The Chiefs junior quarterback accounted for five touchdowns in a 49-28 win over Lackawanna Trail in a nonleague football game Friday night. He had 94 yards rushing and two touchdowns on four carries, caught one pass for 46 yards and a touchdown and went 5 for 5 for 84 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Family: Mom, Michelle, dad, Eric, and brother, Evan.
Talk about your win over Lackawanna Trail: Going into the game, we were just looking to improve. Our motto is, get better every week. So, we went in there and it just felt like we were all meshing, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Our coach called some great plays, and as a whole unit I feel like we gained a lot of confidence, especially on the offensive side of the ball. And I just think we went out there and performed like we should have.
Three games in at quarterback, how are you feeling now at the position?: I’d say I’m very comfortable back there. With the line that’s protecting me and the plays that we’re able to call up and just letting me be me back there and being able to run around and basically play backyard football makes me very comfortable.
It probably helps having receivers like Chase Rosenkrans and Luke McFarland: Oh yeah, having them out there is awesome. Luke is one of the best athletes that I’ve ever seen or ever been around. And Chase, he knows his way around the football field, knows the zones, he’s got a great mental capacity, and just having them out there and having them help me has been amazing.
What do you think of the team’s performance so far this season?: So far, we’ve been getting better every week. Our Week 1, we didn’t know what we were going to be coming into it, but being able to build off these wins and keep taking steps into the right direction, I’m pretty satisfied on how we are as a unit.
What makes playing at Lakeland so special?: Just the tradition. Lakeland bleeds football, and it always has, but the way that we come up and the way that we bond, we’re all so close to each other, we’re all with each other every day. I’d say our friend groups are a big part of it, too, because our team is one big friend group. We all hang around each other, we’re all always with each other, we go to eat every Monday. Being able to be a part of this tradition and this group has just been awesome.
I’m sure you already were a leader of the team, but now that you’re a quarterback, what is your role as a leader like?: It’s definitely been a change. From going from receiver to quarterback, the quarterback is the one calling everything out, he’s the one managing everyone’s levels. When everyone looks at you when they’re down or they’re up, it makes a big difference. At wide receiver, the O-linemen aren’t looking at you, seeing how confident you are, seeing what you’re like at the moment when you face adversity. When you’re at quarterback, it’s way different. You have to stay at one level the whole time, and you have to make sure everyone sees that.
Any thoughts about what you want to do after high school?: I’m trying to play football at the Division I level. I’ve had a couple schools in contact with me, but that’s my main focus at the moment. I’m just trying to work hard and push for that.
Other sports you play at Lakeland: I used to play basketball, but I also play baseball.
Three people you’d like to have dinner with: Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice, Elon Musk.
Athlete you admire: Jalen Ramsey. His swagger and the way he (carries) himself. He can talk the talk and walk the walk. It’s really cool to see.
Superstitions or rituals before a game: I like to make my bed every time before I leave. I like to make sure I make my bed and make sure I do the same thing every Friday.
Favorite food: Stuffed peppers
Favorite sports teams: The Steelers. For college football, I’m kind of around the block. I like Malachi Toney, so I’ve been supporting Miami. For basketball, I’m a 76ers fan.
Favorite musical artist: The Weeknd
Favorite movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Favorite TV show: “Outer Banks”