ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

HALEY SOARS AT GREAT SPEEDS

Devon Haley carries the ball to victory against Licking Valley. Photo courtesy of HR Imaging.

BY BELLA COX What kind of experiences have you had as running back Qthis year?

A: Playing running back this year has been a great experience. Even though we run a passheavy offense, I have had incredible success putting up great yardage and putting points on the board.

Q: Have you always played running back for Graville?

A: I have been playing running back since I was 4, I used to play for Watkins because Granville did not have tackle football in elementary school. Playing tackle football at such a young age has definitely contributed to my success as a running back.

Q: What is the hardest part about football?

A: The hardest part of football is definitely managing the pressure that your teammates, coaches and fans put on you to win.

Q: How have you been handling this undefeated season?

A: Having an undefeated season and making history is a great feeling, but there is also added pressure from everyone that expects the team to continue winning and win by a considerable margin.

Q: How does it feel to be a senior on the football team this year?

A: Being a senior has made me cherish the sport a lot more and it made me realize how much I took football for granted. I work hard to play every game like it is my last because I may never know when the last time I will pick up a football will be.

Q: What is the best tradition that Granville football has?

A: In my personal opinion, the best Granville football tradition would have to be Coach King’s pregame speeches. They are incredibly hilarious yet they are still able to hype up the whole team.

Q: Does your football jersey number mean anything to you?

A: My current jersey number, 8, pays homage to my favorite and long lasting number, 88, that I used from age 4 up to age 11.

Q: What is your favorite football memory?

A: My favorite football memory has to be jumping over top of a kid in my first junior year football game. Nobody on the team or in the stands knew that hurdling was a penalty in high school and it caused a huge ruckus that caused the game to delay for like ten minutes.

Q: Do you wish to continue playing football after highschool?

A: I am torn between playing football and lacrosse in college because they both hold a special place in my heart and I currently have offers to play both. Some schools have offered me to play both at once.

Q: What message would you give the underclassmen when going into their upcoming football seasons?

A: The one thing that I would like to tell the underclassmen would be to never give up on yourself because you are your own best asset. It would shock you to know how much self-doubt can impact the way you play.