By Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporter 

With the 2024 football season halfway completed, sophomore Elijah Fernandez is looking to help the team to a strong finish. 

Fernandez is the starting left guard and he works as hard as he can for the team’s success.

“He’s constantly pushing himself, whether it’s in film sessions, lifting, or on the field, he’s always asking questions to get better,” Offensive Line Coach Andrew Paulus said. “Despite being only a sophomore, he’s already incredibly talented and committed to refining the little things.”

Coaches said that Fernandez is a trendsetter – when he works hard, everyone else does. 

“Eli is a weight room freak who takes lifting very seriously and it shows up on every Friday night,” Offensive Coordinator Ryan Pearson said. “Eli is our tone setter and when we know we need a statement run or need to set the tone for the game we run it to him.”

While Fernandez is only a sophomore, he is a role model for the rest of the line.

“Eli has helped me tremendously since me being a freshman on varsity is difficult,” freshman Ryan Woods said. “He has helped with the plays and gets me through practices and games.”

This past offseason, Fernandez worked very hard to be the best he could be for the 2024 season. 

“Last offseason, I lifted every day for two hours, having the weight room open after school really helped me,” Fernandez said. “My mom would make protein packed meals including all the nutrients I needed to grow bigger and more powerful for the season.”

Teammates said that Fernandez is always reliable and rarely makes mistakes. 

“Playing right beside him is a privilege because he knows what he’s doing and I never have to question him on anything,” Junior Jack Lefevre said. “Eli teaches them to be smart and just use your head. Playing offensive line is not difficult unless you make it.”

Sophomore Matt Witteman said he has complete faith in Fernandez on game night.

“Eli and I have a great connection because we have played on the same team since Milford Eagles,” sophomore Matthew Witteman said. “I trust and feel comfortable with him protecting me on Friday nights.”

Fernandez’s goal is to makes everyone’s life easier, coaches and teammates.

“As a new coach, fresh out of college football, I had my own doubts about making an impact, but players like Eli have put me at ease,” Paulus said. “His dedication and respect for the game make my job easier, and I’m genuinely grateful to be able to coach him.”