| 12 November 2009
Tomorrow night, O'Dea will be in familiar territory as they face off against Liberty in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. O'Dea has been dominant the whole season with a fierce running game and a pain-inducing defense. Two weeks ago they clinched the Metro League title outright.
We got a chance to talk to one of their players that has been instrumental in their success this season, Senior Right Guard, Dominic Salle. Check out the interview after the jump!
First off, congratulations on making the State tournament! What specific aspects of this team make a deep run in State possible?
Thank you, this year we have a very well rounded team. What helps us the most is our depth. We have enough players that very few starters have to play both offense and defense. This is an advantage compared to teams that have most of their starters play both ways.
Would you say that was a weakness of the team last year?
I would not say that was a weakness of last year's team, we did have a couple more starters playing both ways but not many more. What hurt us the most last season was our injuries. We had to deal with many injuries to key players all throughout the season.
Who are some of the key players on this team?
All of the offensive and defensive lines are key. A couple of our key skill position players are Gabe Lee (QB,DB), Devante Curry (TE,DE), Keenan Forch (RB), Michael Martin (RB), Zach Fogerson (RB,LB), Jerry Jordan (LB), and Conner Lane (LB) along with the rest of our starters that have all been doing a great job.
How is it playing with Zach with knowing that you're playing with a D1 recruit?
Zach is a great player and a huge contributor to our team. On the field I honestly dont think about the fact that he is a D1 player, he is my teammate just like everyone else on the team. We all work together as one unit not worrying about who is playing D1 or not.
You've improved markedly since your freshman year, what do you credit this improvement to?
Nothing but hard work. I spent a ton of time lifting and preparing in the offseasons with my teammates and it has paid off.
What has kept you motivated?
My sophomore year we made it to the state championship and barely lost, ever since then my goal has been to get back and win it. I want my senior year to end with both a metro and state title, that is what has kept me motivated.
If you could compare yourself to one college or pro player, who would it be, and why?
I have never really compared myself to a college or pro player. I have always been a huge fan of Olin Kreutz of the Chicago Bears as a lineman that I look up to.
Do you plan on playing football in college?
I would like to play football in college if the opportunity comes, most likely at a Division III or NAIA school.
Well, thanks for your time and good luck in the playoffs!
Thanks Kevin
