Junior prepares for second year as starting quarterback

As a mere sophomore last year, Will Liddle took on the pressure-packed role as the team’s starting quarterback. One year later, he’s prepared to have an even better season.

Liddle said he did not start to focus on football until his freshman year of high school. His only previous experience with football had been a year of Pop Warner when he was 8 years old.

“I was the chubby little kid on the offensive line,” Liddle said. “I occasionally played some flag football after that, but that was really it.”

As the quarterback, Liddle is not required to put in as much work as the offensive line and wide receivers in terms of physical training.

“Everyone makes the joke that the quarterback is the pretty boy who doesn’t do anything but throw the ball,” Liddle said.

This, however, is not the case, as Liddle pushes himself constantly to improve and tries to be a team leader.

When receivers get tired, Liddle said he takes it upon himself to hype them up while taking into account that they are doing more work than he is. He pushes his teammates on the field but knows how tough their jobs are.

Head coach Tim Lugo commended Liddle for his leadership and admitted he puts a lot of pressure on Liddle during practices.

“He is learning to be a leader at his position and that can be hard at times because I’m pretty tough on him,” Lugo said.

Lugo saw talent in Liddle during his freshman year, so at the beginning of sophomore year, he decided to move him up to varsity to compete for the starting quarterback position. He displayed a high potential that won him the job.

Having thrown 17 touchdowns last season, Liddle looks to improve his decisions while cutting down on interceptions.

Liddle sees the team going far this year because of Lugo’s coaching and the team’s strong desire to win. The team also depends heavily on Liddle.

“Honestly, I had no idea [Liddle] would turn out as good as he has been this soon,”  Lugo said.

Lugo said Liddle has been a big contributor to the overall improvement of the team. According to Liddle, both the offensive and defensive side of the team are incorporating new plays. The defense is also employing an entirely new strategy this year as well.

These changes have largely been to compensate for losing a few key players. The team lost safety Ken Wu and cornerback Joey Medeiros to graduation. Filling their shoes this season are senior Vincent Kung at safety and junior Nolan Chao at cornerback.

The six sophomores who started last season are now experienced juniors who are ready to lead and make big contributions.

“Our offensive line is pretty stacked and our wide receiver team is quite good,” Liddle said. “Both sides could use more work, but I am really happy to see the progress we’ve made as a team since the beginning of summer training.”

Further into the season, Liddle hopes to face longtime rivals Los Gatos and Milpitas with a strong, united front.

“I am also looking forward to playing the tough teams this year because I am confident that our players are ready for anything and anybody that comes our way,” Liddle said.