DeMarcus Ware smiles as he plays catch with Von Miller, Aug. 9, 2015 at Dove Valley. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Sometimes you just need a little motivation from a friend to get on the right track. The struggling Englewood football team got something much more than a locker room pep talk from coach Jay Graves Friday night before its homecoming game.
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware stopped by to give a motivational pregame speech to the Pirates — and it certainly worked.
A friend of Ware and Englewood alum asked if he would stop by. “It was a surprise for the guys,” coach Graves said.
The Broncos team captain encouraged the team to, “come together for something bigger than yourself.”
So, tailback/cornerback Daryl Culbreath took that message very seriously, and went out to score four touchdowns in three different ways: one on a kickoff return, one from an interception return and the other two from running the ball in — one of which Culbreath rushed for whopping 98 yards.
The junior posted 234 total rushing yards on 26 carries, leading the Pirates to a 32-21 victory over rival Elizabeth for the team’s first win of the season, improving to a 1-3 mark.
Here’s a clip of Ware’s speech that he .
Piece of a pre game speech I got to do for the Pirates. Good luck tonight fellas @9Prep
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare)
A little motivation can go a very long way.
Your speech worked! Big Homecoming victory for the Pirates!! Now go get those on Sunday!!
— Englewood Pirates (@EnglewoodHigh)
You’re welcome. Get that win fellas!
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare)
