By Isabella Romero
Elijah Goree has been playing on Eldorado High School’s varsity football team as a running back since his freshman year.
He started playing football when he was 5-years-old, which makes this year the 11th year he has been playing.
“[Goree] is competitive, likeable,and jubilant,” said Lutz.
Goree credits football with helping his personal growth and development in becoming the physically strong, and mentally tough person he is today.
“I used to be the bad kid … It just taught me how to be a better person,” said Goree.
This personal growth has been a journey he has gone through with many influential coaches which includes Coach Trevor Levandowski, Coach David Baca, Coach Mike Lutz, and Coach Greg Hennington.
“They have all been a part of my life since I was younger. When I was going through rough times, they would always be there and help me. They are part of the reason football has helped shape me too,” said Goree.
Although there are days when Goree does not feel motivated, he says he keeps himself going by realizing that he is doing this for a reason.
Goree feels that what separates him from the other player on the team is that he often stays after practice to get in extra practice on the things he is struggling with.
“My biggest weakness right now is fumbling and blocks. I am working on this by staying after practice and getting in extra blocks or getting in extra throws with the quarterback, and I think that is what makes me different from other players of the team,” says Goree.
What really makes football worth it for Goree is playing in the games. For Goree, the games are very self-motivating, especially when he gets a touchdown or does something to help the team.
“When you are playing, it’s just like tunnel vision...You have to realize you are playing for something bigger,” said Gore.
That “something bigger” Goree is playing for is his his grandma, Yolanda Goree. After her passing, Goree decided he was going to play football for her.
“Before she died she told me to play football, so I just did it,” said Goree.
Goree and the Eagles finished the regular season with a 31-17 victory over Sandia on Thursday. Eldorado will find out its playoff fate Saturday night when seedings are released.
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