Find out what some of the top players in the state are saying about football now!
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Q&A with Perry Traditional Academy running back Julian JuJu Walker
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“We've started off slow which has put us behind the 8-ball but I think this week against Dice is when we start a state run.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“So far this season has gone great for me. I think I have a real chance at being an All-State First Team RB and winning the City League Player of the Year.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“I think every week we are getting better and fine tuning the little things. We have one of the youngest O-lines in the city and they put up a great fight against Westinghouse’s defense. As a leader but also a teammate I couldn't be more proud.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Just giving 110% effort and making the plays when they need to be made, especially on my part.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Not giving up and believing in ourselves, even if we are down a touchdown or two we got to keep our heads up and know we are still in this game till the last second.”
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Q&A with Fleetwood quarterback Jack Riffle
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The season is off to an okay start for us. We’re sitting at 2-3 currently, dropping a few games to very strong opponents. We feel we have a great opportunity moving forward.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’m not upset with how I’ve played, however I definitely can improve my game as always. Just looking to compete, win, and soak in the moments of my senior year.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“Our team started off strong then fell into a slump, it starts with me. I have to be better and get this team rolling. We have been working hard since January so any lack of success isn’t due to work ethic.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We just need to come out with more energy day in and day out. We sometimes fall into slumps where we don’t have energy and it shows Friday nights. Once we get that back we can be successful.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Confidence, confidence, and confidence. When we play with confidence it’s a great thing for us. We obviously need to get back on track and get that confidence back.”
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Q&A with Milton outside linebacker Gary Verdinelli Jr.
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Everything with this season has been good, we’re having success on both sides of the ball and special teams.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve been playing pretty well, but there’s always been room for improvement but yes as of right now I’ve been pleased with how I’ve been playing.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“How I feel our team has played is great. We’re playing as a team and when things don’t go our way we overcome and adapt.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We were shooting ourselves in the foot with penalties so I’d say less penalties.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“[The] key for our team being successful moving forward is having a great week of practice leading into the game.”
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Q&A with Milton wide receiver Peyton Rearick
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Everything has been very good. Everyone is healthy and playing well.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve been pleased with my performance this season, haven’t gotten a lot of action, but making the best of what I am working with.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“We have been playing very well, we are on a ROLL.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“One thing I think our team can improve on is having a complete week of good practices.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Our keys to being successful throughout the rest of the season are staying healthy and continuing to play our game.”
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Q&A with La Salle College athlete Julian McFadden
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Football this season has been good. It's my first year at La Salle and everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, from the coaching staff to the players. Our team is off to a decent start with a challenging schedule. I’m excited to start league play and see what we can do as a team.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“Overall I am pleased with my play this season. I spend a lot of time perfecting my craft, getting in extra workouts, and taking care of my body and to add to that I have a strong connection with our QB Gavin Sidwar. We play for Level 82 7 on 7 under Torrey Smith in the spring so we work a lot in season and in the off season to be the best version of ourselves in season and it's translating to the field.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“We have been great in moments and in other moments there has been room for improvement. Consistency is what we are striving for.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Our continued growth as young leaders. I need to continue to grow as a vocal leader and our underclassmen who are contributing big week in and week out need to continue to grow as leaders.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Continue to be in sync offensively and defensively. Show up every day to play.”
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......................................................................................................
Q&A with Perry Traditional Academy running back Julian JuJu Walker
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“We've started off slow which has put us behind the 8-ball but I think this week against Dice is when we start a state run.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“So far this season has gone great for me. I think I have a real chance at being an All-State First Team RB and winning the City League Player of the Year.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“I think every week we are getting better and fine tuning the little things. We have one of the youngest O-lines in the city and they put up a great fight against Westinghouse’s defense. As a leader but also a teammate I couldn't be more proud.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Just giving 110% effort and making the plays when they need to be made, especially on my part.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Not giving up and believing in ourselves, even if we are down a touchdown or two we got to keep our heads up and know we are still in this game till the last second.”
......................................................................................................
Q&A with Fleetwood quarterback Jack Riffle
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The season is off to an okay start for us. We’re sitting at 2-3 currently, dropping a few games to very strong opponents. We feel we have a great opportunity moving forward.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’m not upset with how I’ve played, however I definitely can improve my game as always. Just looking to compete, win, and soak in the moments of my senior year.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“Our team started off strong then fell into a slump, it starts with me. I have to be better and get this team rolling. We have been working hard since January so any lack of success isn’t due to work ethic.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We just need to come out with more energy day in and day out. We sometimes fall into slumps where we don’t have energy and it shows Friday nights. Once we get that back we can be successful.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Confidence, confidence, and confidence. When we play with confidence it’s a great thing for us. We obviously need to get back on track and get that confidence back.”
......................................................................................................
Q&A with Milton outside linebacker Gary Verdinelli Jr.
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Everything with this season has been good, we’re having success on both sides of the ball and special teams.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve been playing pretty well, but there’s always been room for improvement but yes as of right now I’ve been pleased with how I’ve been playing.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“How I feel our team has played is great. We’re playing as a team and when things don’t go our way we overcome and adapt.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We were shooting ourselves in the foot with penalties so I’d say less penalties.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“[The] key for our team being successful moving forward is having a great week of practice leading into the game.”
......................................................................................................
Q&A with Milton wide receiver Peyton Rearick
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Everything has been very good. Everyone is healthy and playing well.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve been pleased with my performance this season, haven’t gotten a lot of action, but making the best of what I am working with.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“We have been playing very well, we are on a ROLL.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“One thing I think our team can improve on is having a complete week of good practices.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Our keys to being successful throughout the rest of the season are staying healthy and continuing to play our game.”
......................................................................................................
Q&A with La Salle College athlete Julian McFadden
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Football this season has been good. It's my first year at La Salle and everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, from the coaching staff to the players. Our team is off to a decent start with a challenging schedule. I’m excited to start league play and see what we can do as a team.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“Overall I am pleased with my play this season. I spend a lot of time perfecting my craft, getting in extra workouts, and taking care of my body and to add to that I have a strong connection with our QB Gavin Sidwar. We play for Level 82 7 on 7 under Torrey Smith in the spring so we work a lot in season and in the off season to be the best version of ourselves in season and it's translating to the field.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“We have been great in moments and in other moments there has been room for improvement. Consistency is what we are striving for.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Our continued growth as young leaders. I need to continue to grow as a vocal leader and our underclassmen who are contributing big week in and week out need to continue to grow as leaders.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Continue to be in sync offensively and defensively. Show up every day to play.”
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