With Hawaiian shirts filling the visitor bleachers, the Lions get off the bus to play their third varsity football game of the season against the Greenhill Hornets.
As the injury-ridden Lions defense storms the field, Defensive Head Coach Judd Garrett sends the starters out with a different look. Sophomore strong safety Mac Saye starts his first varsity game and locks up the Hornets, accumulating 16 tackles and 4 pass break-ups.
Despite spending his freshmen year as a receiver on JV, Saye has embraced his new role at strong safety and has proven his worth.
“I always show up. I always try to be there and do the best of my ability when I’m out on the field,” Saye said.
This work ethic is what gave Saye the starting spot. With his coaches and teammates helping throughout the game, Saye adjusted and thrived in his new starting position.
“I was nervous before, but Coach Flaherty and Coach Garrett gave me the opportunity to step into that role, and I tried to fill it the best I could,” Saye said. “As the game went on I got less and less nervous.”
The week following his performance, Saye has maintained his starting sport and looks to continue performing at a high level.
