More Than Just a Coach

Phillip Mason, 16, far left, gets a congratualtory punch from sophomore kicker Phillip Barsotti, after the two scored a successful field goal at a game againt East Jessamine County. Mason usually plays quarterback, but has switched to other positions after breaking his thumb in practice two weeks before. "So far, I can catch the ball pretty well," Mason said. In addition to other roles, Mason catches a snap and holds the ball for every field goal attempt.Though the team was ahead 41 to 7, his father, Boyle County High School assistant head football coach Chris Mason, far right, continues to watch the defensive line in the fourth quarter.

Injured Boyle County High School quarterback Phillip Mason, 16, looks up at fellow team members and coaches as the team gathers at half-time in a game against East Jessamine County. The team was ahead 27 to zero at the half, but they lost the previous week's game in a similar situation. The coaching staff continued to instill a sense of urgency and determination in their plays and playing "from the heart."

"We really don't need to put Phillip in a situation where he has to make a game-winning catch," said father Boyle County High School assistant head coach Chris Mason.Phillip was put in as a receiver after the third down with six yards to go in the fourth quarter of the game against East Jessamine County High School. A landslide victory for the team, he may not have caught the winning pass, but it was definitely the catch of the day. The whole team held its breath as the ball nearly bounced off the rubber holding the cast, then settled into his hands for a first down.

From left, Boyle County High School injured senior quarterback Bryce Perry, far left, watches with injured junior quarterback Phillip Mason, second from left, on the sidelines of a game at East Jessamine County. The game determined the location of the first playoff game for the region, and ultimately was the Rebels' second win of the season.

The Boyle County High School Rebels take the field for a high-stakes game against East Jessamine. A loss means a string of playoff games on the road. A win gains home field advantage. "We need a win," said assistant head coach Chris Mason. "Just for confidence."

Phillip Mason has Type 1 diabetes, which he discovered when trying out for the middle school football team.Though he has to check his blood sugar throughout the day and may need as many as five insulin injections, it has become a part of his routine. It doesn't keep him from doing anything."It's, like, my life," Phillip said. "I've grown up with it. I'm sill growing up with it."

Football coach Chris Mason finally gets a chance to sit down with son Phillip, 16, at Guadalahara's for dinner after another three-hour practice. Phillip is the second-string quarterback for the Boyle County High School Rebels, but has been moved to tight-end after breaking his thumb in practice two weeks ago.The Mason family is constantly running from one sports practice to another, with two other athletic children. They struggle to find time to eat together in the evenings, leaving the father-son team to fend for themselves after the late practice.

Chris Mason, far right, has been teaching US history and economics at Boyle County High School almost as long as he's been coaching football there. His son Phillip, third from left, has grown up being coached by his father in various football leagues, but having him as a teacher is a new experience. A junior, Phillip has learned to take notes from his father both on and off the field.

Junior receiver Cody Morris, left, walks off the field with Phillip Mason, who managed to be a key player in the Boyle County Rebels' victory over East Jessamine County despite playing unfamiliar positions. Mason, usually plays quarterback, but broke his left thumb in practice mid-season. He was put in to hold the ball for the punt and caught a pass in the fourth quarter of the game for a first down