By Tomas Kassahun
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Vernon Lacy is only a sophomore. But he’s performing with the poise of a seasoned veteran.
The McLane sophomore is a big part of the reason why the Highlanders stand at a perfect 8-0, winning most of their games with blowout fashion. While the young quarterback is tearing up his opponents, passing for four or more touchdowns in four straight games, McLane is winning by an average of 45 points.
Playing at the quarterback position, one of the hardest positions to learn in sports, Lacy is already proving his poise and consistently finding his receivers for big plays, making the Highlanders one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Central Valley.
“It comes naturally, just how I carry myself. I carry myself as a leader,” Lacy said about the maturity he is already showing on the field. “I have to show where I’m coming from and where I stand at.”
While he’s off to a scorching start in his sophomore season, Lacy also understands that he still has a lot to learn about the game. That’s why he pays close attention to the older players and takes notes from their leadership.
“Watching these guys, they show up all the time because this is their last chance. They might not play again. So for sure I have to pick up the energy with them. If I go out there and put 110% in, I know the rest of the guys are gonna jump in,” Lacy said.
Senior Demetrius Simon is among the vets who quickly became impressed with Lacy’s maturity as a young player.
“It’s crazy seeing what he’s doing at his age,” Simon said about his quarterback. “He has been getting better every game. He had some ups and downs during the season, but he has been doing great.”
Even if the Highlanders face some tough challenges as they go into the playoffs, Simon and the rest of the Highlanders are prepared to rally around their young quarterback.
“I’m just making sure he keeps his head up even if negative things happen,” Simon said. “If I see him put his down and get emotional about something, I feel like it’s my job to keep him going.”
The Highlanders have clearly bought into the system of head coach Andrew Pancotti, who changed the program’s culture when he took job five years ago.
“Watching coach Pancotti, I see him as a big example,” Simon said. “Seeing how he carries himself, he’s a real good man. He makes it more than a job. He makes sure you’re alright, he makes sure you’re on top of your grades, . He makes it about life, teaching us a whole bunch of lessons and just giving us knowledge.”
Playing for Pancotti, the Highlanders appear to be looking forward to every day of football.
“We don’t have to be here, we get to be here,” Simon said. “Just having him as a coach is a blessing. I can’t ask for anything more.”