Football has always been something that unites the community within Louisa. On a fall Friday night, most of the town gathers in the stands to cheer on the team.
When starting a sport there is always a key moment that ignites the passion to play. This varies from a moment on the field to watching a fan favorite player on TV.
“I first fell in love with football during the 2014-2015 college football season,” senior George Albertson said. “Watching Marcus Mariota play football with his former team the Oregon Ducks made me fall in love with the sport and to this day Marcus Mariota is my favorite college football player of all time.”
Since Little League football, seniors Albertson, Gavin Anderson, Isaiah Holland, Braden McIntire, and Jayden Seaberry have been playing together. These individuals have formed a long lasting bond through football.
“We’ve all been playing together since elementary school and through that we all started to spend more time together and hang out more at each other’s houses,” Holland said.
As new players come in and new bonds are formed, football has been something that all these young men have had in common since a young age. During junior year, quarterback Caleb Brady transferred from Hawaii, bringing new talent to the team.
“Virginia football and football on the islands is night and day,” Brady said. “In Hawaii, every school throws the ball much more than they do here, which I believe gave me an advantage amongst other quarterbacks.”
Growth and development is something that is constantly happening no matter how long one has been playing. Each practice or game gives players an opportunity to develop their skills and character. Throughout Louisa County Football, players are challenged to strengthen their performance on the field and through leading the team.
“I’ve always loved the game of football since watching my brothers play. I always wanted to be like them and now I carry the torch for the family and hopefully can take it as far as I can”, Seaberry said.
As players enter their junior and senior years, they start to think about their athletic futures beyond high school football. Advancing to the next level is huge for some players, and as college commitments start to take place, athletes begin to look upon where their heading and on some past memories.
“My favorite memory with Louisa Football is my junior season, Seaberry said. “It was truly a magical feeling with the team knowing we had doubters and could prove them wrong every Friday. We all had each other’s backs knowing our potential as a team.”
Albertson held the kicker position on the team. He will be continuing his football career and education at Roanoke College in Roanoke, Virginia.
“My favorite memory from playing is the celebration of wins with my teammates,” Albertson said. “There was no better feeling than spending that time with your closest friends following a win.”
Anderson was a tight end on the football team. He will be furthering his career at Bridgewater College post-graduation.
“My sophomore year was my first year on varsity, moving up into that atmosphere was definitely one of my favorite memories,” Anderson said.
Brady held the quarterback position on the team. Brady will be ongoing in his football journey after graduation at Washington and Jefferson College.
“I chose to commit to Washington and Jefferson College because I believe it was the best opportunity for me and it can help me excel the most as a student-athlete in comparison to my other opportunities,” Brady said.
Holland was the team’s safety. He will move play football at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.
“Blocking the punt against William Fleming is my favorite memory,” Holland said. “The crowd felt so electric in that moment and it was a great feeling.”
McIntire maintained the guard position on the team. He will further his football career and education at Hampden Sydney College.
“Running out of the tunnel each Friday night with some of my closest friends is definitely my favorite memory while playing football,” McIntire said.
Seaberry held the running back position. He will be continuing his education and football career post-graduation at Shenandoah University.
“I chose Shenandoah because I felt like they gave me the best opportunity to showcase my skills along with me believing I will be able to chase my dreams,” Seaberry said.
As seniors prepare to graduate and move on to other opportunities, upcoming players will have their legacy to build. New players will work toward the top just as the previous students have and will continue to build the Louisa Football program.
“I advise upcoming players to play to their strengths and to not doubt themselves at all,” Holland said. “Playing Louisa Football allows for lots of potential and if one doubts themselves they won’t be able to be successful.”
