFL) is led by inside Head Coach William “Big Will” Packer, who was instrumental in reviving the S.Q. football program in 2005, and by new Defensive Coordinator Abraham Glasper.
Last year S.Q. suffered its first loss in four seasons to No Soup For You, a flag football team from the Sacramento area. S.Q. scheduled this year’s Opening Day Game in an attempt to even the score. Unfortunately, S.Q. lost to No Soup For You again but will face them a couple more times this season.
Currently, He Hate Me has played three games this season. After losing their season opener they rebounded with two wins against Muscle Milk, a local team from Benicia.
The squad of 16 players has been practicing since May for the preparation of the new season. The game means much more to the players than just wins and losses, Parker noted.
“There is something to be said about team camaraderie within a prison setting,” Packer said. “The guys learn a lot about discipline, accountability and responsibility toward their fellow players, coaches, and opponents. You can see the changes taking place within the guys; they become better men. Besides that, it is nice to hear about the guys who take what they have learned from the program and use it to reach their dreams and aspirations once they parole.”
It’s easy to see that the inmates enjoy watching the football games; some root for the home team; some root for the visiting teams, and some root for both, Packer said.
“Our real test will come when we see No Soup For You again, I have faith in our guys, we will get them next time.”