For Cole Stephens, while it may sound like a cliche, football truly is life. 

The freshman quarterback gets a healthy dose of the sport at practice, and, of course, on Friday nights, but also every other minute, as his dad, David Stephens, is the head coach of the Greencastle Tiger Cubs. 

And, for Stephens, he wouldn't trade the experience for anything. 

"It's really fun. I played for him in the third grade, and it's just as fun to be playing for him in high school. It gets rough at times because he's going to hold you accountable, but that's why we have developed so much as a team in year one," Stephens said. 

The elder Stephens had his own career as a player for the Tiger Cubs, and the younger Stephens is currently writing his own story for Greencastle. 

On the season, Stephens is 73-of-113 for 1,198 yards and 16 touchdowns through the air. He recently tied a school record for the most passing touchdowns in a single game with six. 

He admits, it is "special" to keep the family tradition going for Greencastle. 

"It's special to me. I remember being three year old on the track singing the Greencastle fight song as loud as I can at the top of my lungs. I love Greencastle," Stephens said. 

After opening the season 0-2, Greencastle has found success as of late, soaring to a 3-2 record heading into Friday's contest at Brown County. 

The Tiger Cubs, ranked 15th in the Media Poll, have scored 49 points or more the last three seasons, and Stephens attributes the success to his teammates. 

"It's awesome. I've got really good teammates around me that help a freshman quarterback out. There's no negativity on the team whatsoever. I think I am finding out as I go. I've only been sacked one time. My offensive line has given me all the confidence in the world. My receivers are lightning fast and have great hands. They have given me all the tools I need," Stephens said. 

As the new kid, Stephens said all of his teammates have been welcoming this season, making the transition as the starting quarterback an easy one. 

"Lot of guys on this team that are very friendly and accepting. I moved to Greencastle this year and everyone is kind to each other. There was a negative mentality that was there the past years and now it's changed," Stephens said. 

He points to the season opening loss to Danville as a sign of just how good Greencastle could be. In that game, the Tiger Cubs raced out to a 14-0 lead before falling 21-14. 

"That game was a roller coaster for sure. Going up 14-0 was one of the greatest feelings I've had. That game gave us confidence to know we are a good team. Danville is a really good team and we are trying to bring Greencastle back to its winning ways," Stephens said. 

With games against Brown County and Cloverdale before a big test with Owen Valley, Stephens said he is staying grounded and taking it one day at a time. 

"Try not to look too far ahead, one day at a time, have good days every day and work hard. Something I learned against West Vigo is there is no easy game in high school football. You have to prepare the best you can," Stephens said.