Football season is in full swing and that means the team is ready to show what they’ve been working for. Sophomore Cole Payton has been playing tackle football for nine years. His hard work and dedication throughout the past years has paid off as he is now the starting varsity quarterback.

“Being at this high of a position goes to show that it doesn’t matter your age,” Payton said.

Varsity coaches said they had a hard time determining who best fit the position but Payton stood out the most.

“Cole and [a] few others were in a competition [for quarterback],”  varsity Coach Craig Secora said. “The quarterback job is something they have all been working for in the offseason. [They have worked by going to] different meetings, throwing sessions, and early winter quarterback sessions.”

Payton stood out among the others. The position needs both a strong mentality and physicality and Payton reaches those requirements.

“He is coachable, you can instruct him or give him an assignment and he’ll do it and learn,” Secora said. “He doesn’t get down if he makes a mistake. He actually likes feedback.”

Payton says that being quarterback is exciting but a lot of responsibility comes with it. He has to know not only what he has to do but also what every other person on the offense has to do. This can be challenging mentally, but he studies film, does visualization, and sometimes meditates to prepare.

“The first games went good, they were a lot of fun. There is still so much to work on though,” Payton said.

If there is one thing Payton has, it’s passion to succeed which is a big part of the position.