A sophomore sensation leads the RedHawks into 2020

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by Ben Wengerd

Sophomore Duncan Green lines up before the snap in a Week 3 matchup with Elkhart Memorial on Friday, September 6th, 2019 at Foreman Field (Branden Beachy / GCS Sports Photographer).

Football flows through Elkhart County’s veins just as much as basketball. Friday nights in the fall see thousands of people flock to their local high school fields to watch talented young athletes compete in America’s game. Our area is home to many great athletes who will find successful careers, and Goshen is home to a budding star.

Sophomore Duncan Green was recently recognized by the Associated Press as an honorable mention on their 5A All-State football team. 

This honor would be impressive for any player, but for Green it is made even more impressive when it’s taken into account that he has only played football for two seasons. The sophomore defensive end starting playing football as a freshman, and due to a lack of depth at his position he was thrust into the varsity spotlight early.

“It was really surprising,” said Green. “After my first year, I thought I would just play for fun. I did not expect to be making such great strides in such a short amount of time.”

Football is an emotional game, and Green plays it with passion. However, trying to get locked in for a game can be a struggle for some and each player has their own ways to focus. If a player isn’t locked in and focused on his job, it can completely derail the entire team.

“Before a game, I have to think about myself on the field,” said Green. “I visualize myself making the big play. I tell myself that I can do it, and I just hang out in the locker room with my teammates.”

Visualizing himself playing at a high level is only half the mental battle. Green is also trying to be like one of the great football players of our generation, Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears.

“He’s such a great player,” said Green. “His ability and talent on the field are both crazy. He’s very team-oriented which is something I really respect and want to copy.”

Green has taken playing on varsity, against people who are two or even three years older than him, in stride. The tenth grader broke out in his first varsity season, and looks to continue to improve in the coming years as he continues to practice and work away.

“It feels great,” said Green. “I wouldn’t have imagined in a million years that this is something that I could do. The hard work is paying off. It just feels really good.”

Green will be in action for the GHS Track and Field team this spring before turning his focus back to football in the summer. Green will kick off his anticipated junior season with the RedHawks in August 2020. He’ll continue to try and make strides to improve himself and improve his team.

Author

lshetler

GHS English Teacher

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