Sports

Seniors Take the Field for Their Last First Game

Senior football players played their last first high school football game on Friday, Aug. 30

Caitlin McDonnell and Parker Sethaler | September 4, 2024

Football seniors pose for a picture together for their annual media day for the last time for before game on Friday, Aug. 30.

Submitted by Liberty Eagles Football

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.

Seniors Take the Field for Their Last First Game

Shaun Dobratz (12) stands on sidelines as he intensely watches the football game against Francis Howell Central on Friday, Aug, 30. (Caitlin McDonnell)

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.

Matthew Mauck (12) runs to defend a player from Francis Howell Central during the game on Friday, Aug. 30. (Caitlin McDonnell)

Matthew Mauck

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.

Cody McMullen (12) gets ready to throw the ball to wide receiver on the field during the game on Friday, Aug. 30. (Caitlin McDonnell)

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.

Trent Fisher (12) watches intently towards the field during the game on Friday, Aug. 30. (Caitlin McDonnell)

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.

Kaileb Rhen (Big K) (12) runs off the field after playing the Friday night game against Francis Howell Central on Aug. 30. (Caitlin McDonnell)

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.

About the Contributors

Caitlin McDonnell, Photo Editor

Caitlin McDonnell is a senior, and this will be her second year in Publications. Caitlin is the Talon’s Yearbook Photo Editor and is excited to help other photographers grow while also growing herself. Caitlin likes taking pictures of her friends, portraits, sports, theater, and other school events. She also enjoys reading and hanging out with friends. Caitlin is looking forward to a fun senior year full of many memories.

Parker Sethaler, Reporter

Parker Sethaler is a senior, and is in his fourth year of publications. Making videos is his specialty, but he also writes stories. Parker currently has two jobs; one working at Dierbergs, and the other working at GymQuarters Gymnastics Center, where he coaches ninja courses. In his free time, Parker enjoys watching football or hanging out with his friends. In his future, he hopes to start his own videography business.

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Seniors Take the Field for Their Last First Game

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