Senior Nathan Gonzalez plays safety on the Minooka varsity football team. He has been playing football for the Indians since freshman year. This interview with Nook News has been edited for clarity and length. 

Q: What was it like sophomore year on your first Friday night game for you? Are those feelings carrying over to senior year?

A: Yeah, I feel like every first game of the year I have is always the most nervous game because people are trying to see if you are going to be good this year or not and how the season is going to go.

Q: How long have you been playing football? Why do you play?

A: I have been playing for about 9 to 10 years now. I play because it is a sport my whole family has played for a long time. 

Q: You consider yourself a leader of the team, what do you think you can do to help the team make it past the second round this year?

A: Making sure everyone stays focused and always brings full intensity until the whistle blows.

Q: How is the bond of the team at practice? Does having a good bond with your team show on Friday night?

A: The team has a very strong bond, we can always joke around while being able to motivate each other and push past adversity.

Q: What is it like playing on Friday night with that big crowd? Does it play a role in how you play?

A: I think so. Having that big crowd cheer for us is always good. It’s always a big motivation and helps us get it together as a team and to play our best.

Q: What is something unique about the safety position an average fan in the stands might not understand?

A: People may think that safety is the easiest position on the team because all you really do is sit back and wait for the ball to come to you. But there is a lot more to it than that, the safety is basically the ‘quarterback’ of the defense, you have to give all the calls out, read the offense and make sure everyone is where they need to be.

Q: What is your go to “drip” or accessories for a game?

A: I usually say, two arm sleeves either all the way up or scrunched and leg sleeves, like tights.

Kooper Fisher is a member of the Minooka varsity football team.