Every year, seniors get their moment to play in their last first football game. For some, it can be an emotional experience, getting one more season to take in their high school life. We talked to five senior football players to get their viewpoint on the coming up game, their high school football experience, and on whether they plan on playing football after this season.
Name: Shaun Dobratz
Number: 61
Position: Defensive End
This is Dobratz first year playing high school football, but he is still excited to play for the first time.
“I’m really excited to play my first game because I’ve been putting in the work in the offseason,” Dobratz said. “I’m really excited to see what the team can do.”
Dr. LaBrot and Coach McMillen had convinced Dobratz to play football for his senior year. “One day Dr. LaBrot pulled me aside and asked if I wanted to play football. I said that I would, and then Coach McMillen had me scheduled for the next morning practice.
Name: Matthew Mauck
Number: 20
Position: Safety
Matthew Mauck has always enjoyed playing football for fun ever since he was a kid.
“I saw some of my friends joining the football team, and I thought it would be fun for me to do,” Mauck said.
Since that day, Mauck has been playing high school football ever since, with the game on Aug. 30 being his last first high school football game.
“I’m definitely a little nervous for the game, but I think that we are going to go out there and do really well,” Mauck said.
Mauck’s favorite memories from his past seasons are celebrating victories with his teammates. He seems confident that his team can excel to new heights this year.
Name: Cody McMullen
Number: 1
Position: Quarterback
Cody McMullen has enjoyed playing football since he was a young kid. While McMullen was in elementary school, his dad was a high school coach and currently is a coach at St. Charles High School. During this time, his dad would let him practice with the football team after school.
This year will be McMullen’s fourth year playing high school football and he is excited to improve himself by getting a better record from the previous years. This Friday will be McMullen’s last first high school football game. “It’s sad but I’m ready for the next chapter,” McMullen said. “It’s a weird feeling and indescribable.”
McMullen’s favorite memory from football is getting recruited by mini colleges. McMullen plans on playing college football and has recently committed to McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.
Name: Trent Fisher
Number: 88
Position: Wide receiver
Trent Fisher has always been a fan of football, whether that be watching or playing the sport.
“I’ve always loved the NFL and wanted to try it in high school,” Fisher said.
Fisher started playing high school football in his freshman year and has continued to play all four years. During his sophomore year football season, Fisher made the varsity team. The first game they played against Timberland will always be his favorite memory from high school. Unfortunately these past three years, Fisher has been injured the majority of his career, which shows in his amount of playing time on the field.
“It’s pretty sad,” Fisher said. “I haven’t been able to play a lot so it’s exciting.” After high school, he plans to focus on college but will still continue to enjoy football.
Name: Kaileb Rhen (Big K)
Number: 79
Position: Defensive tackle (DT) Defensive end (DE)
Kaileb Rhen (Big K) has been playing football since he was 2 years old. When starting high school, he joined the football team and has played ever since. Rhen then played a few games on the varsity team his sophomore year and was officially on varsity his junior year.
Rhen’s uncle, Jerry Woods, influenced him to play as he played for the Detroit Lions NFL team. Rhen is excited to showcase his abilities this coming season.
“Everything I’ve been working on all summer, my pass rush, and being able to be a playmaker,” Rhen said.
Rhen is excited and nervous for his last first game and to get back on the field but he knows it won’t be his last football game ever. Rhen has Millikin University, Bryant University, Pennsylvania University, for his top options to continue his football career.