Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Linebacker giving team his all By MICHAEL BOYLAN Stephan Atrice almost never picked up a football. His father, a former football and basketball player himself, didnt want his son playing the sport because he had a teammate that broke his neck while playing in a game. His other son, Walker, took up the sport in his senior year of high school and ended up being recruited by and playing for the University of Georgia. It may have been his brothers success as a Bulldog but Stephan persisted in asking for permission to play football. His father eventually relented and the Sandy Creek Patriots are thrilled he did. My fathers advice was, If youre going to do it, do it all the way, said Atrice. He followed his fathers advice and gave his all to the team. Atrice, a senior, is entering his second year as a part of the Patriots football program. He played safety last year but has moved to linebacker this year. As a safety, Atrice had interceptions in big games for the Patriots but he also went down with an injury in the first jamboree of the year. He sustanined a sprained knee and a deep contusion that kept him out of the lineup for five weeks. When he returned, it was the homecoming game. He announced his return with an interception against Douglas County in the second quarter. Atrice enjoyed his time as a safety. He learned a lot from senior Gerren Griffin and continued to improve throughout the season. During the off-season he was aksed to move to linebacker and Atrice loves his new position. As a linebacker, youre always in the play, said Atrice, who adds that the position is more oriented into stopping the run. He feels that while he isnt big, his speed and strength have halped him in his new position. Atrice and the rest of the defense are looking to prove to all of the doubters that Sandy Creek isnt heading into a down year. We learned a lot last year as a team, especially in our final game against Griffin, said Atrice. We learned a game is never over and to never give up. As a senior this year, I really want to bring that message to the team. Atrice is already getting attention from colleges and he plans on majoring in business and finance wherever he attends school. In addition to his time with the football team, Atrice also participates in STAR International, a business club at the school. For now, Atrice is focusing on heping Sandy Creek run the table during the regular season again and winning another region title. |
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