Liberty’s Sam Evans is having an outstanding begin to his senior soccer season. The extensive receiver has 19 receptions for 380 yards and 6 touchdowns by 4 video games, proving to be an integral a part of the Lions’ 3-1 begin to the season.
Evans, whose Lions are additionally 2-0 in Carroll County play and can host Winters Mill at 6:30 p.m. Friday, not too long ago spoke to the Carroll County Times about his season and the group of seniors hoping to guide Liberty to a playoff run.
(Editor’s be aware: Questions and solutions have been edited for readability):
Q: You guys have been placing up some massive numbers, getting some massive wins. What’s been driving the success?
A: Coming off two tough seasons the previous two years, we had a variety of sophomores on varsity two years in the past, so we’ve that complete group that are actually seniors. We knew Walkersville was going to be a giant sport to start out. We have been getting ready for that each one summer time. We got here out in opposition to Walkersville and bought a giant win, 34-14 — that was a giant win. But then we had Boys’ Latin and fell, 21-20. That was fairly tough. I feel we bought too excessive after a giant win over Walkersville, however that undoubtedly humbled us. These final two weeks, practices have been a lot better, all of the seniors are collectively main the youthful guys. We’ve had two nice workforce wins.
Through three weeks you have been main the county in receiving. Is that one thing you have been anticipating or knew you have been able to?
I by no means actually like to concentrate to statistical data that a lot; they get in your head so much. But I do have excessive expectations for myself. But on the finish of the day, I’d a lot quite win video games, be high of the county and never be the main receiver, than be the main receiver and never lead the county. The particular person stuff is nice, however the workforce stuff undoubtedly comes first in my thoughts.
You and quarterback Jack Pellicciotti appear to have a great connection collectively. How has that developed?
We’ve been buddies perpetually, going again earlier than we even performed soccer. All summer time we’ve been working. We went to camps collectively, school camps collectively. We even went on a couple of school visits collectively. But it’s not simply me, all of the receivers, we’re one tight-knit group at all times working collectively. We’re all actually shut.
So that even goes again to the yard soccer days after college?
For positive, it goes approach again to taking part in rec soccer and journey soccer earlier than we even performed soccer in elementary college. Even cookouts within the yard doing all the things.
How essential is it to have that connection the place you understand what one another’s going to do?
We every know one another’s tendencies. When a play breaks aside, we all know one another’s tendencies. He is aware of my velocity, the place I can catch a ball; I do know his arm expertise, his arm power.
You mentioned this senior class has been taking part in varsity collectively since sophomore 12 months and has been collectively approach earlier than that. Has this at all times been the 12 months you’ve pointed to?
We thought final 12 months was actually going to be the 12 months. We had our senior operating again final 12 months, Tommy Nelson. He was extraordinarily proficient and we thought that was going to be the 12 months. It didn’t end up that approach. But after final season, that motivated us so much. Over the summer time, we’re trying and saying, “Wow, all these guys are getting much stronger.” Then we thought, “This could be the year. We can make something happen.” We haven’t finished it but, however we’ve that functionality.
Do you play another sports activities in addition to soccer?
In the previous, I performed baseball, however this previous 12 months as a substitute of baseball I ran observe within the spring. And I additionally play basketball.
How a lot does observe make it easier to?
I undoubtedly suppose it helped me, simply with explosiveness and the ability in my legs. It helped my operating type. Running routes, I really feel stronger in my hips and my hamstrings.
So who’s your Super Bowl choose this 12 months?
I wish to say my Ravens, however I bought a sleeper workforce: the Dolphins. I feel they will pull one thing off.
You actually suppose Tua [Tagovailoa] can do it?
Without [Jaylen] Waddle and Tyreek [Hill], I don’t suppose he might, however with them two, as lengthy they keep wholesome, they will do it.
So out of the complete Liberty soccer roster, who would win a Madden online game event?
Luke Collins is a giant online game man, so both Luke Collins or Bryan McLauglin, one in all our seniors.
Who in your workforce you suppose will make the very best coach sooner or later?
Definitely Jack. Jack, simply seeing him coach our backup quarterback now, he’s good with instructing mechanics. I feel he’ll be a great coach sooner or later.
You mentioned you had these cookouts, if there’s a giant workforce cookout, who do you not need wherever close to the grill?
Ethan Crosby, simple.
What tune will get the workforce fired up? What are you listening to within the locker room earlier than taking the sphere?
Probably “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill. That’s a well-liked one. Then “In the Air Tonight,” by Phil Collins is an efficient one. And typically Luke Collins shall be getting chants prepared. He’ll get us hyped with none music.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com