2021 CTA Week 0 Football Player of the Week: Liam Tracey (North Hills)

North Hills football player Liam Tracey takes a selfie of himself on the 50-yard line at Martorelli Stadium.

SOURCE: (Instagram, Shotsbysanjit )

STUD ALERT: Liam Tracey played really well in the first game of the 2021 WPIAL & PIAA football season as his North Hills Indians defeated the Mars Fighting Planets 37-0 in Week 0. Tracey, a senior, rushed for two touchdowns while tallying 138 rushing yards on 11 carries. Tracey's 76-yard touchdown run on the Indians opening drive helped the team gain momentum and confidence, and Mars did not find the answer to stop them as they game progressed.

Questions & Answers:

After scoring that 76-yard rushing touchdown on your team's opening drive, do you feel that helped give you and your team momentum as the game went on?

Liam Tracey: Yes, I think it was a big play. After that play, I think all of the nerves were gone and as a team, we played are style of football. It set the tone for the rest of the game.

You rushed for 138 yards and you even rushed for two touchdowns against Mars. With the big game that you just had, do you feel that you have a chance to rush for over 1,000 yards during the regular season?

LT: Most definitely, I think my team is just scratching the surface of what we are capable of. Our line/receivers are very good blockers. If we continue to play to our potential and stay healthy, I should have no problem reaching over 1,000 yards.

Your North Hills team finished 3-4 last season which resulted in your team not making the playoffs. After starting off the 2021 campaign hot, what do you think is the difference between this season's team and last year's team?

LT: Last year, I think COVID-19 really messed our season up as we had to miss some practices and fans in the stands. This season, we were able to practice all summer, and we are returning a lot of starters with 2-3 years of varsity experience.

On Friday will be the first time in almost two years that Martorelli Stadium will be filled with fans due to the fact that COVID-19 limited the capacity to a lot of football stadiums in 2020. How excited are you to see fans back in your home stadium?

LT: I’m the most hyped I’ve been in awhile. Martorelli is the best stadium in the WPIAL, and when the stadium is full, there is no other feeling like it.

What do you think you and your team have to do to beat Plum on Friday?

LT: Attention to detail, I think we can play with anyone. We just have to do the little things, and everything else will take care of itself.

What's it like playing for head coach Pat Carey?

LT: It’s great, he has instilled a team-first attitude into all of us, and I think that’s why we had so much success on Friday.

Ok, if you had the first overall pick in your Fantasy football league, who are you selecting?

LT: Christian McCaffery or Alvin Kamara, they both always put up good numbers in fantasy.

Where is your go-to place to get food?

LT: Applebees it’s always good and convenient.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

LT: I love to listen to Frank Sinatra.

Brentaro Yamane: bkyamane@gmail.com and Twitter/Instagram @BYHilton13