By Griffin Brightbill, Sports Editor
Beginning his freshman year, multi-talented senior Patrick Gover has been busy balancing football and the school play. Although he landed a lead role in the upcoming play Almost Maine, he claims that his primary focus right now is the football season.
“If there’s a game next Friday, then that’s what I’m thinking about. Football takes discipline, and if I’m worrying about something else then that could hurt my game.”
That determination is part of why Gover has been on the varsity team all four years of high school and is now a captain. He takes pride in the title of captain and knows that it’s more than just a word.
“Being a captain means the younger players are looking up to me, so I have to set a good example for them, and demonstrate the right things to do.”
There’s a lot to learn from Gover on the field, seeing as he plays tight end, linebacker, and long snapper. At linebacker, he has recorded 46 overall tackles, including 3 tackles for a loss. This extensive skillset is what has impressed coach Brian Van Deusen over the years.
Van Deusen explains, “Pat is so valuable to the team because he makes an impact in all three phases of the game, even special teams. As a long snapper, he’s really good. I’ve been telling him he could possibly play that in college.”
Whether or not he plays in college, Gover will always have a passion for the game. “Ever since I was little, I watched and studied the game as much as I could. When I got my chance to actually play, I was so excited, and I still get that feeling every time I walk onto the field.”
However, Gover hasn’t been having that same excitement when walking off of the field recently. He is not satisfied with the Hawks’ 2-3 start, but believes that they will be able to turn the season around and make a run in the playoffs.
“The talent and heart that we have on this team tells me that we’re going to improve throughout the year and have a chance in the postseason.”
Part of that talent and heart is co-captain Noah Thyberg, who is a quarterback for the Hawks. “Pat is a natural-born leader,” declares Thyberg. “He goes hard during every practice and every game, and encourages the other guys to do the same.”
Noah isn’t the only one who sees Gover as a prominent teammate. Sean Guthier, who plays linebacker alongside Gover, sees him as a huge part of the team’s success. “If Pat is playing well, then the Hawks are playing well. We’re all hoping he keeps up his spectacular season.”