Every fall brings in new classes, early mornings and a busy schedule for students, but as the school year starts, so do Friday night football games. To end the school week, students gather together to cheer and support their football team.

Although FC is a relatively small school, the football team is always growing. This year the team has nearly 30 players. Of these 30, four members have been selected to be team captains. One of these captains is senior Bobby Christopher.

Although he is the first in his family to be involved with football, he knew he wanted to play. In the sixth grade, Christopher joined the football team for the first time.

“I started playing football in sixth grade,” Christopher said. “When I came to Fresno Christian I knew I could play because I was super small back then.”

Senior Zachery Jakusz, a fellow member of the football team, pinpoints Christopher?s biggest strength to be his speed.

“Bobby {Christopher} helps the team with his speed and touchdowns,” Jakusz said. “I?ve played with him for two years, and he?s gotten better. His biggest strength is definitely his speed, and also his muscle. His weakness is that he can get really competitive on the field.”

While Christopher can be competitive, not everyone views this trait as a weakness. Varsity football coach, Mick Fuller, lists enthusiasm as one of Christopher?s strong points.

“Bobby {Christopher} contributes experience, determination and aggressiveness,” Fuller says. “He is a good example to the younger players of playing with enthusiasm.”

Christopher has drive and ambition for the football season. He believes that the team needs to work on being more focus during practice in order to be successful. Self-control on his emotions and executing his position better as running back and outside line backer are the main things he plans to work on.

“I just enjoy hitting people and being aggressive,” Christopher said. “I really want to just lead by example and do what I’m supposed to be doing and hopefully everyone else will follow. My goal this year is to score as many touch downs as I can and for the team, to try to win as many games as possible.”

This year, a decision has been made to switch the football team from eleven-man to eight-man. Initially, Christopher was skeptical about this change, but now appreciates it.

“This year has been a lot better than I thought it would be,” Christopher said. “I thought it would be lame because now it?s eight-man, but it?s actually better.”

As in any sport, football has its highs and lows. Although Christopher says he is enjoying this season, not every year has been so smooth.

“The worst memory I have is probably eighth grade year,” Christopher said. “We lost every game.”

Overall, Christopher is said to be an enthusiastic leader who understands concepts beyond throwing a ball. As a player, Christopher is only improving, and Coach Fuller says he is honored to have Christopher as a captain of his team.

“He started playing in elementary school and has since improved his skill and understanding of the complexities of the game,” Fuller said. “We rely on him to lead by example. He has been faithful to Fresno Christian for several years and we are honored that he is an integral part of the team.”

To support Bobby Christopher on the field, attend the next home game on the North Field, beginning at 7 p.m., Sept. 27.

This author can be reached via Twitter: @_chloemueller. Follow The Feather via Twitter; @thefeather.

For more sports, read the Sept. 25 article, Cross county sports shorts: Sanger Invitational.