Three Peat
As the 2013 high school football season approaches I had a
chance to interview one of Santa Monica’s captains William Taylor. Taylor is an
electric player for the Vikings. He does not have one position that he plays so
he is recognized as an ATH, athlete. He can return kicks, take handoffs in the
backfield, catch passes out of the slot, and play defense. Taylor is entering his third year on varsity, which is valuable experience. I had a
chance to interview him about this upcoming season, which is his senior year.
The Samohi Vikings finished their season as the Ocean League
champions for the second consecutive year, but suffered a heartbreaking loss in
the second round of the playoffs to the Serra Cavaliers. Taylor talked about
the loss saying, “It left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was the second
straight year in a row where we went to the playoffs and ended up losing by a
large margin. Being my senior year, now, I feel like there is something to
prove.” His expectations for his team is to win every game, win league, and win
a CIF championship. Taylor said, “The Next Step”, is the slogan for this
season. I asked him which is the biggest game of the season and he said, “I’m
looking forward to every game, but I’m looking forward to playing Valencia
because its time to get a win against them for Coach Clark.”
Travis Clark, who is entering his fifth year, is the head
coach for the Vikings. He helped bring pride and glory back to Samohi and I
asked Taylor about playing for him. He said, “Coach Clark is amazing at what he
does. I feel like I’m extremely blessed to be able to play and learn from him.
I've learned how to play for him, what he expects, and I know how much he truly
cares for everyone that's on his team. He can be a little hard on you at times,
but it’s only out of love. He wants you to be the best and nothing less because
that's what he expects. He's the best at what he does. I feel lucky being one
of his guys and our relationship has grown over the years. He is way more than
just a coach to me.”
Finishing our interview, I asked what Taylor has learned
playing football since his freshman year. He said, “Since freshman year I've
learned how the game of football is actually supposed to be played. I’ve
learned what it takes to win. I've learned how to be a teammate, and how to be
more of a leader.” Also, he believes every player on his team is a player you
have to watch out for.
Taylor and the Vikings kick their season off on the road at
Redondo Union High school September 6th. Their first home game is
September 20th against Mater Dei High School.
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