Football is arguably one of the most popular sports among high school students and every Friday students fill the stands and cheer on the Broncos.

Although possibly the most popular, football also takes a great deal of dedication and hard work, and every athlete has a different path.

“I think [freshman] should expect a lot of hard work and quitting is no option, so don’t do that,” Kendall Heiss, 12, said.

Heiss is part of the Bronco defense who has helped carry the team to a 4-0 record, allowing an average of just 8.5 points per a

game. Heiss is one of a number of seniors leading the defense however, there is one stand alone freshman, Michael Beck.

Although starting varsity freshman year is uncommon in football, Beck has been one of a few students breaking this stereotype over the last few years.

“I expected to do good as a freshman and just play for the freshman team as a cornerback, I was not expecting to play varsity,” Beck said.

Unlike Beck, Heiss did not start their freshman year, but has started since their junior year.

“[Freshman year] I was just going out and playing, trying to get a spot on the freshman team, doing my best, and that’s basically what happened,” Heiss said.

After freshman year, expectations change for most athletes and this was no different for Heiss.

“[Now] I know I am gonna start and I need to be a leader, help make sure everyone [is] doing their job so we can win games,” Heiss explained, “It was different from freshman years when I just wanted to be on the team”.

Both Beck and Heiss have high expectations for the remainder of their seasons, and high school football careers.

“I expect greatness out of myself and to step into my role as a varsity player… I expect myself to be better and to be a better overall team in the future,” Beck explained. Heiss agreed with Beck saying the goal is to “go all the way”.