Spring Valley High School’s varsity football team has two new quarterbacks, Adrian Oceguera and Ezekiel Olie, the team is grappling with a pivotal decision with choosing the starting position, as it is still undetermined halfway throughout the season. The previous one, Ti’shaun Ereaux-Jackson, graduated last year, giving previous 11th grade Junior Varsity’s quarterback, Oceguera and new SV 12th grade student from Hawaii, Olie, an opportunity to play this leading position.

A quarterback is the focal point of the team’s offense, demanding intelligence and strategic thinking. Every play relies on them, requiring a deeper understanding of the playbook and unique strengths and assignments of each player. While also maintaining the weight of immense pressure and expectations, to make themselves reliable to the team. 

“Being a QB [Quarterback], you have to take it one day at a time, because it is a very hard position.” said Oceguera. “You have to be very fundamental and perfect so It’s not about being over confident or cocky, you have to be genuinely focused because you are in the center of it all.” 

In the first three games of the season they switched out, allowing them to perform and to showcase their abilities. Even though, starting quarterback is undecided, they have practiced the entire summer and fall season to prepare. 

“Our two quarterbacks Zeke and Adrian both possess different traits that make them good quarterbacks.” said Head Football Coach Marcus Teal. “And I feel very confident that either one of them will be able to win a lot of football games. I think they do a very good job in complementing each other and assisting one another .” 

Oceguera and Olie hope that the trust within themselves and the competition amongst one another will catapult them into a successful season. Other players are excited for their new quarterbacks balanced dualism.  

“Olie is athletic and mobile, his accuracy, his distance and his ability to read the plays to determine where to throw the ball is great,” said Senior Varsity Player Ethan Shuford. “Adrian’s mental strength is incredible, his determination, motivation, influence, his accuracy and his abilities based on his build is great as well.” 

Oceguera started as junior varsity quarterback and linebacker two seasons ago and his goal on the team is to improve the atmosphere and dynamic. Once again, he is taking on the roles of playing defensive linebacker and quarterback this year. Not only does he have the team on the weight of his shoulders, but trying to improve his overall football experience and knowledge. 

“I feel like my hard work and mentality speaks for itself,” said Oceguera. “I’m here after hours, in the playbook, at every team film and weightroom, so I feel like my hard work  and reputation demonstrates my dedication.” 

Embracing a new environment, Olie faced challenges adapting to a different team and culture, yet the warmth and support of the coaches and teammates made this transition smoother for him.

“I really love the support and hospitality from the boys and coaches,” said Olie. “Coming from Hawaii, I was predicted to be nervous or anxious, but the coaches, specifically Coach Teal, was very welcoming and the boys made it easier for me to be able to cope with this change”

Oceguera and Olie’s share the common objective to win the trust of their teammates and coaches and more games.

“Both teams have their pros and cons,” said Olie. “However, the teams and atmospheres are physically and mentally the same. At the end of the day in the game of football, the goal is to win a championship and that’s what I’d like to do.” 

Oceguera and Olie simultaneously face everyday challenges as they constantly have outside influences, since this position comes with great responsibility and accountability. The quarterbacks regularly refocus, analyze strengths and mistakes, which increases their resilience, even under the most intense circumstances. 

“When people look at the score or a team itself, they will ask who the QB is or if they’re any good,” said Ocegera. “Those things give me a ton of pressure because every game we have to put on a show or else it’ll all be for nothing.”

These previous games have been difficult for both of the quarterbacks since the tension and stress is placed on them for the outcomes. When losing a game the pressure intensifies exponentially, since they bear the weight of responsibility for the team’s performance and must navigate the emotional toll. Although this may cause detriment to their mental health, it gives them the ability to lead through adversity, despite the criticism and demands.

“Since I grew up playing football, specifically quarterback, I’m at the stage of  ‘everything that pressures me, I can deal with it,’” said Olie. “Yet I’ve had to come to the realization that the only pressure that I cannot deal with or control is making everyone feel pleased and happy. These past few games I let myself down due to the outcomes of each game up to this point.”

In this environment of healthy competition, the absence of a starting quarterback encourages great competition for growth and leadership development. Both have a great chance of being the leading quarterback with their astonishing qualities as well as their mental and physical dedication. Coaches and players ultimately recognize and acknowledge that whoever is chosen will execute and guide the team in the right direction.