Eli Achilles is Stepping Up
The Bracken Christian Warriors will start the year looking a little different. Junior Eli Achilles started his career in the safety position and now with the loss of Joe Lonigro, Achilles will be bringing his 207 tackles up to the linebacker spot.
The progression of the young man has been significant. Eli Achilles started his freshman year, 5’10” and 140 pounds. Achilles now has a much bigger frame, 6’2” and 166 pounds.
Eli trails only Grant Granato, who graduated last year, by 17 tackles to take over first place in that category. Achilles also leads the team with 12 interceptions for his career.
“Coach (Fields) wanted to get me closer to the line,” Achilles said. “I have to get stronger and faster to get by the (offensive) line.”
The Bracken Warriors are now on top and it is up to other teams to bring them down. This will be a new situation for the team as they become the hunted.
“We don’t have as many star players this season,” Achilles continued. “We will have more role players.”
The Warriors did lose some key defensive players from last year’s Championship team. In fact, the team had four players with more than 100 tackles and three of them walked across the stage this past May.
The defense will need several of the players to step up. Peter Corey missed last season but is returning this season.
Kevin Knapick finished with 80 tackles last season, so he could very easily pick up the extra tackles left on the field through graduation.
When talking about his goals for the new season, Eli Achilles said, “We need to figure out who wants to play and I want to break the tackle record…my off season workout has been good.”
Achilles has also been taking the snaps the last two years and his resolve is easy to figure out. “I hate to lose,” Achilles said to the point.
“In football games you can will a win, if you want it you can do it,” Achilles said stoically.
Achilles also got stronger playing in a DII College throwing camp this Summer.
Eli Achilles will be ready for the season to start as he will take the reigns for the third year. His record for the last two years as quarterback? 24-3
The ReSporter doesn’t think he likes to lose either. With that formula, you can use the same road map from last year….the one that takes you to Moody, Texas.
