By Elizabeth Contreras
VYPE: What grade are you in and when did you start playing football?
Bennett Orr: I will be a junior, and I started playing tackle football in 2nd grade. I am a middle linebacker.
VYPE: Who has made the biggest impact on your journey?
BO: My dad has had the biggest impact because he’s been an incredible role model on and off the field.
VYPE: What makes your school a special place to play football?
BO: CHA is special because of its size. You get to know everyone better than you would at a large school, and people just care more.
VYPE: Do you have any pre-game rituals or ways you get in the zone before kickoff?
BO: Before the game, I like to be the first one in the locker room. I put my headphones on and sit in silence until we go out to warm up.
VYPE: How have you improved the most as a player over the years?
BO: As I’ve grown in size, speed, and strength, I’ve also grown in understanding. There’s more to football than just athleticism. My play recognition and on-field decision-making skills have improved greatly.
VYPE: What are your plans after graduation?
BO: After I graduate high school, my plan is to play collegiate football. If that’s not the path the Lord has for me, I would like to be an environmental engineer.
VYPE: What’s one lesson football has taught you that you’ll carry for the rest of your life?
BO: It has taught me to be tough. Football isn’t easy, but neither is life. Coach Franks teaches me and all my teammates every day to be stronger men.
VYPE: What’s something that the scoreboard will never show?
BO: Something the scoreboard will never be able to show is the brotherly bond that me and my teammates have. Our friendship doesn’t just stop on the field or in the locker room but carries outside and into our day-to-day lives.VYPE: How has your mindset or approach to football evolved since your first season?
BO: I’m much more committed to the team now. When I was younger, I cared more about my own stats or individual success. Now, I care much more deeply about the team
