Touchdown Talks Week 1: Farmington Farmers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome to Week 1 of “Touchdown Talks,” where we dive into the world of high school football to spotlight standout players and the journeys they've been on. In this first episode, we turn our attention to the Farmington Farmers, a team in Central IL known for talent and competetive spirit on the field. Join me as I speak with Coach Vallas to discuss a couple dynamic players who are making waves this season. Get ready to meet the faces behind the jerseys and see what will help define the Farmington Football team this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the players we will be discussing this week are [player_tooltip player_id='1233837' first='Lane' last='Wheelwright'] and Caden Mowen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1231742,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1233837' first='Lane' last='Wheelwright']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Farmington","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Watching Film on [player_tooltip player_id='1233837' first='Lane' last='Wheelwright'] he is a QB who is a dangerous dual threat QB. Lane had a total of 2300 yards and 34 TDS this past season. With quickness and great footwork he keeps defenses guessing and scrambling to contain him. It's not just his legs that make him a nightmare its his deep ball that his receivers catch while in stride, turning a routine pass into an explosive play. Watch out for Lane this year taking the field with more experience under his belt ready to light up Friday nights.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fda336ab1c8"} /--> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1233837' first='Lane' last='Wheelwright'] is an outstanding Athlete. Recently at a baseball combine he threw 87 MPH Vertical of 38'' and ran a 4'6 40. His best football is yet to come. Has an extremely competitive spirit with a killer work ethic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Coach Vallas</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1231743,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Caden Mowen","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"300","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Farmington","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Caden is a force to be reckoned with. Standing at 6'4 and weighing 300+ he has a presence in the trenches. Its not just his size but its his exceptional run blocking skills that truly shine. Caden has a knack for moving DL out the way, creating lanes for his backs to burst through. Caden is dominant on the line of scrimmage. Expect an even bigger year from him than last year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fdb50061648"} /--> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caden is a 6'4 300 lb IOL. He played all last season injured. He is resting and recovering this offseason. He played last season at guard but will move to center this season. I expect Caden to continue to dominate on the OL/DL. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Coach Vallas</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coaches Insight</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>What specefic qualities or attributes do these players collectively bring to the team that contribute to its success on the field?</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Coach Vallas believes that both Lane and Caden bring invaluable qualities to the team. Lane's late game heroics and infectious belief in winning inspire confidence in the team, while Cadens dominance on the OL and versatility contribute significantly to the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>In your opinion, which of these players have the potential to stand out at the next level and why?</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The potential is seen in both Lane and Caden to excel. Lanes determination and dedication to becoming a QB, despite the baseball opportunities, set him apart as a dedicated athlete. Caden's ability to play through an injury and maintain dominance reflect his resilience and commitment to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>How do these players' playing styles or positions reflect the values and strategies of your team's football program?</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Lane and Cade embody the values of the football program. Their unselfishness, dedication and work ethic influencing their teammates positively. Their playing styles and positions contribute significantly to the teams success and align with strategies of the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>What are your expectations for these players collectively in the upcoming season, and how do you see them evolving and growing as players and leaders?</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Vallas expects Lane to continue improving as a passer and explosive playmaker, while also stepping into the role of senior leadership. He also anticipates Caden's continued dominance on the OL and DL, showcasing his leadership and versatility in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Vallas's insight provides a glimpse into the dynamic talent and dedication within the Farmington Farmers. As Lane continues to hone his skills as a versatile playmaker and Caden transitions to a new position, the team is poised for an exciting season ahead! Their contributions both on and off the field, reflect the values and strategies of the football program, setting a standard of excellence for their teammates. With Coach Vallas's leadership and the effort of the team a stage has been set for a season of growth and success! Check out Lane and Caden's highlight tapes below!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to keep an eye out for are</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan Utt RB/LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carter Lambin TE/LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jerrett Fauser WR/DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18074316/656a000eb536290bf0b45534' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fdb72bd6f76"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16562801/6553cb3f0660d304081e4172' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fdb72bd6f99"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to tune in next week as we dive into Rowva/Williamsfield and uncover more stories of passion perseverance and potential!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->