Being a quarterback is no easy feat. 

The role demands leadership, a strong work ethic and an unbreakable mentality. 

Junior Carlos Herrera plays as the starting quarterback for the school’s varsity football team.

Taking the team’s reins was never a walk in the park. 

“I was nervous the moment I found out I was quarterback,” Herrera said. “Knowing that I now have a bunch of responsibilities to take on and knowing that the team would be relying on me to control the offense and simply be the quarterback was scary. A team can’t play without a quarterback.”

Herrera’s work ethic is evident in the extra hours he spends practicing and attending football camps. 

Although, that was not always the case.

When he joined the junior varsity football team as a freshman, he never envisioned himself as a quarterback. He initially saw himself as a backup and a receiver.

“Back in my junior varsity year mne of my coaches told me to toss the ball around with him and he saw the potential to make me a quarterback,” he said. “So from then on, I just started practicing more and more until I got to where I am today.” 

It was Assistant Coach Jorge Garcia who eventually recognized that Herrera possessed the qualities expected from a quarterback, including the ability to execute precise throws and read defenses.

“He’s a natural athlete, but he was also very smart,” head coach Mr. Ken Osorio said. We were telling him quickly and he was willing to try new things and become better as a student and an athlete.”

His performance against Sylmar last year, throwing for three touchdowns and 217 yards, earned praise from his coaches.

“It was an away game,” former defensive lineman Javier Arias said. “Carlos demonstrated his skill as a quarterback and helped the team score.”

The game solidified his role and earned him respect as a promising quarterback.

“Carlos is a quick and powerful quarterback,” running back Marlon Figueroa said. “In games he’s shown that he can handle the ball. Whether it comes to throwing, catching or running. He’s a really good athlete.”

Leading the team to the playoffs last year was challenging, but his steadfast determination kept him focused.

“A lot of nerves and communication went into winning,” he said. “It was  really hard on my body, knowing how much I have to lead the team. What I mainly did was to just take time for myself to prepare for every game.”

Herrera’s performance and teamwork continues to inspire his teammates as they face upcoming challenges. 

With a bright future and a growing team, Herrera is a quarterback to watch. 

“Carlos is a great quarterback, there are not many times he messes up,”  wide receiver Noa Miranda shared. “As a teammate, he’s funny and an important part of the team that pushes us beyond our limits.”

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 print edition.