Doug Scott remembered how he began playing football in sixth grade after a self-evaluation.

“I was really lazy,” noted Scott. “I didn’t want to do anything. My parents told me to get out and do something and go out for football.

“I went to the first practice and I have loved it since.”

Scott is one of five seniors on the Rough Riders roster this fall. The 5-11, 225 lineman also is the lone four-year starter.

Over the past three years, he has adjusted and adapted, but his biggest obstacle has been the direction.

“I have had three head coaches in three years,” he stated. “That has been the biggest thing to overcome. It can be pretty difficult.”

Starting as a freshman, Scott recalled how he was readily accepted by the seniors.

“A lot of seniors took me under their wing,” he said. “They could have cared less about me, but they made me feel accepted. There was a large group of seniors and they were great.

“I had to work on my pass blocking, but I feel pretty confident about my game.”

Conversely, Scott has extended his hand to this year’s freshman class.

“I really like them,” said Scott of the youngest class. “They like to stand their ground. We really need something like that.”

Scott, like most of his teammates, played under new head coach Travis Brett in middle school. He has noticed a huge difference.

“(Brett) puts his foot down. There isn’t any nonsense with him (Brett) and he keeps it strict,” Scott said.

“The chemistry has been really good and much better than the past two years. Everyone is connecting and pushing themselves. We all have a great feeling about the season.”

Brett sees his senior as tireless worker.

“Doug is high energy all the time,” said Brett. “He never takes a play or rep off in any drills. He is a good kid, and the kids feed off his hard work. He knows it takes hard work to have a chance at winning. I am looking forward to seeing him play.”

The Roughies have a scrimmage at Dieruff Sept. 19 before they will begin their Colonial League schedule at Palmerton Sept. 25. The Roughies have a remaining challenging five-game schedule that features consecutive games against Notre Dame and Southern Lehigh as well as the finale with Northwestern.

Scott has remained focused through the team’s workouts over the last two-plus months.

“I have kept a good attitude,” said Scott. “We only have six games, and I am really anxious to get going. I want to play every game like it is my last.

“We have a strong schedule and there is little room for error.”

Scott plans to enter the Marines after graduation, a route he decided over the past few years. He thanked the guidance of his parents, Laura Silva and Doug Scott, along with seniors in his freshman year and coaches Phil Dorn, Mike McClarin, and Brett.

“If it wasn’t for my parents, those seniors, and my coaches, I wouldn’t be here now,” added Scott. “My coaches always believed in me and gave me the chance.”

Since he started playing football in sixth grade, Scott has made the most of every chance.