Blanchard High School junior Alex Price’s football career began when she was in the seventh grade.
“I just wanted to play. We didn’t have a kicker, and I knew I was decently good at kicking because of soccer,” Price said. “Summer going into seventh grade, I would ride my bike to the field with a ball and a tee and kick until I got tired.”
Price was flat-out determined to overcome all of the obstacles between her and football success. She joined the team.
“In middle school, it was difficult figuring out where I was supposed to change in the different locker rooms we went to for games. Just fitting in was difficult because coaches and players were really genuine about what they said around me,” Price said. “I had to earn the respect. At first, I think everyone thought it was a joke or that I wouldn’t stick to it. But now, everyone in the town supports me and are always talking to me about football.”
It paid off, clearly, as the Lions (12-1) look to capture their first state championship since 2012 at Chad Richison Stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday night, where they’ll play defending 4A champion Wagoner.
“It’s been fun going this far, especially since we haven’t in a long while. I have learned that we have to stay humble and let the way we play show how good we are,” Price said.
Football has taught Price about being a team player.
“Even though I don’t do that much at practice, I still have to be committed to the team because when it comes down to it, it’s gonna be on me,” Price said.
Price, who is nursing a quadricep injury, won’t be active for the title game, but she’ll be cheering on her fellow Lions from the sideline.
“It’s been really tough. From the first day of knowing I have to have surgery to now. It’s going to be a long recovery, but I have to still be patient and do things right to come back better,” Price said.
Price still plays soccer, and basketball, too. In fact, she might be the only girls basketball player in the state that will be late joining her team because of football.
“The coaches do a great job working with me and each other where I can still practice basketball to learn plays for the season,” Price said.
Soccer remains Price’s first love. She started playing at 3 years old. Though Blanchard doesn’t field a varsity soccer team, she’s able to get her kicks playing club soccer.
“It’s a very physical sport. And I always played with my sisters, It involved kicking, running and being outside,” Price said. “I would love to play in college, especially if I get a good scholarship.”
