New QB On the Block

After four memorable years with the Sunnyslope Football Program, Quarterback Luke Moga has moved onto the next step of his career at the University of Oregon.
Moga was a significant part of the Sunnyslope community and his legacy will not be forgotten.
But, as the saying goes, when a door closes, a window opens.
That window is Sophomore Royce Vanacore.
Vanacore, the current starting quarterback for the Varsity Football team, is stepping into the shoes of Moga.
As a sophomore, Vanacore only played on the freshman team last year.
This is impressive and not something that any average athlete could do.
To be promoted to the starting quarterback of the varsity team has had its struggles.
“It’s definitely a big switch going from playing all people my age and now playing with juniors and seniors,” said Vanacore, “It’s a faster pace game, it’s just like a lot faster [but] definitely a good switch.”
Since being given the starting position, Vanacore has been preparing for his rookie season in various ways.
“Just knowing that the role is there to be filled and just being ready and being in practice and having to set myself up,” said Vanacore, “Knowing all the plays and staying on top of what we are doing the next day, ultimately, being ready for everything.”
His teammates have been supportive throughout the entire journey.
Varsity Co-captain Theo Pike said, “The advantage that Royce has is that nothing has been given to him so far, he’s had to earn everything, you know, he had to earn the starting spot and that shows a lot about his character, and how much he wants it and he’s gonna try hard to win games.”
The process of choosing the starter was challenging and for months, there was fierce competition for the spot between Vanacore and Junior Ryan Choukalas.
“He’s [Vanacore] done a good job, both he and Ryan have done a good job of stepping up and taking a leadership role,” said Jacobs, “Royce just did enough to take the lead.”
In the end, Varsity Coach Samuel Jacobs picked Vanacore.
“I think I can extend plays, get myself out of the pocket, and keep my eyes down the field. Just my size as well, being able to be used in many different ways,” said Vanacore.
The choice was tough, considering both have never played at the varsity level.
Jacobs said, “Experience-wise, they are both in the same boat, because neither one of them have had any varsity reps. At the end of the day, as a team, we try to put the best one forward.”
The team is very content with their pick.
Varsity Co-captain Mack Kump said, “He [Moga] brought a lot of energy…. but… We have a different energy with Royce.”
Although Vanacore cemented his spot less than a month ago, he’s fitting right in with the veteran players.
“The dynamic is actually really good, I’ve been really pleased with the attitude and comradery that they’ve [the team] had together,” said Jacobs.
With Vanacore as quarterback, there is optimism in his new style of play.
“Last year was a lot of Moga running the ball but this year we’re gonna get the ball in the receiver’s hands,” said Kump.
Moga was known, especially with his times in the 100m dash during track season, to be a ‘running quarterback.’
Vanacore offers different options for the Vikings now.
On August 30th, Vanacore started his first game against Cactus High School.
Although the team walked home with a 14-52 loss, this should be taken lightly, considering last year, the team also lost 32-41.
At this pace, Vanacore is setting himself up for success in his upperclassmen years.
Spectator Noa Kump said, “Royce seemed like he played really well. It seemed like he had a lot of good throws and brought the other players to the end zone as much as he could.”
When asked about his fellow students’ concerns about having an underclassman as the varsity quarterback and how he would respond to the backlash, Vanacore only had one thing to say: “Friday Nights at 7 PM.”
Clearly, Vanacore is moving the Sunnyslope football team in a strong direction and can only go up from here.