Author: Joyce Oscar

  • Trevor Radford, “Why I Grind”

    Trevor Radford, “Why I Grind”

      Not only does Trevor Radford take pride in his education by maintaining an “A” average, but he also takes pride in his athleticism. He shined at the Georgia Elite Camp as well as The Big Man Takeover in Atlanta, Georgia. Most would think that balancing athletics and education would be a challenge but Trevor…

  • Conversations with Javier Lopez

    Conversations with Javier Lopez

    Dear Javo, Don’t ever ever ever take this game for granted, you will never know when it’s over. Work hard and dedicate time to this sport because many people wish they had the opportunity you do. Lastly, always no matter what, don’t ever be selfish. You would be nothing if it wasn’t for your teammates.…

  • McKay Taylor, “Why I Grind”

    McKay Taylor, “Why I Grind”

      It’s always good to challenge yourself and compete among other great athletes. 2018 McKay Taylor has done just that in his stint as a Punter/Kicker. As far back as he can remember he has loved baseball and started playing when he was a mere 4-years-old. He loved it so much that he was preparing…

  • Ryan Balck, “Why I Grind”

    Ryan Balck, “Why I Grind”

        Appleton, Wisconsin…home of Lawrence University, Time Warner Cable Field and 2019 athlete Ryan Balck. Ryan knows what it takes to be great. “It takes perseverance, grit and hard work,” he says. “You have to be willing to sacrifice your free time to grind at your goal.” From camp to camp, he shows up and…

  • Andrew Gordon, “Why I Grind”

    Andrew Gordon, “Why I Grind”

      “I Am My Spartan’s Keeper” One of Andrew Gordon’s goals is to stay healthy so that he can help his team accomplish their dream of making it to the state playoffs. “I want to help represent our school in the best way we can,” he says. “I want to stay healthy and be injury…

  • Roman Purcell, “Why I Grind”

    Roman Purcell, “Why I Grind”

          For many students the start of a new school year means, being one step closer to graduation, making new friends and reuniting with favorite teachers. But for Roman Purcell, it means the start of football season at Cathedral High School and “Friday Night Lights”. “I am looking forward to practicing and playing…

  • Hunter Hill, “Why I Grind”

    Hunter Hill, “Why I Grind”

        Some studies have shown that sibling rivalry can play an important role in sporting success. Just ask 2022 Defensive End Hunter Hill. “Playing football with my brother gives the opportunity for me and him to get better,” he admits. “We are always the most competitive when we go against each other so we…

  • Curtis Hill, Why I Grind

    Curtis Hill, Why I Grind

      No, you’re not seeing things, yes there are two of them. 2022 Defensive End Curtis Hill plays alongside his brother in a game they both love and where they keep each other motivated. After having a great summer camp season at camps like Seattle FBU and Top Gun, Curtis is ready for action. He’s…

  • Garret Rangel, “Why I Grind”

    Garret Rangel, “Why I Grind”

        We all have those memorable moments in our lives. But imagine the feeling of being down by 6 points with a minute left on the clock, throwing a 60 yard pass for a touchdown to win the game by one point. That is what 2022 QB Garret Rangel says is his most memorable…

  • #playbook22 Chandler “CJ” Smith, “Why I Grind”

    #playbook22 Chandler “CJ” Smith, “Why I Grind”

    He’s learned, from his father, that football and track is like a marriage and watching young Chandler Smith, you can tell that he loves both sports. He has been given the nickname “Roadrunner” and rightfully so, he runs a 23.95 in the 200m and is the current record holder for the Central Florida Youth Catholic…

  • #playbook22  Avyonne Jones “Why I Grind”

    #playbook22 Avyonne Jones “Why I Grind”

        When fall hits, football fans get excited and anxious to see what their favorite teams will pull off on the field. If we, the fans are anxious, imagine how the players feel. Defensive Back Avyonne Jones knows all too well that feeling of excitement. “I’m just excited to put the pads back on…

  • #playbook22  Chase Campbell, “Why I Grind”

    #playbook22 Chase Campbell, “Why I Grind”

          It’s widely known that the state of Texas has some great football players and quarterback Chase Campbell is one of those. He’s been playing soccer since he was 4-years-old but also started playing football when he was about 8-years-old. Chase says there are three things he loves about football, and those are:…

  • #playbook19 Javo Lopez, “Why I Grind”

    #playbook19 Javo Lopez, “Why I Grind”

      What’s the difference between being a good and great athlete? Many would say it’s the training and 2019 Javo Lopez agrees. “I think extra training is very important because it is the difference between what most people won’t do in order to get better.” For the the upcoming season, he is looking forward to surpassing…

  • Perry Wells, “Why I Grind”

    Perry Wells, “Why I Grind”

          Meet 2020 Strong Safety Perry Wells. He started playing football at the young age of five in Humble, Texas. But he says when he was younger, he doubted himself and his abilities. “I was so small and everyone was stronger and faster, but it only pushed me to work harder.”  Hard at…

  • Isaiah Stewart, “Why I Grind”

      2019 Isaiah Stewart, from New Jersey says he’s “dedicated to God and the Game and won’t stop until he has made his goals reality. In his 4th year of playing football, Isaiah has played Wide Receiver, Cornerback and will soon play the position of Free Safety. He’s playing hard and smart in order to…

  • J.J. McCarthy, “Why I Grind”

    J.J. McCarthy, “Why I Grind”

          Even before he knew the term “Friday Night Lights” J.J. McCarthy knew what his destiny was. “A dream came to me when I first stepped on the field as a first grader. I didn’t wanna just be good, average. I WANT to be great.”  When he was in the first grade, J.J.…