By Aminah Khan and Jennifer Trend, Staff Writers
Seniors Benn Vallier and Nathaniel Wight both started playing football at Fountain Valley High School during their freshman year. Today, they say that they could not be more proud of their team’s performance this year.
Wight and Vallier are two of the three varsity captains at FVHS. The team’s performance improved significantly when compared to their games last year.
“There was nowhere to go from last season, two years ago, where we only won one game, but this year we won seven,” said Vallier. The team spent more time this year conditioning in the weight room and doing speed drills, an exercise used to make players faster and change direction quicker.
Wight has played football all throughout high school, saying that his physique was helpful for the sport.
“I was kind of bigger than the other kids and football seemed like the sport to play,” he said. He played freshmen football, JV during his sophomore year, and has been on the varsity team for the past two years. “I guess [football] taught me a lot about work ethic,” said Wight.
In his future, he would like to continue playing football, but does not think he will pursue it in college. “I’d like to major in engineering. I’m going to be going to Northern Arizona [University],” said Wight.
Vallier discovered a passion for football at a young age.
“My whole family played it so when I saw my brother it in high school, I wanted to try it out,” Vallier said.
As a Raiders and Browns fan, he spent five year playing tackle and two seasons of flag football before high school. Vallier began playing for the varsity team during his sophomore year but also played a little as a freshman.
Vallier is also interested in playing football in college.
“Two colleges that are talking to me right now that I’m interested in are Dixie State and Azusa Pacific- those are my two top choices right now,” said Vallier.
Football has also kept Vallier motivated throughout high school. “Well, the coaches always say ‘If you quit in the football field, you’re going to quit in life so don’t quit now’,” he said. He uses this to stay on top of the things he does.
As for the future of Barons football, both expect a successful year ahead.
“I’d say the future is bright. We’ve got a bunch of good players that are going to still be here next year, and hopefully some new freshmen come in and help the team out,” said Wight.
