By Henry Smith – Sports Editor

Senior captain Matthew Witteman is entering his final season as the starting quarterback for the Jonathan Law football team. 

Witteman leads the team with energy and support, helping younger players while pushing teammates to do their best. 

“Matt is a natural leader and has been a leader before he may have even realized it himself,” Head Coach Ryan Pearson said. “You really saw him take full charge as a leader last season and develop into a great leader of this program, Matthew is a great leader on the field and also a great leader off the field, whether it’s in the hallways during school, in the gym, or anywhere in the community.”

Junior Dylan Gaillard said that Witteman’s energy helps fuel the team.

“Matt is a great leader,” Gaillard said. “He pushes everyone on the team and tries to get their best. He is very vocal and very supportive to the team.”

Witteman has developed on and off the field over the past three seasons.

“What has impressed me the most about his development is the way Matt sees the game,” Pearson said. “Matt has grown tremendously on seeing what the defense is doing and knowing where to go with the ball fast. Matt is an extension of a coach on the field for me. When I call offensive plays, Matt has the understanding on why the play is called and what we are trying to accomplish with the play call.”

Pearson said that Witteman’s biggest strength is his versatility.

“If I had to describe Matthew as a quarterback there are many ways I would describe him: gamer, electric, confident,” Pearson said. “Matthew has a great arm and is also a threat running the ball which makes it very difficult for defenses to defend because you have to pick your poison when it comes to trying to defend him.”

Witteman is excited for the season to start and is ready to show all the work he put in throughout the offseason.

“Im excited and ready to get started,” Witteman said, “I’ve been working been working hard in the offseason and I’m looking forward to having a great season.”

Witteman’s ability to involve his teammates is one of his greatest strengths as quarterback.

“He is a good quarterback because he gets the whole team involved in each play,” senior Hunter Kendzierski said. “He is good at reading the blocks and making the right decisions for the offense to become successful.”

Witteman’s leadership extends beyond the field, as he makes an effort to support his teammates and keep the team connected.

“Matt is a very good teammate, he always helps the younger dudes on the team and makes sure they know what they are doing,” junior Connor Ryan said. “He always jokes around during practice and makes practice a good time.”

As he enters the season, Witteman has his sights set on making a deep postseason run.

“Our goal is to make the postseason and compete for a championship,” Witteman said. “We want to work together and give our best every game.”