The referee’s whistle blows a high pitch, screeching over the cheers of the full home stands. Underneath the bright white Friday night lights, eleven boys clad in red scramble, turf kicking up underneath their cleats. One, two, three steps back and the ball goes soaring through the air, a perfect arch into patiently waiting hands down the field. The crowd cheers wildly as the ball is carried swiftly into the endzone. The same arm that propelled the football across the field pumps a confident fist in the air; another successful touchdown for senior and RV football varsity quarterback Nicholas Marco.
Marco, nearing the final weeks of his fourth and final year of RV football, has had quite the successful run this season as starting quarterback. Leading his teammates into the playoffs with an overall record of 7-2, the varsity team’s hard work and dedication have impressed the RV community week after week. Each and every game night the stadium is filled with students and parents alike, showing up and showing out to cheer the team on to victory.
“There’s just something about football,” said Marco. “You come to a football game and there’s people packed in the stands. Football kind of gets you excited; motivated.”
Much before he was throwing touchdown passes and running in Red Devil touchdowns, Marco got his start as a Hurricane in early elementary school with RV’s youth football club.
“When I played on the Hurricanes, I played on the older team, and when a lot of them went to highschool, I was just tired of it so I took a break.”
But the thrill of Friday night lights called him back, and so when Marco came to RV, he put on the uniform once again.
Marco hasn’t always played the position of quarterback; last year he was an Outside Linebacker playing on the defensive starting lineup.
“I like the hitting aspect of defense,” said Marco, “but I still love QB. [My] freshman year there was an opportunity to play quarterback and I was like, ‘I might as well give it a shot.’ And it turned out pretty good for me.”
RV Head football coach Garrett Lucas has nothing but positive things to say about his starting quarterback, agreeing with Marco’s sentiments about things turning out quite alright.
“Nick might be one of the most improved players we have had yet,” said Lucas. “He was seen more so as a defensive player last year. He took the opportunity to play quarterback and had a terrific offseason by working with a couple different trainers and being in the weightroom. This gave him some of the physical tools to succeed and earn the job. Nick has really done an elite job as a varsity quarterback.”
Marco’s favorite part about being quarterback this season: having control over the success of offense during a game.
“I kind of have more control than a lot of people on offense,” Marco said with a chuckle. “Just being able to kind of get it to go my way or not; I kind of gotta take the blame but it’s okay. I kind of like being in control.”
Despite his love of controlling plays on the field, for Marco, the game is about much more than winning, but making meaningful connections inside and outside of practice.
When asked what his favorite aspect of his experience with RV is, Marco described the connections he’s made throughout the years. “I enjoy hanging out with [the team], out of football and during football, just being with a good group of guys.”
And while Marco enjoys a good time with the team, he also understands the importance of his role as a leader as both quarterback and a team captain.
“[My role] has definitely changed a lot because last year I was kind of like just another guy on the team,” said Marco. “I could joke around and kinda mess around and get away with it, but this year as a captain and quarterback I’ve kind of got to take the lead and take charge. You know you still have fun but you can’t go over the top with it and you just gotta keep everyone in check.”
Yet, despite stepping up for the team, Marco still feels just as connected to his guys: “I would say that my teammates all make my job a lot easier. I don’t have to do much when I’ve got the guys around me; just a very good group of people.”
According to his coach, Marco has grown into his role as a leader extremely well, taking action and contributing greatly to their success this season.
“Nick has made massive strides in a year,” said Lucas. “He has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. When Nick has to be verbal, he always has been. He will let his play speak to his teammates and it will motivate them.”
Throughout the season, the team has put in extra hours and used that motivation to push them towards their success.
“We put in a lot of work in the off-season, did a lot of summer lifting,” said Marco. “Even last year during the school year we’d lift before school. So I would say a lot of us are dedicated and put a lot of time in just to get the result we wanted.”
As they prepare to enter the playoffs, Marco feels comfortable and confident in his team’s ability to play well and play hard.
“See I don’t want to come off too cocky. I’m excited, I would say eager to get to the playoffs and see how we do. But I also don’t want to rush it. I would say we have a lot more confidence this year and we kind of know what we’re capable of so hopefully we do what we’re capable of.”
As the football season nears its end, and the focus pushes forward to the future, Marco is left with the question all seniors have yet to quite answer: what next?
“I actually grew up playing lacrosse too,” said Marco. “It’s one of my favorites. I’d probably say I’m better at lacrosse and I am thinking about playing in college, I don’t know where yet though. I don’t know if I’ll play football in college, but there’s just something about football.”
Marco’s experience with RV football has not only brought him success, motivation, friends, and support, but a truly invaluable experience that will last a lifetime.
“Football has helped me prepare for college by dealing with adversity,” said Marco. “I feel like we’ve dealt with a lot of adversity, and also me personally during football. Just pushing through and setting a common goal for you and your teammates, just so you know where you’re trying to get to.”
And with a team and staff to help guide him there, Marco’s goals for the remainder of the season remain to push straight through until the end.
“And while you may struggle getting there, football taught me to just keep on persevering and keep going.”
