Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 180 pounds, varsity football player Tyler Haritzalde, ’11, starts at tight end, long snapper and linebacker, putting up 16 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown for the Eagles, as of Nov. 5.

Though football requires dedication and tough summer practices, Haritzalde claims the adrenaline rush during football games has motivated him to play for the past six years.

“It’s a big sport for the adrenaline junkies because so much happens,” Haritzalde said. “Just to play under the lights is why I keep coming back. The summer is hard because you got to get in shape, but then once you get under those lights and on the field, it’s just something else.”

Although Hartizalde participates in baseball and snowboards, nothing compares to his love for the game of football, he says.

“There’s nothing better than football,” Haritzalde said. “It’s my last year playing, and sure school’s more important, but nothing’s more fun. I love going out to practice and I love hanging out with these guys.”

Since he plays multiple positions on the team, coach Robert Foshee says Haritzalde’s capability results from his dedication during each practice.

“Tyler leads the team with his effort and is always trying his hardest,” Foshee said. “He takes everything to heart and really wants the team to succeed, even over himself.”

As an asset to the 24-member team, Haritzalde says he thrives in the small school atmosphere of FC.

“I love playing on this small team,” Haritzalde said. “Sure, it’s exhausting and it’s painful. But when you’re on the field and you look to your left and right, it’s the same guys, and you know you’re going to go through all four quarters with those guys. It’s a good feeling.”

According to Haritzalde, many of the senior players on the team participated in flag football during seventh grade, creating unity that has lasted through to their senior year.

“We’re basically like real brothers, in a sense,” Haritzalde said. “We love on each other and stuff, but if you do something wrong, we’ll jump on your case. We fight like real brothers, but we also do get along and hang out together a lot.”

Haritzalde claims that playing with fellow senior Andrew Evans serves as an encouragement to persevere during games.

“Andrew means a lot to me and the team,” Haritzalde said. “I lead block for him every game and during the game I just turn around, see him bruised up, shoot the ‘thumbs up’ over at me and I’m just like, ‘We got this.'”

Having played with Haritzalde for five years, Evans says he has seen progress in his teammate’s level of play.

“I have seen him go from being a minor player on the team to being a key factor on the field,” Evans said. “He is always on the field with me, and I can always count on him to have my back; he is truly a brother.”

Since football is a contact sport, Haritzalde has experienced many bumps and bruises. However, when he feels like giving up due to pain, he thinks of the dedication of ’10 alumnus Tyler Revis.

“I look at Tyler Revis because he had two dislocated shoulders and was jacked up beyond belief,” Haritzalde said. “He still went out there fired up, and so I’m never really hurt compared to him. On the field, you know you’re hurt, you know you’re limping; but you’re still going to go out on that field and give it everything you have, to where you just can’t even move after the game.”

Revis, who currently coaches the elementary football team, says he has seen a great improvement in Haritzalde’s attitude and play on the field.

“From watching him play from last year to this year, [I can see] he’s grown a lot as a player physically, spiritually and mentally,” Revis said. “Last year I remember him playing outside backer, and now he’s jumped to linebacker, where he’s a lot more aggressive, this year. He’s also one of the best long snappers I’ve seen in high school football.”

Harizalde’s father, Dominique, who played football at Tranquillity High School, ’80-83, says that Tyler’s involvement in football creates a bond between them.

“This game gives him so much enjoyment and purpose,” Dominique said. “It has also given him some of the same experiences I had in high school. Although we are not on the same team, we have even more to share with one another.”

During each game, Tyler says he relies on his faith to give him the endurance and fervor necessary to pull through.

“With the beating we take and the pounding we give and take, I need some help,” Haritzalde said. “So, I ask God for help and he heals the wounds and gets me back on my feet to keep going. When I ask for his help, I’ll get a fire in my chest and get more energy. I can’t do it alone.”

The Eagles will play their last game of the season against Orosi at home at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12. For more football coverage, read the Sept. 24 article, Senior captain shepherds team, or check out the Football sport shorts, 2010.

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